Arlington Public Library Kicks Off Discover Summer 2026

Published on May 22, 2026

Kids sitting in chairs reading with Discover Summer logo in the bottom corner.

By: Arlington Public Library

School is out, and the fun is just beginning at the Arlington Public Library! This summer, we’ve got everything from reading challenges and exciting prizes to murder mysteries and a silent disco. There’s always something going on, so come join us and make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action!

All the fun starts on Saturday, May 30 with the Discover Summer Kickoff. Join us at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library for a fun-filled event in honor of Arlington's sesquicentennial. We have invited so many of the wonderful groups, organizations, and businesses across Arlington to come celebrate the city's founding and show you all how great it is to be in Arlington. We will have activities, crafts, games, and more available for all members of the family on the 1st and 2nd floor of the library. This event is free and open to the public, no registration required.

Keep Track of your Reading this Summer with Beanstack

Join our exciting online reading challenges through the Beanstack app! Dive into a world of stories, earn badges, and track your reading progress—all while connecting with fellow book lovers. Whether you’re looking to explore new genres, set personal goals, or simply enjoy reading, our challenges cater to all ages and interests. Sign up today to start your literary adventure and discover the rewards of reading in a fun, engaging way! Participants can also pick up a paper log to track their reading at their closest branch.

How to Win Prizes

Like last year, we will be having ticket-based drawings for prizes for each age group. Once you sign up for our Discover Summer Challenge in Beanstack, there will be multiple ways to earn tickets that can be put towards prizes. Each library location will have a Summer 2026 Prize Book that has a list of all prizes for each age grouping (0 - 12, 13 - 17, and 18+). To get the first round of prizes, one must complete the general challenge, which is to read for at least 20 days during the Discover Summer Challenge. Below is the milestones for Youth and Adults and what can be won at each milestone:

Youth (0 - 12): 

  • Read 20 days = Free book, small coupon bundle, extra tickets for prize raffles
  • Read 40 days = Free Discover Summer water bottle, experience ticket bundle, extra tickets for prize raffles
  • Read 60 days = Inflatable soccer ball or jump rope, extra tickets for prize raffles, and an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing

Teen (13 - 17): 

  • Read 20 days = Free book, small coupon bundle, extra tickets for prize raffles
  • Read 40 days = Free Discover Summer water bottle, experience ticket bundle, extra tickets for prize raffles
  • Read 60 days = Goodie bag, extra tickets for prize raffles, and an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing

Adult (18+):

  • Registration = Free Discover Summer Fan
  • Read 20 days = Challenge Completion (free tote and coupons/tickets)
  • Read 21 - 60 days = tickets for monthly drawings
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