Duluth Public Library launches summer reading program for all ages

Duluth Public Library’s free summer reading challenge is back, giving families in Duluth and St. Louis County a no-cost way to keep kids reading, build routines during the break and put books in reach all summer long. Plant a Seed, Read runs through Aug. 15, and the library says readers of every age can take part.

The program is open to children, teens and adults, with separate offerings for birth-to-5, K-5, teen and adult readers. Participants can register through the Beanstack app or pick up a paper reading tracker from library staff at any Duluth Public Library location. The library’s main branch, Mount Royal Shopping Circle and West Duluth are all part of the system, making the challenge accessible across the city.

Once signed up, readers can log minutes, track books or complete activities to earn prizes. The June program guide says participants can also attend library programs as part of the challenge, which turns the effort into more than a reading log. Beanstack says readers can earn badges and chances to win prizes after registering, adding another incentive for children and adults to keep going through the summer.

The library says any reading counts, including e-books and audiobooks. In its summer reading video, the library says readers who reach 20 hours earn a free book, with additional reading improving the odds of winning more prizes. That structure gives families a practical, low-cost option at a time when schools are out and public libraries often become important places for learning, access and free activity.

The 2026 theme continues a yearly pattern for the Duluth Public Library, which used Level Up for its 2025 summer reading campaign. This year’s program is supported by the Duluth Library Foundation and Friends of the Duluth Public Library, underscoring the local backing behind a service that is designed to keep reading visible, social and easy to join for anyone who walks into a branch or opens the app.