Summer Reading

Summer Reading Program "Unearth a Story"

Grab your shovel and start digging—stories are waiting to be discovered! Join our Summer Reading Program to unearth new adventures, earn prizes, and uncover the joy of reading all summer long. Whether you're digging into a new book, discovering hidden worlds, or joining us for special events, there’s something waiting to be uncovered for everyone!

How does it work?

The Summer Reading Program is available May 30th through July 31st. It is a self-paced program that can be completed any time before August 1st. 

The program is available to all ages, divided into the following groups:

  • Ages 0 to 4
  • Ages 5 to 7
  • Ages 8 to 12
  • Ages 13 to 17
  • Ages 18 and older

After you register, you’ll receive a Summer Reading bag and a paper tracker. Each age group has a reading goal with either a total number of books or minutes to read. The goal is divided into nine milestones; completing each milestone earns an online badge on Beanstack. For each badge earned, readers will have their choice of a sticker or sucker and will earn a ticket for the grand prize drawing.

Each age group will receive a book for completing their challenge. Ages 0-12 will also receive a Nebraska State Fair pass. Each age group will have several grand prize choices. Tickets earned can be divided and entered into various prizes of your choosing. Four bonus badges can also be completed to earn extra grand prize tickets.

Grand prize winners will be drawn on August 3rd.

How do I enroll?

Registration opens May 30th. Paper trackers will be available for download or can be picked up at the library at the 2nd floor desk. A staff member will be happy to help you sign up!

You may also register through Beanstack or through the Beanstack app, available on Apple or Android. Its easy-to-use ISBN scan feature allows you to scan the books directly into your log. You can also manage all the readers in your family in one account. After you’ve registered through Beanstack, you can stop by the 2nd floor desk to claim your prizes as you earn badges.

Why should I join the Summer Reading Program?

According to the School Library Journal, summer reading programs help improve kids’ reading skills and their desire to read. Those who take part not only reduce summer learning loss, but they even show improvement, developing an interest in reading, improving their comprehension, and bettering their memory skills.

“Discovering new stories, genres, and authors in a summer reading program can be a game-changer, sparking a lifelong love for reading. You never know which book will inspire you and change the way you see the world.” Scholar Within, 2023

What can I look forward to

A successful Summer Reading Program involves more than just reading and completing challenges. We also have a summer packed with fun events for kids and families!
 
Block Party Kick-Off
Kick off the Summer Reading Program at our biggest party of the year! There will be food, temporary tattoos, a photo booth, Sphero races, the Hastings Police Department's robot and drone, and so much more. Join us for the fun and sign up for the Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story!”
May 30 @ 11:30am-1pm at the Library
 
Glow-A-Saurus Dance Party
We're wrapping up the Summer Reading Program like never before! Join us for a glowing, roar-some dance party to give summer a proper send off!
July 31st @ 5-7pm at the Community Center | 2015 W. 3rd St.
 

Other programs to look forward to include a look into Nebraska fossils, paleontology, and sea monsters; a dino-mite magic act; dino-sized adventures, and more! Peruse the HPL Events Calendar for a full schedule of upcoming programs.

Thank you to all of our 2026 Summer Reading Sponsors!

We want to thank all of our sponsors for making the Summer Reading Program possible! A special thank you to our Hastings Library Foundation for your continued support, not just for the Summer Reading Program, but for programs throughout the year!