Want your kid to keep reading this summer without turning it into homework? Local libraries and bookstores are making it easy with free summer reading programs that come with a very good motivator: prizes. From free books to T-shirts, coupons and grand prize drawings, these Portland-area summer reading programs reward kids for reading, listening to audiobooks and building the habit all summer long.
Local Libraries
Multnomah County Library
To spread the fun over the whole summer, Multnomah County Libraries will award prizes on a schedule:
- First day to claim prize 1: June 30
- First day to claim the finisher prize: July 15
- All prize forms must be received by August 15
Kids can stop by the library to choose one free book when they sign up. After marking 15 spaces, they can visit the library for a prize. After 30 spaces, they can fill out a finisher form and pick up a T-shirt or onesie and a prize, while supplies last. Complete the game to be entered into the grand prize drawing for your age group. Pro tip: popular prizes often run out in early August, so don’t wait until the last minute.
The individual prizes range from books and toys to LEGO and Dungeons & Dragons sets. Grand prize drawing includes The Children’s Gym for ages 0-4, an iPad technology package or gift card option for K-8 and high school, plus NW Children’s Theater and Oaks Park runner-up prizes depending on age group.
As in previous years, the library is hosting lots of fun special events to celebrate summer reading and give families another excuse to visit their local branch.
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
Starts June 1
Washington County’s summer reading program includes special events at various branches. Check your local library’s site for the specific details. At the Beaverton City Library, for example, kids and teens who complete 15 hours of reading, listening and learning can choose a free book July 5-August 15.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Starts June 15
FVRLibraries’ 2026 Summer Reading Challenge invites readers and listeners of all ages to Follow Your Curiosity from June 15-August 15. For kids ages 0-12, the goal is to read at least 40 days, and yes, audiobooks, comics, magazines, picture books and chapter books all count. Sign up at your community library or online through Beanstack. Everyone who signs up by June 30 can pick a book to keep.
Kids can track progress through Beanstack, a paper log, a printed log or their own tracking system. FVRL will offer a mid-challenge prize July 12-18, and kids who complete the challenge by August 15 can receive a 2026 Summer Reading finisher pin or bubbles and a winner’s certificate.
Clackamas County Libraries
Starts June 1
Kids and teens ages 0-17 can register at Gladstone or Oak Lodge Library between June 1-July 31 to receive a reading log, fine voucher and prize book. Return the completed reading log between July 1-August 31 to collect finisher prizes and enter a grand prize drawing. Adults can participate, too.
Bookstores
Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge
Starts June 8
Pick up a Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge bingo card and read five books in a line using the prompts by August 31. Bring your completed stub to any Powell’s entrance info desk to get a $5 prize voucher and a chance to win other prizes. Bonus: read the entire board — a blackout — for a chance at more prizes. Adults can play, too!
Barnes & Noble
Starts July 1
Kids in grades 1-6 can earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Read any eight books, record them in the Summer Reading Journal, then bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store to choose a free book. The 2026 redemption window is July 1-August 31.