Summer Reading Programs for Gwinnett Families

Summer break starts this week, and the good news is that kids can earn real rewards just for reading this summer.

No cost to sign up. Free books, free pizza, free play points!

Here are several reading programs available to Gwinnett County families in 2026.

Gwinnett County Public Library

Summer Reading Challenge 2026

All ages • Theme: Unearth a Story • May 21 – July 31

Track reading minutes using the free Beanstack app or a paper log from any branch
Earn prizes at 300, 600, 900, and 1,200 minutes read
Registration prize: free Stars & Strikes arcade play coupon (all ages)
Level 1 (300 min): Aurora Children’s Theater pass and Gwinnett Stripers ticket
Level 4 (1,200 min): a free book plus a second grand prize entry
Grand prizes include Fernbank Museum tickets, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary passes, Legos, Squishmallows, and more
Free special events all summer: magic shows (June 1–6), dinosaur program (June 22–29), puppet shows (July 16–22)
Collect weekly brag tags at any branch by checking out a book and showing your receipt

Step 1: Register at gwinnettpl.beanstack.org or walk into any GCPL branch. Pre-registration is open now. Logging begins May 21.

Barnes & Noble

Summer Reading Program

Grades 1–6 • Redeem July 1 – August 31

Step 1: Download or print the Reading Journal at barnesandnoble.com, or grab a paper copy at your local B&N.

Books-a-Million

Summer Reading Adventure
Physical location: Sugarloaf Mills Mall, Lawrenceville

Elementary age • While supplies last

Read 4 books from the BAM Summer Reading Adventure selection
Log each book in the free printable adventure logbook
Bring the completed logbook to a Books-a-Million store to claim a free prize
This year’s Summer Ambassador is author Dav Pilkey (Dog Man, Captain Underpants)
Prizes are available while supplies last

Step 1: Download the adventure logbook at booksamillion.com/summeradventure.

Chuck E. Cheese

Page Turning Pro Award

All ages • Available year-round

Parent or teacher sets a reading goal (finishing a book, reading daily for a week, reaching a new level, etc.)
Print the free Page Turning Pro Award certificate
Fill in the child’s name, date, and a parent or teacher signature
Present the certificate at Chuck E. Cheese with any food purchase
Receive 10 free play points to use on games

Step 1: Download the free certificate at chuckecheese.com.

Scholastic

Summer Reading Challenge – Read-a-Palooza

All ages • April 26 – September 3, 2026 • 100% free • No library card needed

Create a free account on Scholastic Home Base, a safe and moderated digital platform for kids
Read free full ebooks available exclusively inside the summer zone. no purchase required
Build Reading Streaks by checking in each day you read
Earn bronze, silver, gold, and diamond milestone awards as streaks grow
Every Reading Streak unlocks a free print book donation to a child with limited access to books
Connect with other readers and favorite authors inside the platform’s safe community
All rewards are virtual and tracked inside the app. Nothing to redeem in-store
The longest summer program on this list, runs all the way through September 3

Step 1: Create a free account at scholastic.com/summer. No library card needed and no cost to join.

DIY: Start a Summer Book Club

Any age group • You set the rules

Gather 4 to 6 kids from school, summer camp, or the neighborhood at roughly the same reading level
Choose one book everyone will read
Meet once or twice to talk about the story Meet at the library, a backyard, or a local coffee shop
Let the kids pick the next book together
All books can be borrowed for free from any GCPL branch or through the Libby app

Step 1: Text a few families and pick a first book. Your GCPL library card gets everyone started for free.

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