Summer reading programs are one of the easiest ways to keep kids learning, exploring, and having fun during summer break. From library reward programs to community-wide reading trails, there are so many creative ways families across the Triad can encourage reading all summer long.

Whether your child is just starting to read independently or already flies through chapter books, these local summer reading programs help prevent the “summer slide” while giving families an excuse to explore local businesses, parks, museums, and libraries around the Triad. Here are some of the best Summer Reading Programs in the Triad for 2026.

Why is reading through the summer so important? 8 Reasons to Keep Your Kids Reading All Summer Long

Summer Reading Activities

Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story

Get ready to dig into a summer full of books, discovery, and fun with the 2026 Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program: Unearth a Story!

This year’s theme invites readers of all ages—from young children to adults—to explore new worlds, uncover hidden meanings, and discover the joy that reading can bring.

Summer Reading Materials Available June 5

Starting Friday, June 5, families can pick up Summer Reading calendars, bookmarks, and Digby cards at any branch of the Forsyth County Public Library.

Kickoff Celebration at Central Library

The Summer Reading Program officially kicks off at 6:00 PM at the Forsyth County Central Library with activities both inside and outside the library.

Pick up a passport and explore the library while enjoying art projects, Makerspace demonstrations, and more. Collect five stamps to earn a prize!

Outdoor Activities

Families can enjoy plenty of fun on the library lawn, including:

Sampling tasty treats from Chef Floyd
Sweet and savory food truck offerings
Face painting
Lawn games
Bubbles and crafts
Icy pops (while supplies last)
Fossil Dig station
Dancing like a dinosaur with DJ Mac Daville

Indoor Activities

Inside the Central Library, visitors can:

Learn about more than 20 book clubs for every kind of reader
Discover programs, services, and resources from Forsyth County departments and library partners
Watch a Glowforge laser printer in action in the Makerspace

Why Join the Summer Reading Program?

The Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program encourages children and adults to keep reading all summer long while participating in exciting events, earning prizes, and discovering new interests.

Whether your child is an avid reader or just beginning to explore books, this free program is a wonderful way to make reading part of your summer routine.

Learn More

Visit Forsyth County Public Library for full details, branch locations, and the complete Summer Reading schedule.

Greensboro Public Library Summer Reading 2026

Color Our World with the Greensboro Public Library this summer during their 2026 Summer Reading Program.

Families, teens, and adults can participate in reading challenges through Beanstack while enjoying a full summer packed with storytimes, music, crafts, games, performers, and special events at library branches across Greensboro.

How to Participate

Joining the Greensboro Public Library Summer Reading Program is easy.

Participants can:

Sign up for Reading Challenges through Beanstack
Log books and activities throughout the summer
Participate in programs and events at local library branches
Follow along with updates and activities through the library’s Facebook and YouTube pages
Get started here!

Families can also explore additional virtual activities and resources through GPL at Home.

Summer Reading for Kids (Ages 0–11)

Summer is the perfect time to build strong reading habits and encourage a lifelong love of books.

The Greensboro Public Library encourages families to:

Read together daily
Talk about books as a family
Let children see adults reading
Explore new books and authors throughout the summer

Children can participate through Beanstack or by using a printable Summer Reading Log.

Summer Reading for Middle & High School Students

Middle and high school students are invited to join the fun with reading challenges, teen programs, and summer events.

Summer is a great time for teens to:

Try a new author
Read the latest books in their favorite series
Explore different genres
Participate in teen-focused library events and activities

Summer Reading for Adults

Adults can also participate in the Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

Adults who read and log three books will be entered into a drawing for a prize basket, with one winner selected at each library location.

The library also offers special adult programs and events throughout the summer, making it easy for the whole family to participate together.

With reading challenges, free events, and activities for every age group, the Greensboro Public Library Summer Reading Program is one of the best free summer activities for families in the Triad.

Follow Greensboro Public Library for updates!

>> Another way to utilize your local libraries: Check Out An Experience at These Local Libraries

Winston-Salem Summer Reading Trail 2026

Looking for a fun way to keep your kids reading all summer long? The 2026 Winston-Salem Summer Reading Trail is a free community adventure that combines books, local businesses, and family fun throughout the summer.

Created by Purple Honey Bee Bookmobile, this exciting reading challenge encourages families to visit participating locations across Winston-Salem while celebrating literacy and supporting local businesses.

How the Summer Reading Trail Works

Families can download or print the Summer Reading Trail map and visit participating stops throughout the city. At each location, children can complete a literacy-themed activity, collect stamps, and discover new books and community resources.

The trail is designed to make reading interactive and engaging while helping families explore some of Winston-Salem’s favorite kid-friendly destinations.

Plan Your Reading Adventure

Whether you complete a few stops or visit every location, the Winston-Salem Summer Reading Trail is a creative way to inspire a love of reading and make meaningful summer memories.

Learn More

Download the trail map and see the full list of participating locations at Purple Honey Bee Bookmobile’s Summer Reading Trail page

Greensboro Summer Reading Trail Paper Pie Program

The Reading Trail program is a free summer program that provides a fun family activity centered around books. It helps prevent the summer slide by putting a spotlight on reading. This program also provides a bridge between local area businesses and families — giving businesses the opportunity to give back to their community while also gaining prominence and brand awareness.

Local businesses sign up to sponsor a stop on the “reading trail.” At each stop, families will find a book to read together. The business will then stamp their Reading Trail Map, and families will work to collect stamps for all the locations on the map.

The program will run June 1 – July 31. At the end of the program, families who visited all stops are eligible for the grand prize drawing. Each kid who completes the map will also receive a guaranteed small reward.

