Summer is a great time to get outside and soak up some sun, but it’s also the perfect time to relax with a good book. Whether you’re reading bedtime stories or your child is spending the drive to the beach with their nose in a book, reading is a great summer activity for babies, kids, teens, and parents. Here are a few summer reading programs in the Upstate that offer prizes for bookworms.
First of all, your child’s school likely has some kind of summer reading program. Each school is different, so call the media center before school lets out to ensure your child has the log/paper they need to record their books/hours. Most schools will even allow your child to double-dip on books, so fill out the school form along with the forms listed below to double your child’s rewards.
Summer Reading Programs :
Greenville County Library System
Spartanburg County Public Library
Anderson County Library System
Laurens County Public Library
Oconee County Library
Pickens County Library System
Clemson University Summer Reading Program
National Summer Reading Programs
Check out Kidding Around® Chief Fun Officer, Bethany Winston, on WYFF4’s Series, Avoiding Summer Learning Loss!
Greenville Library Summer Reading Program 2026
Registration for the Greenville County Library System’s 2026 Summer Reading Program opens on May 20th! The reading challenge begins on May 27th and ends August 1st. To participate, register readers online. Then, print out or pick up a summer reading log from your local library. August 1st is the last day to pick up prizes.
This year’s reading program includes challenges for babies (0-2), kids (ages 3-12), and teens (ages 13-17). Each age group earns different prizes when they complete their challenges. Prizes are as follows:
- Babies: Board book (one per household).
- Kids: Gel squeeze ball, reading medal
- Teens: Mini animal building block set
- Kids and teens: Voucher for one free pastry from Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery, Whataburger coupon
Greenville County’s Summer Reading Kickoff is May 27th – May 29th at all library locations in Greenville County. Drop in to spin the Prize Wheel and get a Kona Ice coupon and a limited-edition sticker. One prize per person, while supplies last.
Spartanburg County Library Summer Reading Program
Summer Reading with the Spartanburg County Public Library kicks off June 6th, 2026! If you live in Spartanburg County, you can join the fun by completing your summer reading card (which you can pick up at a library, print at home, or receive via mail by request). Participants of all ages are welcome to read and earn prizes.
Anderson County Library Summer Reading Program
The 2026 Summer Reading Program at the Anderson County Library System is open to all ages (including adults) with chances to win prizes based on activities completed. This summer program runs from June 1st through July 19th, 2026.
Keep your eyes on the Anderson County Library System event calendar for free summer reading events, too!
Laurens County Library Summer Reading Program
2026 Summer Reading for Laurens County has not been announced as of publication.
The Laurens County Library Summer Reading Program generally beings in early June. To participate, readers can swing by either the Laurens or Clinton Library branch for a summer reading packet. In the past, readers have completed 12 books or 12 hours of reading, then returned their completed summer reading card to a local library branch.
Kids between the ages of 0-11, teens ages 12-18, and adults ages 19+ can earn prizes. Teens and adults will also be eligible for prize drawings. As part of the program, there are several in-person outdoor activities, as well as virtual programming.
Oconee County Library Summer Reading
Each year, the Oconee County Public Library encourages readers of all ages to complete at least 600 minutes of reading. Readers can register on the program web page through the Beanstack app or at their local library.
Keep your eyes on the library’s event calendar for virtual and in-person summer reading events. Note that some in-person events require pre-registration. All participants under the age of 17 generally receive a certificate, a medal, and a ticket voucher for a Greenville Drive game. Readers also earn entries into a prize drawing when they submit completed reading logs. Prizes vary by age groups.
- Emergent Readers – Ages 0-5
- Independent Readers – Ages 6-11
- Teen Readers – Ages 12-18
- Adults – Ages 18+
Pickens County Library Summer Reading Program
Pickens County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program kicks off on May 29th. Participants can read 10 books of their choice, complete 10 activities, or a combination of both to total 10. Reading/activity logs will be available at all library branches and the Pickens County Library System website at the beginning of June. Upon completion, participants should return their logs to their local branch or drive-thru.
All participants ages 17 and under will receive a “Unearth a Story” prize pack, as well as have their name entered into a drawing for more prizes. Adults who complete the program will receive a PCLS Summer Reading notebook and have their names entered into a drawing for more prizes.
