2026 Summer Reading Challenge
Make the Library - and reading - part of your summer June 1 through August 1! Our theme this year, Unearth a Story™, underscores the joy of discovery. Check out the recommended reads below and spark your family's curiosity, imagination, and learning.
Read 20 Minutes Per Day, Get Free Books
Read for at least 20 minutes every day this summer and track it on your Summer Reading Prize Tracker game board. After you log 20 days of reading, return for your free prize book!
Remember to return all completed trackers to your local library by August 1, 2026.
Note: Prize books were made possible by donations to Tenikka's Books for Kids (annual book drive) and the Library Foundation of Jacksonville. Since it launched in 2018, Tenikka's Books for Kids has put over 40,000 books in the hands of local children.
Reading Recommendations
Throughout the summer, you'll find great, themed books on display and hear amazing stories at storytimes and other library programs (for all ages)!
Unearth Extra Prizes
Each week, collect new Reading Dragons & Friends playing cards by showing us your in-progress Summer Reading Prize Tracker. Supplies are limited. So, visit often.
Read every day this summer (through Aug. 1) and earn up to:
- Three more books for your home library
- Eight more Reading Dragons card sets (32 cards)
Read our blog to learn how to collect and play Reading Dragons.
BONUS: The Jacksonville Waves are offering one complimentary ticket with the purchase of at least one additional ticket for students participating in the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge. Up your summer reading game this June and July and watch the new women’s professional basketball team this season at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena now through September!
For more info, read our FAQ or call the Jacksonville Waves Front Office at (904) 602-7825.
Need More Book Recommendations?
Throughout the summer, you'll find more themed books on display (or on the blog). It's all to encourage kids to read, learn and use their Library now and into the next school year!
If you don't find something that sparks your interest, you can also:
- Request a free Personalized Booklist from our "Book Finder" team
- Sign up for The Book Hook Up to see the hottest new titles via email
- Find read-alikes and curated lists using NoveList K-8 Plus
Don't be afraid to ask your local librarian for suggestions!
Adult readers are encouraged to join Jax Stacks, our year-round reading challenge for adults.
