Orland Park Public Library Launches Summer Reading Challenge with Community Celebration

The Orland Park Public Library welcomed hundreds of community members on Saturday, June 6, for the kickoff of its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Plant a Seed, Read. The event marked the official start of a summer filled with reading, learning, and family fun.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the day, including a Bright Starts Storytime, video games, cotton candy, carnival games, LEGO building, sidewalk chalk art, a roaming photo booth, and the Friends of the Library Sidewalk Sale.

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The celebration concluded with a crowd-favorite foam party that attracted 535 participants eager to kick off the summer season.

During the event, the Friends of the Orland Park Public Library presented the library with a generous donation of $3,750 to support library programming. The contribution will help fund educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities for patrons throughout the year.

The Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading Challenge runs through August 1, 2026. Participants can track their reading online through Beanstack or by using a paper reading log. Readers of all ages can earn prize drawing entries by reaching reading goals throughout the summer.

The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all ages and encourages community members to explore new books, discover new interests, and stay engaged with reading during the summer months.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library programs, visit the library or contact the Orland Park Public Library.

The Orland Park Public Library serves the residents of Orland Park and surrounding communities by providing access to information, educational resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities. Through innovative programs, collections, and services, the library connects people to ideas, experiences, and each other. So, plant a seed and read this summer!