Summer Library Challenge

All together now Summer Library Challenge 2023 with library logo and bookshelves - relax & read!

The challenge: pack as much fun, relaxation, and reading as we can into summer!

Signup will open June 1! Here's a quick look at some of our past summer events - visit our Facebook pages for more.

mermaid and child
Boat building activity on Main Library front lawn
Samba drum troupe performing with children on Main Library front lawn
Bubbleman making giant bubbles on the Main Library front lawn

The Summer Library Challenge is for all ages! It's a fun (and free) way for families (including grandparents and grandchildren) to enjoy the library together. 

Sign up for our six-week newsletter and get all the details on our can't miss, free summer programming sent straight to your email. One email per week for six weeks, then we delete the list..

Each department and library has fantastic things planned for the summer, when we release the schedule you will be able to click the buttons below to learn more!

2023 Schedule

We'll be posting our groovy 2023 summer schedule soon!

While you're waiting, make sure to sign up for Beanstack - if you haven't already. In Beanstack you'll be able to sign up for our Summer Library Challenge as soon as it's available. T-shirts are available while supplies last.

We will be visiting schools in May to hand out program information PLUS we have a few community signup events already on our June calendar!

Child reading in tent at night

Why is summer reading important?

Our theme this year emphasizes our belief that it's important to both relax AND read over the summer. Summer is a great time to read whatever you find fun! For students this is especially important, because it helps maintain those important reading/comprehension skills built up over the school year. 

Keeping reading skills in tiptop shape is important for adults too!

Reading & Literacy Resources

Summer Library Challenge Events

This event is in the "Youth" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.

Summer Library Challenge sign-up @ Oryana West

10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Bookmobile
Age Group: Youth, Families
Program Type: Bookmobile / Bookbike, Summer
Event Details:
Join TADL Main and the Bookmobile at Oryana West for our Summer Library Challenge sign-up event! There will be games, activities, food, and a chance to sign-up for this year's Summer Library Challenge.  ...
This event is in the "Youth" group.

Naturally Fun: Farmers Market Kids Program

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kingsley Branch Library
Library Branch: Kingsley Branch Library
Age Group: Youth
Program Type: Arts, Explore, Make, STEAM, Storytime, Summer
Event Details:
Meet your favorite librarians outside in the Children's Garden for newest program in partnership with the Kingsley Farmers Market, Naturally Fun! This drop-in activity will include crafts and more fun! Parents are encouraged to stay and assist. We'll...
This event is in the "Youth" group.

Book Bucks Wallet Making

All Day
Kingsley Branch Library
Library Branch: Kingsley Branch Library
Age Group: Youth
Program Type: Book Club, Summer
Event Details:
Be prepared to store all the Book Bucks you'll earn during Summer Reading Challenge 2023 by making your own Book Buck Wallet! We'll have all the supplies and instructions on hand, you bring the creativity and pizzazz! This Youth program is free and o...
This event is in the "Youth" group.
This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.

Summer Library Challenge Kickoff!

10:00am - 1:00pm
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Front Lawn @ TADL Main Library
Age Group: Youth, All Ages, Families
Program Type: Celebrate, Summer
Event Details:
Get groovy with our fun-filled activities to kick-start our 2023 Summer Library Challenge! We'll be all together on the front lawn of the Main Library with games, snacks, and activities with our friends from Challenge Island, the Grand Traverse Conse...
This event is in the "Youth" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: McGuire Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Families
Program Type: Celebrate, Summer
Event Details:
Families are invited to join us in the McGuire Community Room for a morning of FUN with Comedy Magician & Entertainer- Cameron Zvara! Cameron's show is filled with mind blowing magic, comedy, juggling, music, and TONS of audience participation. Y...
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Cameron Zvara: Comedy Magician & Entertainer

2:00pm - 2:45pm
Kingsley Branch Library
Library Branch: Kingsley Branch Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play/Just for Fun, Summer
Event Details:
Help us kick off Summer Reading Challenge 2023 with comedy magician and entertainer Cameron Zvara, live in Kingsley! This all ages program is free and open to the public. This program will be held at The Rock of Kingsley, which shares a parking lo...

Printable Resources

Calendars

  • Youth Calendar (Letter Size PDF)

Logs

  • Pre-Reader (Letter Size PDF)
  • Younger Readers (Letter Size PDF)

Posters

2022 Summer Library Challenge