Fired Up About Reading!
Summer Reading 2026
Lowell Public Library (219) 696-7704
Schneider Branch Library (219) 552-1000
Shelby Branch Library (219) 552-0809
June 1–July 25, 2026
Summer Reading Guidelines
(Read these guidelines before clicking on the sign-up link below.)
The Children’s Summer Reading program is for children from birth to 4th grade. Children going into middle school in the fall can participate in our YA program.
Pre-registration starts on Tuesday, May 26th for the reading portion of summer reading. Sign-ups can be done online.
The first day that books count toward prizes and reading credit is Monday, June 1st. The last day is Saturday, July 25th.
In addition to reading, we also offer various program activities each Tuesday and Thursday. Online registration for these activities starts Monday, June 1st. Program sign-ups will be available online one week prior to each program and may also be taken over the phone. If you are unable to attend a program you signed up for, please call to let us know.
To make sure we have enough supply for each craft, Pre–registration is required.
Only items checked out from the Library are eligible for reading credits. Each reader will have a dragon displayed to show their progress.
When children finish reading a book, parents must fill in their child’s reading booklet, found at the desk in the children’s department. Books without chapters are considered 1 book. Each chapter in a chapter book is considered 1 book. Therefore, if a child reads a book with 12 chapters the parent would record “12” on the “ch” line after the book’s title.
For every 10 books/chapters a child reads, items will be added to their dragon :
- 10 books/chapters: dragon face
- 20 books/chapters: dragon horns
- 30 books/chapters: dragon wings
- 40 books/chapters: flames
- Every additional 10 books/chapters: gem stickers
We will be offering “grand prizes” at the end of Summer Reading. Throughout the 8 week program, readers will have the opportunity to put their name in for the end of Summer prize drawings! Prize drawings will be July 29th.
Each day that a child checks out 5 or more books, they will receive a gold coin from the front desk and they will have the opportunity to select an item from the treasure chest. When they check out 10 or more BOOKS, they will not only get their coin but also a slip to fill out for the prize drawings. Each day they check out 10 or more books, they fill out a slip. The more slips they fill out throughout Summer, the more chances they have to win one of the prizes!
When Summer Reading is completed, students who attend school at Three Creeks, Oak Hill, or Lake Prairie will have their dragon picture and booklets returned to them at school. Those children who are in preschool, homeschooled, or who attend other schools may pick up their picture and booklet from the Lowell Library.
Thank you for your interest in Lowell Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.
There are many books, games, crafts, prizes and lots of fun waiting for you.
Come enjoy the summer with us!
(You can print these guidelines using the PDF link below, or stop by one of our locations and pick up a copy!)
Early Sign-Ups Coming Soon!
Early online sign-ups will begin at 9am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Or sign up in person at one of our locations during their open hours starting May 26.
(And of course, we would love to see you before then also—come for a visit!)
See you soon!
Kids Summer Reading Program Schedule
Summer Reading Kickoff
Monday, June 1st, 10am–Noon — Join us for our Kids Summer Reading Kickoff! Get Fired Up about Reading while enjoying:
- Face painting!
- Balloon animals!
- Coloring sheets!
- Scavenger hunt!
- FREE pizza slice!
- FREE ice cream cup!
No registration required for the Kickoff — just come join the fun!
Weekly Programs
The following programs are for children from birth to 4th grade.
Children must be pre-registered.
Preschool age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
There are two sessions for each program — 10:30 a.m. OR 1:30p.m. Space is limited.
Pre-registration is required.
Register online or call 219-696-7704.
Tuesday Programs
June 9th– T.P. roll dragon
June 16th– Fairy door
June 23rd– Fairy windchime
June 30th– nature walk/sidewalk chalk
July 7th– Mushroom fairy house
July 14th– Stuffy sleepover
July 21st– Carnival!
Thursday Programs
June 11th– dragon egg
June 18th– bubble wrap dragon
June 25th– crafty crown
July 2nd– BINGO
July 9th– How to train your dragon movie
July 16th– Book walk
July 23rd– Fire dept visit to the library!
Balloon Show
*Saturday, June 13th 3:00 – 4 P.M — Smartypants balloon show!
MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND
Important Summer Reading Reminders
Saturday, July 25th is the LAST DAY TO ENTER BOOKS FOR SUMMER READING CREDIT!
Log 50 books or chapters by the last day of Summer Reading to receive a ticket for the end of Summer bubble foam party on Thursday, July 30th.
Rain date: Friday, July 31st
The Summer Bubble Foam Party will be for Summer readers with tickets only. Readers MUST present their ticket to enter the foam zone.
