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Summer Reading Challenge

 Summer Reading Challenge image of plants and books with words "Plant a Seed, Read."

Join us in Summer 2026 for our next Summer Reading Challenge - starting Tuesday, June 9.

Public Library has Summer Reading Challenges to encourage readers and listeners of all ages – children, teens and adults – to enjoy reading throughout the summer. Earn rewards and chances at prizes by signing up and tracking the time you spend reading or listening to books!

The Salem Public Library also offers a listening club for pre-readers and their parents to encourage the continued development of early literacy skills that babies, toddlers and preschoolers need in order to become readers. Reading is the most important skill needed for all other lifelong learning.

ReadSquared

  Download the ReadSquared app at the Apple Store or Google Play.

 Getting Started with the Summer Reading Challenge

Visit ReadSquared to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. The library has moved to a new online platform. Everyone will need to create a new account.
  1. Beginning June 9, track and report reading or listening time, earn badges, and enter prize drawings online. 
  2. Visit Salem Public Library beginning June 30 to pick up summer reading rewards you have earned.
  3. (Optional) Print out a paper tracker - Coming in June

 
 

How It Works

Pre-readers (Babies – Preschool)

  • Complete 10 hours of reading or listening to stories together to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and earn a free tote bag.
  • Bonus challenge: Complete 10 early literacy activities (or 10 additional reading sessions) to earn a free prize book.

Kids (Grades K–5) and Teens (Grades 6-12)

  • Read or listen to stories for 10 hours to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and earn a free tote bag and 10 prize drawing tickets for chances to win larger prizes at the end of summer.
  • Bonus challenge: Read or listen for 10 additional hours to earn a free prize book and 10 more prize drawing tickets.
  • Continue reading additional hours and/or complete activities to earn additional prize tickets until the prize drawing closes on Thursday, August 13.

Adults

  • Read or listen for 10 hours to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and earn a free book tote and 10 prize drawing tickets for chances to win gift cards to local stores.
  • Continue reading additional hours and/or complete activities to earn additional prize tickets until the prize drawing closes on Thursday, August 13.

PLAY PLINKO! from June 9-July 3

  • Readers of all ages, after logging their first 60 minutes of reading or listening on ReadSquared, earn a special badge to play a turn on our giant Plinko board and choose a fun prize!
  • The Plinko Board will be available from June 9-July 3 in the Children's Corner on Floor 2 of the library.

Thank you to our Summer Reading Challenge sponsors:

  • Friends of the Salem Public Library
  • Salem Public Library Foundation
  • Ready to Read Grant program administered by the State Library of Oregon
  • Salem Community Members