Stop by any library location to get a Summer Reading card, read 13 books or for 13 hours, and get a prize!
Summer Reading Prizes
Children (birth - 3)
Board Book
Children (4 - 7)
Toy Capsule
Children (8 - 12)
Mini Bubblegum Machine
Teens (12 - 18)
Bento Box
Adults (18+)
Bluetooth Speaker
*Prizes available while supplies last
Select an age group for more info!
Summer Reading is here! Soak up the fun with awesome activities, exciting experiences, and (of course) lots of reading! To join, pick up a Summer Reading card at your local library, request one by mail, or print one out above. Complete your card, bring it back, and you’ll receive a ribbon and a free prize based on your age!
- Children birth to 3 years earn a brand-new board book.
- Children 4 to 7 years can complete multiple cards to win multiple toy capsules throughout the summer.
- Children 8 to 12 years can complete a card to win a mini bubblegum machine and complete additional cards to win toy capsules throughout the summer.
We can't wait to see you at the library and celebrate Summer Reading together!
- If admittance to the program is limited, the public will have first access to reserve their seat prior to the event. Daycares and summer camps are encouraged to coordinate a visit from the library to their location this summer via the form below.
- Daycare Supervisor
- The supervisor is expected to be engaged during the visit and will be responsible for regulating the behavior of the children in attendance. (source)
- The supervisor must be at least 18 years old and abide by the Staff-to-Child ratio regulations set in place by SC Child Care. Library staff is not included in the ratio.
| Child's Age | Staff-to-Child Ratios |
| Birth to one year | 1:5 |
| One to two years | 1:6 |
| Two to three years | 1:8 |
| Three to four years | 1:12 |
| Four to five years | 1:17 |
| Five to six years | 1:20 |
| Six to twelve years | 1:23 |
Read 13 books or for 13 hours and win a bento box! When you’re between books, come to free and fun teen events to sing karaoke at an open mic, compete in gaming tournaments, meet kittens or a capybara, bedazzle book covers, play bingo (including a blacklight version!), get a Book Box, and SO MUCH MORE!
For help finding your next favorite book, fill out our Teen Book Suggestions form!
Follow @scplteens on Instagram for the latest all summer long!
You’ve waited all year for this: Summer Reading is BACK! Challenge your friends, family, grandkids, neighbors, and even yourself to complete this year’s card to celebrate 250 years of reading in America. If you’re looking for a good book to read this summer but aren’t sure what to pick up, fill out our Book Suggestion form for a set of picks curated just for you by our librarians.
Beyond our reading challenge, we’re also offering DOZENS of programs for grown-ups across the county. Whether you’re looking to join a book club, interested in meeting an author, wanting to make your own bread, or hoping to sew your own quilt, your local library has programs to suit you! Pick up a copy of our Summer Reading booklet at any location to see what we’re offering this year, and we’ll see you in the shelves!
Exhibits and Special Events
Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?
May 29 - July 31, 2026 in the The Planetarium Gallery
Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution is administered by ALA's Public Programs Office in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's (NMNH) Human Origins Program.
Chautauqua - Summer 2026
For the 250th anniversary of America’s Revolutionary War – Chautauqua presents “Revolutionary Americans."
Revolution Remembered
In observance of American's 250th anniversary, the Headquarters Library will host the Revolution Remembered exhibit in the atrium from June 5 to August 31.