Unearth A Story Summer Reading Challenge (All Ages)
Letter from our Director
Summer is here, and I am inviting everyone in Evergreen Park, even adults, to register for our Unearth a Story Summer Reading Challenge. As librarians, we know the magic of reading 20-minutes a day for all ages: reading strengthens our brains, reduces stress, expands our knowledge, and boosts creativity. Summer is a great time for the whole family to get lost in books and read for fun.
Study after study confirms that reading for pleasure is in decline, so help us reverse this troubling trend and foster a reading culture right here in EP. To accomplish this and foster a love of reading, we have added a community reading goal. Last year, 826 participants read 542,108 minutes. This year, we have set a goal to register 1,000 readers and/or read 750,000 minutes. To incentivize this goal, the Library will host an end-of-summer “block party” as a community prize.
But that’s not all, this year we have added incredible grand prizes for adults, teens, and children to win. Everyone who completes the 600-minute summer reading challenge is entered in a drawing to win prizes. Do your part: register for the Summer Reading Challenge, help us achieve this community goal, achieve your own goals, and continue your lifelong learning journey, but most importantly, read for fun!
The Community Challenge: Help Us Earn a Block Party
- The Goal: Register 1,000 readers and/or log 750,000 minutes read.
- The Reward: If we meet this challenge, the Evergreen Park Public Library Foundation will sponsor a "historic" End-of-Summer Reading "Block Party!
Summer Reading “Block” Party: Saturday, August 8, 4-7 pm
We’re unearthing one last adventure to celebrate a new reading record for EP! This celebration will feature games, delicious food, and fun for readers of all ages. Every minute you log brings us closer to the party!
How it Works:
Open to all ages! Read for at least 600 minutes this summer to earn fun prizes and entries into our end-of-summer grand prize drawings. Click here for more information about this summer's reading challenge! Summer Reading is June 1 - July 31, 2026.
Evergreen Park Public Library uses Beanstack, an online portal that helps patrons track their reading and provides free personalized reading recommendations. Patrons can sign up here and use Beanstack from their home computer, mobile devices, or in the Library. Visit our Beanstack website to register for the first time or to sign in if you already have an account.
You can also download the mobile app to your mobile device through the iTunes App Store or Google Play.
Leave Your Mark: Summer Reading Bookmarks
Want to see your creativity in the hands of fellow readers?
Unearth your inner artist! We are looking for unique, book-inspired designs to feature on our official Summer Reading Bookmarks. Pick up a template at the library and show us what 'Unearthing a Story' looks like to you. Summer Reading Book Mark Designs
Deadline for unearthing your inner artist is May 12, 2026.
Events Include:
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: Saturday, May 30, 1-3 pm
Help us kick off this year's Summer Reading Challenge, Unearth A Story, with a parking lot party! We'll have a foam party (bring a towel), a bounce house, free ice cream (while supplies last), and reptiles from Crosstown Exotics! While you're here, sign up the whole family for our Summer Reading Challenge and start logging the minutes you read this summer to earn prizes! Open to all ages.
Register for our Summer Reading Programs for all ages!
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our generous sponsors: Evergreen Park Public Library Foundation, Academy of Self Defense, Bookies, Blick Art Materials, Chicago Stars, Colorful Berries, Cravings, Culver's, Dakajos Family McDonald's, Kane County Cougars, M. E. P. Exterminating, Mayor Burke, Village of Evergreen Park, Meijer, Peace of Mind Professional Organizing LLC., Raising Cane's, Senator Bill Cunningham, The Lyric Theatre, and Windy City ThunderBolts.
