Summer Reading 2026 - Unearth a Story

It might only be May, but it is not too early to talk about Summer Reading! If you are unaware of what Summer Reading is, don’t worry, we are here to tell you all about the program and why you should participate.

Participating in Summer Reading is easy - You just have to log all the reading you do throughout June and July in an app called Beanstack. The best part? You get prizes just for reading! Even better than that, we provide dozens of events and activities for the community, for FREE! So, let’s break this down a little more.

Beanstack

The Beanstack Tracker app is a wonderful tool that allows you to track reading and join challenges associated with your library. The app is easy to use and makes tracking your progress super simple - both for you and for library staff.

To get started:

1. Download the Beanstack app on your mobile device (Search ‘Beanstack Tracker’ on your App Store).

2. Find the Goddard Public Library.

3. Create the primary account, then add as many readers under you as needed.

Once you are logged in, you can navigate to the ‘Discover’ tab at the bottom of the screen. You can then pre-register for the Summer Reading program, and any of the other reading challenges you would like to participate in.

Depending on the age of the reader, reading will be logged for summer by either number of books read or number of minutes read. When milestones are met during your reading, you will get a notification letting you know that a prize is available to pick up at the library. We have a wide variety of prizes, including items from Chick-Fil-A, QuikTrip, Botanica, All Star, and so much more!

Summer Reading is much more than just getting free stuff for reading - It also has practical purposes. Incentives are a great way to inspire a love of reading in young children. Reading over the summer is also imperative for children to keep their reading skills active and avoid the “summer slide.” Plus, it helps generate interest and interaction with the library and other community members, especially through events.

Events

We will release a full calendar of events soon, but for now here is a small sneak peek at what to expect:

• Author and Kids Musician Kim Noller

• Left Brain Fun

• Handpan Dan

• Craft Labs

• Sourdough Class

• Movie Nights

• Coloring Club

• SO MUCH MORE!!

While some events may require registration, each one is completely free. We have an amazing list of sponsors that allow us to bring such a wide variety of performers and events to our community. We would like to extend a huge thank you to each of them for their contribution to our program!

For events that will require registration, links will be available on our website calendar and Facebook events page two weeks prior to the event.

Unearth a Story

Every good Summer Reading program has a theme, and this year that theme is Unearth a Story! There are many layers to this theme, but the one kids are most excited about is DINOSAURS!

If you’ve stopped by the library in the last week, you’ve probably noticed our dinosaur and jungle decorations. We are not done decorating yet! Make sure you stop by soon to see what all we’ve done to celebrate our summer reading theme.

Not only does this theme cover dinosaurs, it also involves paleontology and archaeology, jobs that allow scientists to dig up stories from the past. This summer, our programs and events will help inspire interest in all things earth, the past, digging up treasures, dinosaur friends, and more!

Still have questions? Contact us at the Library - we are more then happy to assist you and can’t wait to Unearth a Story with you this summer!