All ages will receive a voucher for the Greenville Drive along with a tubing pass from the Saluda Outdoor River Company!
The library will also host several programs throughout the summer for kids to enjoy. Each program will be a different theme, with most located at the Pickens County Library System branches. They include interactive art events, Wildlife Geeks, Critter Keeper, and more! You’ll find all those programs at the 2026 summer adventure link.
Cherokee County: Cat’s Paw Winery
Cat’s Paw Winery in Blacksburg, SC offers a summer reading challenge for kids in Cherokee County. Each student that completes the summer reading log will receive a free pizza at the winery. The challenge is open to rising first graders through rising eighth graders. Reading starts June 1st and ends September 1st. Kids must submit their reading logs by September 12th to redeem the prize.
Cats Paw Winery is at 210 E Cherokee Street in Blacksburg. There’s has ample outdoor space and a train playground for kids.
2026 National Summer Reading Programs
Scholastic Summer Reading
Scholastic Summer Reading is a free online reading program that runs all summer long. Kids are encouraged to track their reading streaks to unlock prizes.
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Summer of Stories
This one will probably tug at your nostalgic heartstrings. Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer of Stories is back for 2026! During the months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single topping Personal Pan Pizza® from participating locations (limit five per family, per month). Use the BOOK IT!® Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards
This program is for kids in PreK – 6th grade. If you’re a homeschool or public school teacher, you can enroll in a BOOK IT! program that runs from October to March. Help your students earn that coveted pizza prize during the academic year!
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
The Barnes & Noble summer reading program is popular among parents. Kids in grades 1-6 earn a free book when they read any eight books and record them in their Summer Reading Journal. When they’re done, they can bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose a free book from a curated list of titles! Redeemable July 1st through August 31st, 2026.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Program
Don’t forget about the Chuck E. Cheese Reward program. Complete the weekly reading log, and get 10 free play points with any food purchase. Bonus: The rewards program is not limited to summer!
One More! Get Help with Reading Skills
If your child needs help or extra practice reading this summer, I recommend:
Clemson University Summer Reading Skills Program
No 2026 program details available at time of publication.
Clemson University offers several summer reading programs for children and adults. You simply choose the grade level your child will be entering and sign up for specific days near you. For more information or to enroll, call 1-800-964-8888 or visit their website.
I graduated from Clemson with a Master’s Degree in Literacy. During my program, I was able to see these summer programs in action and they’re top-notch! Your child will definitely be ready for the next year’s reading challenges after a summer with Clemson!
How are you planning to incorporate reading into your summer plans?
This article was originally written by Erica McCall and has been updated by the Kidding Around team.
I am so looking forward to this summer!
Our favorite free summer activities is going to the library. I teach, so I can’t participate in the classes during the year.
We love the summer programs too. This year seems like an especially great schedule!
TD bank also offers a reading program for K-5. $10 for reading 10 books within the time limit
http://www.tdbank.com/summerreading/
There is no date attached with the summer kickoff event, just times. Do you know the date– we love going!
June 5. Thanks for pointing that out. I didn’t realize it was missing!
Thanks so much!
The Barnes and Noble program is a little different this year — students get to complete three reading activities in the “triathlon” for a free book! And don’t forget about Chuck E Cheese — read 14 books or for 14 days and get 10 free tokens — http://www.chuckecheese.com/activities/rewards-calendars (scroll down to print in English or Spanish). Also Sylvan Learning Center’s Book Adventure allows students to read books, take quizzes, and earn prizes at http://www.bookadventure.com/home.aspx . Another resource is Reading Rockets (readingrockets.org) which offers helpful tips, book lists, and “meet the author” videos as well as suggested activities and school-curriculum tie-ins and links. Finally, be sure to check with your child’s school as many librarians (like me!) put together awesome summer reading programs for their schools. I tell my students — don’t let your brain turn to mush this summer! Read and do some thinking every day!
JourneyForth launched a nation-wide summer reading program today. Participants are challenged to read 15 minutes a day for 40 days. It’s ok if the days aren’t consecutive.
http://www.bjupress.com/books/summer-reading