Looking for the best Ann Arbor summer reading programs to keep your kids engaged this year? We’ve roundup up all of the great programs. So, grab the printable reading logs, and get ready to earn free books and other amazing rewards for toddlers to teens (and adults). These programs are fun for eager bookworms and can motivate a reluctant reader to help prevent the summer slide.
AADL Summer Game (June 9-August 30)
The Ann Arbor District Library Summer Game is a highlight of every summer. It combines a traditional summer reading program with earning points for rewards. There are many different levels to the AADL Summer Game and players can interact with it in as many or as few ways as they want. Want to learn more? Check out our guide on How to Play the AADL Summer Game:
Other Summer Reading Programs at Libraries near Ann Arbor
Ypsilanti District Library (June 6-August 23)
The Ypsilanti District Library has launched their Summer Challenge which contains some of the same aspects as the AADL Summer Game. Set reading goals and be rewarded, learn something at a library event, and explore challenges in the library and in the community.
Dexter District Library (June 15-July 31)
Dexter District Library has a Summer Reading Program for all ages from listeners through adults. 2026’s theme is Unearth a Story. Log your reading each week for small weekly prizes. Complete all 6 weeks of the program for a goody bag and entry to the Final Prize Drawing.
Their program has three levels – Read-to-Me for the youngest pre-readers, Reading Club Program, and Teen Reading Program.
Teens & Tweens are invited to enter the Summer Photo Contest by July 31 and participate in MILibrary Quest from July 1-31. MiLibraryQuest is a collaboration between Library of Michigan and select public libraries (including Dexter and Milan) to create a statewide virtual quest for teens.
Saline District Library (June 8-August 10)
The Saline District Library has a Kids Summer Reading program for all ages. They are also using the 2026 theme of Unearth a Story. They have three levels – kids, teen, and adults.
Kids can track time spent reading and earn Brag Tags for reaching milestones. Kids can also earn points by completing missions, bingo boards, and writing book reviews. You’ll get a free book when you sign up.
Teens can choose to log reading by minutes, books read, pages read, or days of reading and earn prizes for hitting certain point thresholds. Earn prizes at 100, 500, and 1000 points. Each prize point counts as an entry for the grand prize of BEATS headphones.
The Adult Summer Reading Program awards 100 points for each book read to get a prize and entry into the Grand Prize Drawing for every 500 points earned.
We couldn’t find an end date for the Kids program, but the drawings for the teen and adult programs are August 10.
Ann Arbor Summer Reading Programs at Local Bookstores
Literati Bookstore
Literati Bookstore launched their Summer Reading Programs for both grades K-12 and adults on June 9 and runs through August 21.
For either the grades K-12 or adult log to be entered to win a grand prize. The paper logs on their Facebook post show 10 slots for both kids and adults, although the online form for adults only requires 5 books.
For both programs you can enter as many times as you hvae new books to complete the list.
Booksweet
Booksweet launched their 2026 Summer Reading Program on June 9 as AAPS let out for the summer. This year’s theme is Adventure on the High Seas. Stop in the store to pick up your map and start exploring the islands by reading, crafting, and yes, participating in the AADL Summer Game.
Kids (18 & under) can complete their map and redeem it for a free book from Dave’s Jones’s Locker. They’ll be announcing more details including a chance to win a $25 gift card to Booksweet.
Schuler Books
Children in grades K-12 can participate in Schuler Books Summer Reading Club. Kids and teens can complete each of 3 levels and earn a $5 Schuler Books coupon for each level. The 2026 theme is Get Outside and Into a Book! You can read to kindergarteners and first graders that still counts.
Schuler Books recognizes that it takes longer to read longer books – a book over 200 pages counts as 2 books. The reading levels to complete are:
- Nature Walk.- 15 Books
- Campsite – 20 Books
- Mountain Hike – 25 Books
Their Adult Summer Reading Club is themed to “Books Are in My Nature”. LIke the kids program, there are three levels. You’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize for each level you complete (5 Books, 10 Books, 15 Books). Their adult form includes category recommendations to help diversify your reading.
Courageous Books
Dexter’s Courageous Books is offering a Summer Reading Program. Stop in the store to get your Bingo Card – they have an adult version and a kids version. For each BINGO you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a gift card ($200 for adults, $50/kids). Their Bingo Cards include ways to pick books and how to read.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble offers a Summer Reading Program at all of their stores for kids in grades 1-6. Kids can earn a free book from their selection by reading 8 books. One thing that I love about the Barnes and Noble program is that it is nationwide. One year on summer vacation my daughter finished all the books that she brought with us on the drive to our destination. She was able to redeem a free book at Barnes & Noble to read on the rest of our trip.
This year’s summer reading form is a bracket. Read two books, then pick your favorite and create a recommendation slip.
Best Places to Read in Ann Arbor This Summer
In summer, there is no reason to confine your reading to home. Reading can be done anywhere around town!
Are you heading to the pool? Bring books with you. When the kids need a break, find a shady chair under an umbrella or trees and let them read for a few minutes. This is a great option during adult only swim breaks or on a post-meal break before swimming.
Playgrounds offer many options for reading. Let the kids run around and get their energy out. Then, take a break on a blanket or camp chairs under a tree and spend some time reading while having a drink and a snack. At home, my daughter used to go into the clubhouse on her swingset to read.
The Arb and the Botanical Gardens are perfect for reading. Take a walk to find a shady spot to set out your blanket. The Children’s Garden at Matthaei offers several places to read.
Road trips are perfect for reading! Pick out an audio book and listen as you drive. (Yes, most programs count an audio book as reading). And if your child doesn’t get car sick, have them read first to earn their screen time. We instituted this rule with my daughter when she was little. Even at 20, she still holds herself to this rule. After every stop on a road trip she reads before plugging back into her phone or Switch.
