With summer just around the corner, registration for The Indianapolis Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is now open.
This year’s program offers prizes for all ages — preschool to adult — and there are multiple ways to earn rewards.
Readers can track their time spent reading. The library defines this broadly as reading your own book, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone else or having a book read to you.
Readers can also “plan their way” to a prize by completing a series of activities recommended by the library.
Prizes include snacks, books, coupons, keychains, magnets and more.
The program runs from May 30 to Aug. 1.
Here’s how to get started.
How to join Indy library’s Summer Reading Program
Registration for the 2026 program opened May 1.
You can sign up in person by visiting any Indy library branch or register online.
Regulars of the annual summer reading program will be familiar with the library’s Beanstack platform.
Beanstack offers both a website and mobile application that helps readers track their reading progress. Readers can register as individuals or a family.
If you’re looking to register a larger group of readers, like a summer camp or daycare program, you can contact the library’s outreach services team to sign up.
Call 317-275-4075 for more information.
How to win prizes
There are multiple ways to pick up rewards this summer.
Participants earn prizes after reading for one, five, 10, 15 or 20 hours. You can visit any library branch to claim a reward upon meeting each benchmark.
Readers can also claim prizes after completing at least seven of 11 challenges. Qualifying activities vary by age.
Check out challenges for preschoolers, school-age kids, teens and adults on the library’s website or visit your local branch.
Kids and adults can also enter to win a gift card by filling out a summer reading survey online.
If Indy readers collectively log 22 million minutes this summer, the library will offer up additional prizes. Each branch will select one grand prize winner at random.
Read with friends
Not much of a solo reader? Need an accountability partner? Indy library is having events all summer to encourage reading.
Branches will celebrate the start of the summer reading season with a series of kickoff events in late May.
Activities vary by branch. Some include balloon art, a magician and a fire truck experience organized in partnership with the Indianapolis Fire Department.
Check the Indy library website for more information about when your closest branch plans to celebrate.
Other events taking place throughout the summer include animal meet-and-greets, robotics clubs, crochet lessons, trivia and more. A full list of events by branch is available online.
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Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.
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