PRESS RELEASE -Public Library Summer Reading Program Kicks Off June 1
2026 theme, “A Beautiful Place to Live,” features art by Shannon Kidd
May 21, 2026 PORT TOWNSEND – The Port Townsend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs from June through August each year. All community members are invited to participate in self-paced reading challenges for kids, teens, and adults, and track their hours along the way. This year’s theme, “A Beautiful Place to Live,” invites the community to find a story exposing the beauty of the world and challenges us to make the world a better place.
Any aspect of engaging in literature counts, including reading a book with a friend, listening to an audiobook, attending one of the library’s weekly storytimes, enjoying a graphic novel, and more. Participants can track their hours with a reading tracker available at the library or on the library’s website. Prizes are available for kids, teens, and adults in each age category. Kids and teens that read 10 hours earn a free book. Adults that read 10 hours earn a vinyl sticker and are eligible for a raffle prize to Imprint Bookstore. Kids and teens that read 50 hours or adults that read 100 hours earn a limitededition t-shirt designed by local artist Shannon Kidd. Teens and young adults (ages 13-24) that wear their Summer Reading t-shirt to The Nest by September 6,, 2026, receive a free drink.
Youth & Outreach Library Manager, Emily Rucker says: “This year’s Summer Reading program is a celebration of our unique community and what makes Port Townsend such a ‘beautiful place to live.’ Programs and activities are designed to introduce community members to local attractions including ourhistoric Carnegie Library, City parks, as well as local farms and gardens. Program presenters demonstrate the diverse talent of our community, from local farmers and artisans to small business owners and performers. This year we are inviting our community to explore new areas, look at the world through a new and perhaps more whimsical lens, and consider what they can do to make our community a more “beautiful place to live.”
Featured Summer Reading programs include:
- "Summer Garden Program,” with City of Port Townsend Parks staff. Wednesdays, June 24,July 29, and August 26, 10:00am-12:00pm. Bell Tower Park (June 24) and Chetzemoka Park (July 29 and August 26). Kids ages 7-12 and teens ages 12-18.
- “Become a Youth Vendor at the Farmers Market,” with Amanda Milholland and Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM). Thursday, June 25, 1:00pm-2:00pm. The Port Townsend Public Library- Children’s Room. Ages 5-12.
- “Storytime at Finnriver Farm & Cidery.” Thursday, July 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Finnriver Farm & Cidery. Ages 5-12
- “Art in the Park,” with Maria Coryell-Martin of Art Toolkit. Wednesday, July 22, 1:00pm2:00pm. Chetzemoka Park. All ages.“Summer Floral Arrangements,” with Laurie McKenzie and Candice Gohn. Thursday, August 6, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Garris Gardens. Ages 12-18.
- “Trivia Night.” Thursday, August 20, 6:00pm-7:30pm. The Port Townsend Public LibraryCarnegie Room. Ages 12+.
The full list is available on the library’s website. Additionally, community members are encouraged to pick up an Explore Your Parks Activity Book at the library and visit seven beautiful City parks over the Summer. After completing the activity book, program participants are eligible for a raffle prize to the Port Townsend Garden Center.
Summer Reading Program 2026 is generously sponsored by the Port Townsend Library Friends & Foundation. Their sponsorship ensures that all weekly programs and performances are free to all. Many programs are for youth of all ages, including teens, and the Summer Storytime series is intended for younger children and their caregivers. Programs and storytimes will happen rain or shine and the library website will show updates to times and locations for weekly programs.
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Find the full list of Summer Reading 2026 programs and storytimes, and download the reading trackeron the library’s website: Summer Reading Program 2026 | City of Port Townsend Washington
