Readers of all ages are invited to participate in Alpha Park Public Library’s Summer Reading 2026: Plant a Seed, Read!

Join us June 2 through July 25 for amazing fun and prizes for kids, teens, and adults! This year's theme is rooted in exploring how farms grow food that nourishes our bodies and libraries grow ideas that nourish our minds – and both connect us to our communities and culture.  Online registration opens Tuesday, May 26, at alphapark.beanstack.com, and readers can begin tracking their progress online, with the Beanstack app, or with a reading log from the library starting June 2.  And don’t miss our big Kick-Off Party on Tuesday, June 2, 2-6 p.m.!

Exciting programs are planned throughout the summer featuring farming-themed activities, informative presentations, and family favorites like story times, crafts, and movie nights.  View our online calendar and register for programs at alphapark.librarycalendar.com.  Readers who complete the challenge will receive passes and gift cards to Tanners Orchard – and be entered in the final drawing for awesome prizes for each age group!

Start Reading!

• Borrow books, audiobooks, and magazines from Alpha Park Library or download/stream eBooks and audiobooks from our digital collections.
• Whether it’s reading a graphic novel, listening to an audiobook, or reading an article, it counts! All reading must occur within the program dates.

Earn Badges

• Record your minutes in Beanstack.
• Earn 1 badge for every 60 minutes (Ages 0-18) or 150 minutes (Adults).
• Earn 10 badges to complete the program. Kids can pick up badge stickers and small prizes at the Youth Services desk.
• Earn one badge for completing an activity or attending any three Alpha Park Public Library programs. Earn an extra entry into the prize drawing for every activity badge you complete.

Win Prizes

• Participants will receive prizes for reaching the midway point by earning 5 badges and for completing the program by earning 10 badges.
• Kids and teens will earn an entry into the final prize drawing for every 5 hours of reading completed!
• Adults who complete the program will also be entered into the final prize drawing!

 

Our 2026 Summer Reading programs and prizes are made possible thanks to support from our amazing Friends of APL and community sponsors, including the Peoria County Regional Office of Education, State Senator David Koehler, Dashco, Inc., Camelot Care Center, Tanners Orchard, Monical’s Pizza, and Kuchie’s on the Water!