Bound for the Stars
Summer Learning 2026
June 1 - August 31
A New Direction for 2026
Summer is for freedom. Long days. Late nights. New adventures. However, for many kids and teens, it can also mean learning loss. Without school's structure, students can fall behind and literacy gaps grow when access to books and encouragement isn't equal.
One proven solution? Books at home.
That's why Summer Learning 2026 at Kitsap Regional Library is charting a new course.
First, we're giving away books for keeps with our Kids & Teens: Book Boost. Readers ages 0-18 can choose three free books, one per visit, to build their home libraries.
Second, we're offering guidelines, rather than regulations, for the All Ages: Read Something, Do Something Challenge. Set a goal that excites you— maybe reading 100 hours, tackling chapter books without pictures, or finishing a seven-book series. Meet your goal by August 31 to earn a Summer Learning T-shirt or pin, and entry into the end-of-summer prize drawing.
As always, library lovers of all ages can enjoy live concerts, cosmic celebrations, hands-on learning, and a weekly social media contest.
Summer Learning is for everyone. At its heart, Summer Learning helps kids grow while letting summer be summer. And when adults read, kids see that learning doesn't stop when school does.
We can't wait to see you at the Library this summer!
3 Visits = 3 Books
Kids & Teens: Visit the Library this summer and boost your personal library with free books! One per visit, up to three. Pick up a tracker at the help desk and collect a stamp each visit to reveal a hidden image.
2 Ways to Read & Learn
All Ages: Plot your summer journey by setting goals that excite and challenge you to reach for the stars. Reach those goals by August 31, then pick up your T-shirt or pin and enter the end-of-summer drawing.
1 Stellar Summer
Come to the Library for free, live concerts and shows, cosmic celebrations, and a hopping good time all summer long.
Summer Learning Guide
Everything you need to participate in Summer Learning 2026, June 1 to August 31, is right here! Download our guide or pick one up at your favorite branch!
All Ages: Read Something, Do Something Challenge
Chart your course! Set reading and doing goals that challenge and inspire you to reach for the stars. You could learn a skill or investigate something you've always wanted to know more about—maybe both!
Map out your summer plan, then, once you reach your goal, tell us about what you learned during the challenge. Turn in the completed form at your local branch, opens a new window, collect your T-shirt or pin, and be entered into the end-of-summer prize drawing.
End-of-Summer Prize Drawing
One of each prize will be awarded at every branch, opens a new window.
Read Local
Enjoy a $150 certificate to your favorite local bookstore.
Switch It Up
Score a Nintendo Switch Lite and a $70 download card or a new game.
See Worlds
Explore the galaxy with a Pacific Science Center family membership or a portable telescope kit.
Summer Field Notes & Social Media Contest
We'd love to hear about your amazing summer of discovery! Share your stories and photos with us online!
Beginning in July, we'll draw a name each week from the shared stories and photos, and the writer of the drawn entry will be awarded a $25 gift card. At the end of each week, we'll share that week's winning story and photo(s) to our Facebook and Instagram @KitsapLibrary. Be sure to follow along so you don't miss all the fun!
Creativebug
ArtistWorks
Mango Languages
Brainfuse: Chess Practice
Creativebug
ArtistWorks
Mango Languages
Brainfuse: Chess Practice
Download the Library App
Download the Kitsap Regional Library app and connect with the Library anytime, anywhere. Use the app to search the catalog, place holds, manage your account, and more!
Kids & Teens: Book Boost
When youth readers visit the Library this summer, they can choose three books-one on each visit-to boost their personal collection. At the help desk, pick up a stamp tracker and a book to keep! Your tracker will be stamped each time you pick up a book and reveal a hidden image. Kids and teens will also receive a voucher for two tickets to a Seattle Storm game with their first book.
NoveList Plus
Book Bundles
Libby
NoveList Plus
Book Bundles
Libby
Listen & Learn this Summer
Audiobooks count for summer reading!
Seattle Storm
Kids and teens, start your summer with a slam dunk! The Seattle Storm proudly supports Summer Learning, so youth readers will receive a Storm ticket voucher when they pick up their first book through the Kids & Teens: Book Boost. Each participating youth can get 2 tickets, up to 6 tickets per household. Don't wait! Games are easier to book earlier in the summer, and tickets are available only while supplies last.
Youth transit is free with an ORCA card or student ID. For more information on free public transportation in Seattle on game day, visit seattlestorm.com.
Youth Ride Free!
Anyone 18 or under can ride buses, ferries, and trains for free in the Puget Sound with a student ID or a Youth ORCA card. To learn more and get a free Youth ORCA card, visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com.
Cosmic Celebrations
Get ready for out-of-this-world experiences as you enjoy free, live music, dance, and magic performances this summer!
America 250
Celebrate the United States of America's 250th birthday with crafts, events, and more.
Thank You for Your Support!
Summer Learning is funded in part by generous donors of Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and Friends of the Library groups. Thank you, donors!
Looking for more information on prizes and affiliations? Review our Summer Learning Disclaimers.