Summer reading programs can help to keep kids learning and growing through the summer. And without the pressure of school assignments, they have the freedom to explore their own interests through literature.
Here are several reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading. Some even offer prizes and rewards.
New to Triangle on the Cheap? You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free and cheap events this week
- Upcoming events for kids in the Triangle
- Outdoor summer movies
- Outdoor concerts around the Triangle
- Swimming pools and splash pads in the Triangle
- Free museum days in the Triangle
- Free and cheap stuff for kids to do during summer break
Wake County Public Libraries
Wake County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, is for all ages from babies to teens. Visit one of the libraries and pick up a tracker. Read every day and mark the tracker for a chance to win a raffle each month. Also, bring your tracker to the library after every 10 days of reading for a fun incentive. Any reading counts to your goal, whether it’s audiobooks, reading a story on the internet, following a recipe, and more. There’s a list of recommended books for each age group. The program runs from June 7 to August 15, 2026.
Durham County Library
Durham County’s summer reading program, Unearth a Story, takes place from June 15 to August 8, 2026. Pick up a reading log and a free book or pin. This program is for all ages. When you turn in your first reading log, you can choose a prize including a bookmark, sticker, sticky notes, or pencil. You’ll also have the option to enter a raffle for a grand prize! If you finish your reading log you can start another.
Grand prizes:
- For children: 4 Durham Bulls tickets
- For children: 2 Museum of Life and Science tickets
- For tweens, teens, and emerging adults: 1 Rage Room ticket
- For adults: 2 Urban Axes tickets
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield is presenting a summer reading program, Unearth a Story, for all ages, including adults. The program includes a reading and activity log, with incentives and prizes for participation. The program runs from June 1 to July 31, 2026.
Orange County Public Library
Orange County Public Library is hosting a summer reading program, Unearth a Story. Check for details on their website.
Chapel Hill Public Library
Chapel Hill Public Library’s summer reading program starts on June 10 2026. When you pick up your reading log and add your name to their window display you can pick out a free book. Everyone who completes the program will be entered into a raffle. Raffle winners will be drawn on August 18, 2026. Plus, kids pick up a prize after they read for 10 hours. When adults read three books they can collect a reward. For each additional book an adult read (up to three additional bookd), they can earn an extra prize, like a souvenir road trip magnet, or retro motel key chain, or an extra raffle ticket.
Zebulon General Store’s Reading Rewards
Zebulon General Store, at 303 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, North Carolina, is making reading even sweeter! They’ve started a new Reading Rewards Program, which they announced on Facebook.
Pick up a reading tracker at the store’s Book Nook. Read books and write them down on the tracker. When you’ve read 10 books come back to the store for one free scoop of ice cream!
Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Kids can read any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure list, which you can find online or in-store. Then fill out the log, which just asks for the title of each book, your favorite character, and the best part of the story. Bring in the log to the store and get a free gift.
More information about Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure.
The Camp Book It Program with Pizza Hut
Parents of kids in PreK-6th grade can enroll in Camp Book It. Parents use digital tools to track their kids’ reading. When kids meet their reading goals, they are rewarded with a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
Please check out our big list of free and cheap kids’ events in the Triangle or look at a quick list here:
Irene Thomas says
looking for read programs starting June 16th.