Somerset County Libraries Launch Summer Reading Challenge With Programs, Prizes

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County Library System of New Jersey will open its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge on June 22, inviting readers of all ages to take part through Aug. 22.

This year’s theme, Unearth a Story™, centers on history, discovery and reading, with participants earning points and badges for books, activities and library visits.

According to SCLSNJ, the goal of the Summer Reading Challenge is to encourage reading and help people maintain skills over the summer.

The library system said the challenge reaches more than 4,000 participants across Somerset County each year, with more than 500,000 total books read.

It also includes programs, reading recommendations, activities and prizes intended to support lifelong learning.

Participants can sign up beginning June 19 at SCLSNJ.org/SummerReading through Beanstack, a web-based tool used to track days of reading and activities on a website or app.

People also can register in person at any SCLSNJ branch service desk.

SCLSNJ said participants earn points and badges by tracking reading and activities, including visiting a branch and asking for that branch’s secret dinosaur name, attending a library program, writing book reviews, voting for the Garden State Book Awards and signing up for the Unlocking to 250 Year of History Challenge.

Once an achievement level badge is earned, participants can pick up a prize at any branch. There are three achievement levels in the challenge.

"We’re excited about the challenge this year as it was designed with flexibility in mind in order to encourage more engagement and attract reluctant readers," said Karen Telesco, SCLSNJ System Program Coordinator. "The challenge acts as a nice excuse to read more, visit the library, and interact with the community. Whether participants want to reach their personal reading goals, help their child improve their skills, or read to a pre-reader, we have them covered. Plus, they get rewarded along the way, what’s not to like?"

As part of the summer challenge, SCLSNJ will offer programs tied to history and discovery.

Adults can attend Bones in Our Backyard: Exploring New Jersey's Fossil Record with Dr. Dana Ehret, curator of natural history for the New Jersey State Museum, during several sessions in June and July, beginning June 13 at 2 p.m. at the Manville branch.

Families with children ages 2 and up can attend Dinosaurs Arise on July 31, featuring Terry the T-Rex and other animatronic and puppet dinosaur characters, at 1 p.m. at the Manville branch and 4 p.m. at Wilson Memorial Church in Watchung.

A virtual program, From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War, with author John R. Maass is scheduled for June 30 at 7 p.m.

SCLSNJ noted that some programs require registration. More information is available at sclsnj.org/SummerReading.