Hampton Roads: Summer Reading Programs 2026

The 2026 nationwide summer reading theme is “Unearth a Story” – a celebration of dinosaurs, archaeology, paleontology, and the hidden stories that books help us discover. Most Hampton Roads libraries are running with the theme this summer.

Please note that most of these Summer Reading Programs require you to sign up to participate. Make sure you sign up at the beginning of the summer to log all of your 2026 summer reading!

In addition to the reading logs and prizes, many of the area libraries (and many bookstores) will be having special events and activities throughout the summer. Make sure to check out the great variety of local talent and entertainment!

CHESAPEAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

• 2026 Summer Reading Challenge – check the CPL Reading Challenge page for current dates and program details. Sign up via Beanstack to participate.
  • June 2026 Challenge – Reading with Pride Challenge 2026
• Check out programs through Chesapeake Public Library Summer Reading on our Calendar or the CPL Website.

HAMPTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

• Unearth a Story Summer 2026 – June 12 – July 24, 2026
  The Hampton Public Library is excited to welcome you to our summer reading program with the theme—Unearth a Story! From Friday, June 12, 2026 to Friday, July 24, 2026, we encourage readers to complete 600 minutes read and logged across the six-week program. We will offer classes, events, programs, and workshops to foster a sense of wonder and creativity for participants of all ages across our four library locations.
  
• Check out programs available through the Hampton Public Library Summer Reading Program on our Calendar or the HPL Website.
• Sign up: Readers can register through Beanstack under ‘Hampton Public Library’ or through the Beanstack app. Programs run across all four library locations.

NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBRARY CHALLENGES

• 2026 Summer Reading Challenge – Unearth A Story! July 1 – 31, 2026. Check back at the NNPL Library Challenges page for additional information & updates – registration opens July 1st!
• Other current NNPL reading programs include Reading Dragons & Friends (K–5, school year) and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (ongoing).
• Check our Calendar or the NNPL Website for updates.

NORFOLK PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

• Read More and Roar with the Norfolk Public Library Dinosaurs – 2026 Summer Reading Program runs June 6 – August 1, 2026.
• This summer, dig into reading! Log the books you read on Beanstack to earn badges and rewards. The 8-week youth challenge has minute thresholds (25/50/75/100/150/200/250/300) and themed weekly prizes including Dino Wind Chimes, binoculars, and Rice Krispies treats. Adults can earn category prizes across themed weeks (Music Aficionado, Gardening, Grill Master, and more).
• Grand prizes: Youth grand prize is an OMMO Metal Detector, Excavate & Discover Layers of the Past Kit, or Science of Crystal Growing Kit. Adult grand prize is a LEGO Icons Natural History Museum set.
• Check out all of the great programs available through the Norfolk Public Library Summer Reading Program on our Calendar or the 2026 Summer Reading page. Look out for a kickoff event – check norfolk.libcal.com for event details.

PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

• 2026 Summer Reading Program: Unearth a Story – check the Portsmouth Public Library website for current dates and details.
• Check out programs through the Portsmouth Public Library Summer Reading Program on our Calendar or the PPL Website.
• Sign up: Programs are typically split by age – early literacy (ages 0–5) uses paper reading logs, while youth (K–5) and teens (grades 6–12) track through Beanstack.

POQUOSON PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

• 2026 Summer Reading Challenge – check the Poquoson Public Library page for current dates and challenge details.
• Register at poquoson.beanstack.org or use the Beanstack mobile app to track your reading progress. Paper copies are also typically available at the library.
• Family-fun programs at the library all summer – check our Calendar and the PPL Website.

SUFFOLK PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

• 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story runs from June 6 – August 8, 2026. Paper reading logs are due by August 7, and pre-registration begins on May 23! 
• Check out programs through the Suffolk Public Library on our Calendar or the SPL Website.
• Sign up: Register or log in to Beanstack to participate and track your books. Paper logs are typically available for pickup at all library locations. Storytime stories, audiobooks, eBooks, graphic novels, and magazines all count.

VIRGINIA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER LEARNING ADVENTURE

• Summer Learning Adventure 2026: June 9 – August 16, 2026. For youth, birth through grade 8.
• Register online beginning June 9 and log activities on your adventure map to earn prizes:
  • Complete 3 activities → earn a community prize coupon.
  • Complete 10 activities → finish the adventure challenge and earn a free book plus a virtual drawing ticket.
  • Complete 20 or 30 activities → earn additional virtual drawing tickets.
• Track everything on Beanstack (web or app).
• Family-fun programs at the library all summer – check our Calendar and the VBPL Website.

WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

• 2026 Summer Reading – Unearth a Story: 2026 Dates: June 14–Aug 1, registration opens June 1, Free Book Week Aug 2–8.
• Family-fun programs all summer – check our Calendar and the WRL Website.
• Additional Information: Register through the library’s Beanstack, in person at the library, or at a Bookmobile stop. Check in weekly to share stories and earn rewards. Each week has a positive, themed twist on this year’s “Unearth a Story” concept. Everyone who signs up gets their choice of a free book during Free Book Week. For kids birth through 8th grade.

YORK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

• Summer Reading – Unearth a Story: June 25 – August 8, 2026 at Tabb and Yorktown Libraries. This challenge is for all ages. Help us reach our community reading goal of 12,500 books!
• Challenge thresholds: Get ready to dig into adventure during York County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge! Readers of all ages are invited to unearth amazing stories and explore new worlds. Track your reading to earn badges, prizes, and bragging rights through the Beanstack website or app. Every book you read helps our community dig closer to its goal! Youth Adventurers: Read at least 16 books to complete the challenge. Teens and Adults: Read at least six books to finish your quest.
• Kickoff: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Tabb Library – Balloon Creatures by Susan, Doorway Singers’ “Golden Oldies,” food trucks, and more.
• Story times, STEM programs, crafts, LEGO club, bubble parties, teen gaming, Teen After Hours, and more – some programs require registration. Register online or by calling Tabb Youth Services at 757-890-5110 or Yorktown Youth Services at 757-890-5294. Listings on our Calendar and the YCPL Website.
• Log the books you read through the Beanstack website or app to earn badges and rewards.

Other Summer Reading Programs:

Summer Reading Program at MWR Libraries – Military Families in Hampton Roads – check link for current 2026 program details.

Barnes & Noble’s 2026 Summer Reading Program

• Kids in grades 1–6 can read any eight books this summer and record them in their Summer Reading Journal. Bring the completed journal to any participating Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2026 to choose a FREE book from the redemption list. Children can read library books, books borrowed from friends, or books from B&N – downloadable journals are available on the B&N Summer Reading page.

Books-A-Million’s Summer Reading Adventure

• Children read any 4 books from the reading list, write about the books they’ve read in their log book, and show their completed log book to a store associate to receive their free hat (while supplies last). See 2026 details here.

Chuck-E-Cheese’s Reward Calendar Program

• The Reward Calendar Program is ongoing. You can find various reward calendars on the Chuck E. Cheese website – one of them tracks books read. When your child reads each day for 2 weeks (and completes the form), it can be redeemed for 10 free play points. Note: a food purchase is required.

Scholastic’s Summer Reading Home Base – 2026 program details on the Scholastic site.

• By creating an account on Home Base, kids can join a community of readers, read books and stories, attend author events, interact with favorite characters, play book-based games and activities, join dance parties, and more!