Whitefish Bay Library 2026 Summer Reading Program

Summer reading program season is almost here — and the Whitefish Bay Public Library is once again encouraging readers of all ages to turn pages, track hours and earn prizes all summer long.

Registration for the 2026 Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 8, with opportunities for kids, tweens, teens and adults to participate. Whether your family loves chapter books, graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines or manga, every kind of reading counts.

Summer Reading for Kids & Tweens

Kids and tweens can sign up in person at the Youth Services Desk beginning June 8. The program is designed to make reading flexible and fun — participants can read independently, read together as a family, listen to audiobooks or even read aloud to someone else.

Readers can earn prizes along the way:

• 6 hours of reading = a free book thanks to the Friends of the Whitefish Bay Public Library

• 12 hours of reading = a coupon fun pack featuring activities and treats around Milwaukee plus an entry into an end-of-summer drawing for a $50 gift card to Winkie's

All kinds of reading count, including:

• Chapter books

• Graphic novels

• Manga

• Non-fiction

• Audiobooks and Tonies

• E-books

• Magazines

Summer Reading for Teens

Teens can also register at the Youth Services Desk and earn rewards throughout the summer.

Prize milestones include:

• 4 hours = entry into a gift card drawing

• 8 hours = free book

• 12 hours = another gift card drawing entry

• 16 hours = a city coupon fun pack

Like the kids program, teens can read almost anything they enjoy — from novels and comics to audiobooks and magazines.

Adults Can Join Too

Adults are invited to participate through the library’s online reading platform, Beanstack, beginning June 9.

Participants earn one raffle ticket for every two hours read, with opportunities to win gift cards from local businesses. Reading materials can include books, newspapers, audiobooks, magazines and e-books.

Adults can log up to 60 hours of reading and also earn bonus tickets by submitting book reviews or completing activity badges.

This summer’s drawings will take place:

• July 1

• July 29

• September 1

The library says there will be more than $1,000 in prizes available thanks to support from the Friends of the Whitefish Bay Public Library.

New for 2026: Bonus Bingo Challenge

This year also introduces a new Bonus Bingo Challenge for adults.

Participants can complete themed reading activities while tracking their regular summer reading hours. For example, reading a romance novel could count toward both the summer reading log and a Bingo square.

Adults earn:

• One ticket just for joining the Bingo challenge

• One additional ticket for completing Bingo

The challenge is optional, but adds another fun layer for readers looking to mix things up this summer.

With flexible reading goals, local prizes and programs for every age, the Whitefish Bay Public Library’s Summer Reading Program remains one of the easiest ways for families to stay engaged, curious and connected throughout the summer months.