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YA Summer Reading 2026

YA Summer Reading 2026

"Fired Up About Reading!" written in flames

Young Adult 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

"RULES" written in flames with a rectangular border of flames

YA 2026 Summer Reading Rules

(Read these RULES before clicking on the sign-up link below.)

For every book you read you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of two, $50 gift cards or a variety of exciting treasures. YA Books with dragons count double.

For the gift card drawings will be separated between Middle Grade (5th-8th) readers and High School (9th-12th) readers with each group having 2 winners. 

Participation also gains admittance to the End of Summer Reading Cookout with 40′ Inflatable Obstacle Course.

1) Entries won’t be accepted before 6/2/26 (TUES)

2) You must have a personal Lowell Public Library card in good standing by July 27.

3) All books should be checked out from the library or one of our resources (Hoopla, Libby, Teen Book Cloud).

4) Books must be cataloged as Juvenile Fiction or higher. Graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks, physical books, comic books, manga, & e-books all count!
Please read at your reading level. No Juvenile Easy Readers, Story books, board books.

5) Only 5 YA book submissions per person per day will be entered into the drawing. The more you read the higher your chance of winning.

6) No entry will be accepted after 5PM on July 25. No exceptions.

Want a copy of the YA Summer Reading Rules? You can print them out using the PDF link below or stop by one of our locations and pick up a copy!

Registration

The sign-up link will be active starting at 9AM on Tuesday, May 26, HOWEVER, the 2026 YA Summer Reading Program does not officially begin until Monday, June 1.
Initial submissions will not be accepted until 9AM on Tuesday, June 2.   

Asian style dragon sitting at a desktop computer with photos on a desk.

PLEASE NOTE: This link below is for signing up for 2026 YA Summer Reading only. You can sign your student up for individual programs or events offered by the library during Summer Reading on our Events page or by calling the library. The Upcoming Young Adult Programs can also be found at the bottom of this page.  

ALSO, SIGNING UP FOR THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY KEEP TRACK OF THE BOOKS YOU HAVE CHECKED OUT.
You will still need to record books on a log sheet and turn them in with no more than 5 book submissions per day.

The prizes shown are for the Young Adult Summer Reading Drawing that will be done after the last day of 2026 Summer Reading. Eligibility for this drawing comes from actively participating in the 2026 YA Summer Reading Challenge where each book submitted grants the student 1 entry into the drawing, dragon books are worth 2 entries.

The Grand Prizes, not pictured, are 4 individual $50 gift cards; 2 names will be pulled from 5th-8th grade (middle grade) students, and 2 names will be pulled from high school students.

Prizes include various items from the following categories:

  • Crafts
  • Diamond Art & Puzzles
  • Books & Notebooks                   
    • Percy Jackson & the Olympians books 1-5 and Ultimate Guide
    • Harry Potter Box Set with special cover illustrations   
  • Beverage holders
  • Personal Accessories
  • Electronics
  • Games
  • Gift Cards & Vouchers
    • Special Voucher for free classes and accessories to Kataaro Martial Arts
    • 2 Half Off registration vouchers for Lowell Youth Soccer Club

After the drawing, winners will be notified of when to pick their prizes.

Upcoming Young Adult Events

Individual Registration Required

Two marshmallows on a roasting stick being held over a teepee style campfire.
22Oct
October 22, 2026 17:30

YA Campfire (Lowell) RESCHEDULED 10/22

UPDATED DATE On THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, join other Young Adults in learning the ins and outs of fire safety, building a campfire, maintaining a campfire, and properly extinguishing a campfire…
Free
Event flyer, all information posted below.
29Oct
October 29, 2026 16:15

YA Haunted Stacks VOLUNTEERS (Lowell)

YA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Young Adults from the Lowell Public Library are hosting the Annual Haunted Stacks trick-or-treating program for the younger kids. This is a great VOLUNTEER program for…
5 chess pieces and a white checker above the words " Chess & Checkers"
04Nov
November 4, 2026 16:30

YA Chess / Checkers (Lowell)

Young Adults (5th-12th grade students) Are you interested in playing Chess OR Checkers with others your age? Come to our YA Checkers / Chess program on Wednesday, November 4th, from…
Free
Volunteer flyer for food drive packaging. All info and more are included in the body.
14Nov
November 14, 2026 09:30

YA Food Drive Sorting / Bagging VOLUNTEERS (Lowell)

YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! Teens & Tweens, we need your help! Saturday, November 14 from 9:30-11:30. Lowell Public Library Young Adult Thanksgiving Food Drive needs help sorting and bagging donated…
5 chess pieces and a white checker above the words " Chess & Checkers"
18Nov
November 18, 2026 16:30

YA Chess / Checkers (Lowell)

Young Adults (5th-12th grade students) Are you interested in playing Chess OR Checkers with others your age? Come to our YA Checkers / Chess program on Wednesday, November 18th, from…
Free
the words "minute to win it" in front of a blue 60 second timer
19Nov
November 19, 2026 17:30

YA Thanksgiving Minute to Win It (Lowell)

Join us for the 3rd Annual YA Thanksgiving Minute to Win It competition at the Lowell Public Library on Thursday, November 19 from 5:30-7:00pm. Come ready to test your skills…
Free
2 circular wooden ornaments with Christmas decorations on them.
03Dec
December 3, 2026 17:30

YA Wood Burned Christmas Ornaments (Lowell)

  Join other teens and tweens at 5:30 on December 3rd at the Lowell Public Library to make your own custom wood burned ornament for Christmas. Pick your design from…
Free
Magnifying glass revealing the words" Calling all sleuths! Can you crack the case?"
17Dec
December 17, 2026 17:30

Young Adult Holiday Scavenger Hunt (Lowell)

CASE FILE: OPERATION HOLIDAY RELIEF Join us at the Lowell Public Library on December 17th at 5:30 for our Young Adult Holiday Scavenger Hunt followed up with some chow. Test…
Free