8 Summer Reading Programs for Kids (also adults!) in the Triangle
Date: Sat, May 30, 2026
Time:
Venue: Various Locations in Raleigh, Raleigh
Price: Free
Category: Family
Photo: Depositphotos Summer reading programs can help to keep kids learning and growing through the summer. And without the pressure of school assignments, they have the freedom to explore their own interests through literature. Here are several reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading. Some even offer prizes and rewards. New to Triangle on the Cheap? You might also be interested in: Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap's daily email Free and cheap events this week Upcoming events for kids in the Triangle Outdoor summer movies Outdoor concerts around the Triangle Swimming pools and splash pads in the Triangle Free museum days in the Triangle Free and cheap stuff for kids to do during summer break Wake County Public Libraries Wake County Public Libraries' Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, is for all ages from babies to teens. Visit one of the libraries and pick up a tracker. Read every day and mark the tracker for a chance to win a raffle each month. Also, bring your tracker to the library after every 10 days of reading for a fun incentive. Any reading counts to your goal, whether it's audiobooks, reading a story on the internet, following a recipe, and more. There's a list of recommended books for each age group. The program runs from June 7 to August 15, 2026. Durham County Library Durham County's summer reading program, Unearth a Story, takes place from June 15 to August 8, 2026. Pick up a reading log and a free book or pin. This program is for all ages. When you turn in your first reading log, you can choose a prize including a bookmark, sticker, sticky notes, or pencil. You’ll also have the option to enter a raffle for a grand prize! If you finish your reading log you can start another. Grand prizes: For children: 4 Durham Bulls tickets For children: 2 Museum of Life and Science tickets For tweens, teens, and emerging adults: 1 Rage Room ticket For adults: 2 Urban Axes tickets Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield Public Library of