Register: Register for Summer Reading Trail

Join the FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/summerreadingtrail

High Point Summer Reading Trail Paper Pie 2026

One of the most unique summer reading programs happening this year is the High Point Summer Reading Trail 2026 — a free, community-wide adventure running June 1 through July 24, 2026.

This fun reading trail takes families on a stamp-collecting journey across local businesses throughout High Point. At each stop, families can read a PaperPie book together, collect a stamp, and continue exploring the city while encouraging kids to keep reading all summer long.

Confirmed stops currently include:

Joy Bar Coffee Co.
Mama Bear’s Sweet Shop
TAG at Congdon Yards
Wynnie’s Boutique
Manna on Main
Get Air Trampoline Park
Visit High Point

Families who complete the full trail earn a free PaperPie book and are entered into several prize drawings.

Prize drawings include:

1st Prize:

All 8 PaperPie trail books
6 tickets to the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum
4 passes to Get Air Trampoline Park

2nd Prize:

3 Get Air High Point passes

3rd Prize:

3 Get Air High Point passes

Bonus Prize Drawing:

4 tickets to a High Point Rockers baseball game

The trail is designed to make reading feel like a true summer adventure while helping families discover more local businesses and activities around High Point.

Kernersville Summer Reading Trail 2026

Another exciting addition this year is the first annual Kernersville Summer Reading Trail, taking place June 1 through July 30, 2026.

This free family-friendly reading program encourages kids to read throughout the summer while visiting businesses around downtown Kernersville and nearby areas.

Local businesses sponsor “reading trail” stops where families can read a book together and collect stamps on their Reading Trail Map. Some stops may even include free goodies or surprises along the way.

Families who complete the full map will be entered into a grand prize drawing featuring:

Free books
3 passes to the Greensboro Science Center and carousel

Each child who completes the trail will also receive a guaranteed small reward.

The program will wrap up with a Book Fair on:

Friday, July 31, 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026

The book fair will take place at Rooted Integrative Speech Therapy Center, PLLC, located inside the Kernersville Chiropractic Center building.

Additional reading trail stops are still being added, so families should keep an eye out for updates throughout the summer.

Families can also stay updated through the program’s Facebook group:
Kernersville Summer Reading Trail Facebook Group

The Bookhouse in Winston Salem

Children’s Story Hour on Mondays at 10:30am. Enjoy $1 off all hot beverages from 10 AM – 11 AM.

Parents – check out the Battle of the Book titles on display while you are there!

Check out other events held at The Bookhouse here.

Follow their Social Media:

Instagram
Facebook

Reward Summer Reading Programs

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

Grades: 1-6

When: Start any time summer begins for you and return the journal to Barnes and Noble between July 1st and August 31st for your free book!

How to enroll:

Print the Summer Reading Journal
Read any eight books this summer and record them in this Summer Reading Journal. Tell us which part of the book is your favorite, and why.
Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2025.
Choose your free reading adventure from the books listed in the journal.

Print your journal: Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal

PIZZA HUT BOOK IT® PROGRAM (App)

Grades: Pre-K to 6
When: Enroll now! Program starts June 1st and ends August 31st!
How to enroll: Download the BOOK IT® Mobile App to set your book goals and track progress. Once a child meets the parent-set reading goal they can redeem their free Pizza Hut single topping Personal Pan Pizza® from participating locations.
Learn more: https://www.bookitprogram.com/

Books A Million

Grade: 1-6
When: Start any time summer begins for you and return the journal to Books-A-Million between July 1st and August 31st for your free Dav Pilkey Dog Man bookbag*!
*While supplies last

Rules:

Choose any four books from the summer reading adventure feature in-store or online.
Write about the books you’ve read in your summer reading adventure logbook.
Show your completed logbook to a store associate to receive your free backpack.

Print Journal: BAM Summer Reading Journal

Looking for recommendations on books? Summer Reading List for Kids

Chuck E Cheese – Reading Rewards Calendar

No grade restrictions
When: All year long! Expires 12/31/25.
Rules: Read for two weeks and receive 10 Free Play Points (with food purchase)!
Print your calendar here: Chuck E Cheese Reward Calendar

Scholastic Summer Reading: Home Base (App)

Grades: PreK through 8th grade
When: May 9th to September 12th
Rules: Download Home Base and create an account. Start your Summer Reading!

Key Takeaways:

What it is: Scholastic Home Base is a safe, free, and moderated digital world that celebrates reading. Your child will join a global community of readers.
Safety: Parents have complete control over the use of the app and whether or not the child can use the chat functions. There is 24/7 human monitoring to make sure nothing is being said that goes against their Rules and Regulations.
It’s Free: It is completely free to download and use with no in-app purchases or ads.
Scholastic Summer Reading: Let’s make reading fun by earning Reading Streaks that help unlock book donations for kids with limited or no access to books. Track “reading streaks”, download a Reading Report, view leaderboards, and read complete, free e-books!

For More information visit Scholastic Summer Reading

Nothing Bundt Cakes Reading Program

Earn a free Bundtlet every month for reading (PreK – Elementary School). Reach out to your specific Nothing Bundt Cakes location to see the details for their reading program.

Summer reading matters, no matter your child’s age (or even if you’re sneaking in a chapter or two yourself!). Whether your little one is just starting out or your big kid is already flying through chapter books, reading helps keep imaginations active and minds growing all summer long. Even just a few minutes a day can make a difference and every little bit counts.

And if you can, consider picking up something to read alongside your kids. It doesn’t have to be a novel; magazines, audiobooks, even flipping through a cookbook together counts. It’s a great way to show that reading can be fun at any age, and that it’s okay to do it your own way. Let’s help our kids discover new stories, spark their creativity, and maybe even earn a fun reward while they’re at it!

How to get your summer reading ebooks for FREE: NC Digital Library

By Emi Sano updated by Sarah Marchwiany

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