For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Montgomery County Public Libraries to Kick Off Annual Summer Reading Challenge on Saturday, June 13

Pre-registration Begins Friday, May 15, Online and at All MCPL Branches

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will launch its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge on Saturday, June 13, with a countywide program designed to encourage reading, learning, and discovery for all ages. This year’s theme, “Unearth A Story,” features dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology, offering participants a summer of imaginative activities and educational experiences.

Pre-registration for the Summer Reading Challenge begins Friday, May 15, online and at all MCPL branches.

Library staff across the County have collaborated to create programming that encourages residents to work together toward a collective reading goal of 100,000 hours while promoting literacy and community engagement.

“Reading is critical to cognitive development at every age, and I encourage all residents and families to participate in Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Children who read 20 minutes daily are exposed to 1.8–2 million words annually and perform better academically. Adults reading for 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. And research indicates that regular book reading can result in a 32% slower rate of cognitive decline as we age. Summer education programs at our libraries help make learning accessible outside the classroom and give families free activities they can participate in together. I appreciate our library employees for coordinating another year of the “Summer Reading Challenge,” one of the ways we continue to invest in education, literacy, and community engagement across Montgomery County.  

MCPL will host three Summer Reading Challenge kickoff events featuring activities for children, teens, and adults.

• Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Damascus Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus.
• Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring.
• Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda.

Participants who register for the Summer Reading Challenge will receive: 

• A free book for ages 0-18.  
• A canvas bag for ages 19 and older.
• Entry into a raffle for up to four tickets to a Washington Spirit soccer game. 

Participants who meet their goal for a total of three weeks will receive: 

• A voucher for two tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game. 
• A coupon for a sweet treat and automatic entry into a raffle for a tour of the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream facility in Gaithersburg. 

Participants who meet their reading goal for a total of six weeks and complete the program will receive: 

• A voucher for a free book from Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.  
• Entry into a systemwide raffle for an age-appropriate prize.

To participate in the Summer Reading Challenge:

• Pre-register online via the MCPL website or at any MCPL branch beginning Friday, May 15.
• Track reading progress from Saturday, June 13, through Friday, August 21.
• Earn badges and prizes while exploring reading, STEM, music, and more.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is supported by community partners, including Friends of the Library, Montgomery County; the Washington Nationals; the Washington Spirit; and Bruster’s Ice Cream.

# # #

Media Contact: John Chu, john.chu@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-795-2801