Grand Island Public Library Launching 2026 Summer Reading Challenge

Grand Island, Neb. — Readers of all ages are invited to take part in the Grand Island Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge beginning Sunday, May 31.

Participants can register now at https://gilibrary.beanstack.com. Participation is free and no library card is required. The challenge runs through Saturday, August 8 and encourages community members to track their reading minutes while earning rewards and entries into prize drawings. Separate challenges are available for children, teens and adults. Reading minutes from books, audiobooks and read-aloud sessions also all count toward the challenge.

Last year, participants collectively logged more than 1.19 million reading minutes, and this year, the library has set a community goal of 1.5 million minutes. Children ages 11 and younger who register for the Kids’ Summer Reading Challenge before midnight on May 31 will also be entered into a special drawing for one of 12 handmade crocheted triceratops created by a library staff member. Winners will be drawn June 1.

Throughout the summer, children can earn rewards including free books, a Nebraska State Fair children’s pass and an invitation to the library’s exclusive summer reading pool party at Lincoln Pool in August. Participants can also earn prize drawing entries based on reading milestones. Prize drawings throughout the summer will feature items including Grand Island Fightin’ Cranes tickets, scooters, Super Soakers, STEM kits and more.

Paper reading logs will also be available at the library for children who prefer to track reading minutes offline. Teen participants can earn rewards including a free book, a complimentary Makerspace project coupon and entries into additional prize drawings. Adult participants can also earn drawing entries throughout the challenge. Teen and adult prize drawings will take place August 14, and winners will be contacted directly by phone.

The Summer Reading Challenge is made possible through the support of the Grand Island Public Library Foundation. For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and additional summer programming, visit www.gilibrary.org or call (308) 385-5333.