Summer is the perfect time to curl up with a good book — and there’s no shortage of ways to make it fun and rewarding. Local libraries across the area are kicking off their summer reading programs, and national programs sweeten the deal with free books, pizza, T-shirts, and more. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a total bookworm, there’s something here for every age and reading level.
BARNES & NOBLE: Barnes & Noble’s annual Summer Reading Program invites children in grades 1 through 6 to earn a free book by reading eight books of their choice. Participants record their reading in a downloadable journal, noting their favorite part of each book. Once completed, the journal can be brought to any Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2026, to select a free book from a curated list. The closest store to our area is in Gilroy.
FOR MORE INFO: barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading-free-book-giveaway
BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ: Children in K–12th grade are challenged to read six books — at least three from the store’s recommended reading list. Complete the challenge and kids can earn excellent rewards, including a $5 Bookshop gift card, a $10 MyBoardwalk Card from The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a free scoop from the Penny Ice Creamery, a free slice from Pizza My Heart, and a special prize from the Santa Cruz Warriors.
FOR MORE INFO: bookshopsantacruz.com/summer-reading-program
MENSA FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE IN READING: The Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Reading Program is open to all readers under 18 — no Mensa membership or testing required. Kids choose a reading list matched to their grade level, curated by librarians and drawn from classic and quality literature, then read every book on the list and track their progress by hand on a printed form. Once complete, both the child and an adult sign and mail the form to the Mensa Foundation. Readers who finish earn a commemorative certificate and a free Excellence in Reading T-shirt. The program is year-round with no deadline, so kids can start and finish at their own pace.
FOR MORE INFO: mensaforkids.org/achieve/excellence-in-reading
PIZZA HUT’S BOOK IT! SUMMER OF STORIES: Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer of Stories program for children in pre-K through sixth grade runs June 1 through August 31. Parents set monthly reading goals for their children through the free BOOK IT! mobile app. When children meet their goals each month, they earn a digital certificate for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from participating locations — up to one pizza per child per month.
FOR MORE INFO: bookitprogram.com
SCHOLASTIC SUMMER READING: Scholastic’s Summer Reading challenge runs April 26 through September 3, and offers a free, digital “Read-a-Palooza” program on Scholastic Home Base where kids can track reading streaks, earn rewards, and help unlock 100,000 book donations for peers. Home Base is safe and fully moderated 24/7. No subscriptions, downloads, or purchases required.
FOR MORE INFO: scholastic.com/summer
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