Summer Reading Programs
JohMany public libraries across Southern Illinois are expected to offer free summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults in 2026. Most Illinois libraries are using the statewide iREAD theme "Plant a Seed, Read," which includes reading challenges, prizes, story times, crafts, and family events throughout the summer.
Here are a few Southern Illinois libraries to check for local summer reading activities:
Anna-Stinson Memorial Public Library
Kick off on May 29th-( see flyer below)
Registration https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNKHUhQoRavU4uo-OPnisyj8-xc-npBdV91UAxNtHK-RGmAg/viewform
Benton- Benton Public Library
Programs every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm
June 9th- July 28th
Carbondale- Carbondale Public Library
Summer Reading preparations are well underway!
Get ready for a summer full of reading challenges and fun programs for ALL AGES beginning June 15th!
Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook or visit our website to see all the exciting things we have planned!
Note: you do NOT need to be a Carbondale Library card holder in order to participate in Summer Reading challenges and programs! All are welcome
Carterville- Anne West Lindsey District Library
We are so excited to kick off Summer Reading with an all ages party on June 1st, 4:30-6:30 PM!
We're going to have lots of games, artistic activities, yummy refreshments, and a drawing for a prize basket full of items fitting the summer reading theme! Everyone that comes will get an entry into the drawing, but you can earn more entries by playing games and participating in activities!
We will also have free books, a photo op area, and more fun surprises in store!
DuQuoin- DuQuoin Public Library
The Summer Reading Program at the Du Quoin Public Library is an annual event designed to encourage everyone in the community, from toddlers to adults, to read and engage in fun activities throughout the summer. Each year features a unique theme, providing new adventures and exciting opportunities to earn prizes and participate in special events!
https://duquoinlibrary.org/summer-reading-program/
Harrisburg-Harrisburg District Library
Summer Reading is designed to help kids keep reading throughout the summer and then they are ready to go back to school in the fall. This year, our theme is “Library Rewind.” We’re going for all things throwback, nostalgia, and analog hobbies — especially reading! A full 8 weeks of reading, programs, and super awesome throwback events!
But Summer Reading isn’t just for kids anymore! We have reading challenges for ages 0-100. There is a challenge for ages 0-3, 4-12, 12-18, and 18+. Stop by the library to get your age-specific challenge anytime after June 8.
Summer Reading kicks off with a party on the library lawn on Monday, June 8th between 5:00 & 7:00 PM. Community sponsors will joining us for an evening of games, snacks, and fun. This is the time to pick up your SRP challenges.
This year we will be ending a little differently — there will be 3 separate finale parties. The Adult SRP Finale Party will be on Monday, July 27th at 5:30 PM. The Family SRP Finale Party will be on Tuesday, July 28th at 5:00 PM. And the Teen SRP Finale Party will be on Friday, July 30th at 5:00 PM.
Herrin- Herrin City Library
*Events Are Free & Open to the Public*All events are located at the Herrin City Library, EXCEPT Pirate Playdate is located at Benton Public Library, 502 S Main St, Benton, IL 62812.
Johnston City- Johnston City Public LibraryJohnson City Public Library
May 8 at 3:13 PM
·
🦖Pre-registration is officially OPEN for our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story! 🌋
From June 1–July 31, we’re unleashing a prehistoric adventure packed with exciting events, activities, and prizes for all ages. 🦴☄️
🦕 Pre-register for Summer Reading: https://bit.ly/4ezMvUP
Marion- Marion Carnegie Library
Murphysboro- Sallie Logan Public Library
Every week we’ll have stories and activities!
Every Wednesday from June 3rd through July 29th, meet us at Carl Lee Park next to the library at 10:30am.
Here are a few Southern Illinois libraries to check for local summer reading activities:
Anna-Stinson Memorial Public Library
Kick off on May 29th-( see flyer below)
Registration https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNKHUhQoRavU4uo-OPnisyj8-xc-npBdV91UAxNtHK-RGmAg/viewform
Benton- Benton Public Library
Programs every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm
June 9th- July 28th
Carbondale- Carbondale Public Library
Summer Reading preparations are well underway!
Get ready for a summer full of reading challenges and fun programs for ALL AGES beginning June 15th!
Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook or visit our website to see all the exciting things we have planned!
Note: you do NOT need to be a Carbondale Library card holder in order to participate in Summer Reading challenges and programs! All are welcome
Carterville- Anne West Lindsey District Library
We are so excited to kick off Summer Reading with an all ages party on June 1st, 4:30-6:30 PM!
We're going to have lots of games, artistic activities, yummy refreshments, and a drawing for a prize basket full of items fitting the summer reading theme! Everyone that comes will get an entry into the drawing, but you can earn more entries by playing games and participating in activities!
We will also have free books, a photo op area, and more fun surprises in store!
DuQuoin- DuQuoin Public Library
The Summer Reading Program at the Du Quoin Public Library is an annual event designed to encourage everyone in the community, from toddlers to adults, to read and engage in fun activities throughout the summer. Each year features a unique theme, providing new adventures and exciting opportunities to earn prizes and participate in special events!
https://duquoinlibrary.org/summer-reading-program/
Harrisburg-Harrisburg District Library
Summer Reading is designed to help kids keep reading throughout the summer and then they are ready to go back to school in the fall. This year, our theme is “Library Rewind.” We’re going for all things throwback, nostalgia, and analog hobbies — especially reading! A full 8 weeks of reading, programs, and super awesome throwback events!
But Summer Reading isn’t just for kids anymore! We have reading challenges for ages 0-100. There is a challenge for ages 0-3, 4-12, 12-18, and 18+. Stop by the library to get your age-specific challenge anytime after June 8.
Summer Reading kicks off with a party on the library lawn on Monday, June 8th between 5:00 & 7:00 PM. Community sponsors will joining us for an evening of games, snacks, and fun. This is the time to pick up your SRP challenges.
This year we will be ending a little differently — there will be 3 separate finale parties. The Adult SRP Finale Party will be on Monday, July 27th at 5:30 PM. The Family SRP Finale Party will be on Tuesday, July 28th at 5:00 PM. And the Teen SRP Finale Party will be on Friday, July 30th at 5:00 PM.
Herrin- Herrin City Library
*Events Are Free & Open to the Public*All events are located at the Herrin City Library, EXCEPT Pirate Playdate is located at Benton Public Library, 502 S Main St, Benton, IL 62812.
Johnston City- Johnston City Public LibraryJohnson City Public Library
May 8 at 3:13 PM
·
🦖Pre-registration is officially OPEN for our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story! 🌋
From June 1–July 31, we’re unleashing a prehistoric adventure packed with exciting events, activities, and prizes for all ages. 🦴☄️
🦕 Pre-register for Summer Reading: https://bit.ly/4ezMvUP
Marion- Marion Carnegie Library
Murphysboro- Sallie Logan Public Library
Every week we’ll have stories and activities!
Every Wednesday from June 3rd through July 29th, meet us at Carl Lee Park next to the library at 10:30am.
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Murphysboro
West Frankfort Public Library
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