Summer Reading Program 2026

How it Works:

Every summer, the Port Townsend Public Library invites community members to participate in our annual Summer Reading program. The Summer Reading program includes self-paced reading challenges, interactive programs and activities, and live performances and events. Reading challenges for kids, teens, and adults run from June 1st-August 31st. Participants can track their hours with one of our reading trackers. Pick up a reading tracker at the library starting June 1st or print one from our website (available below). Fun prizes are available for kids, teens, and adults that accomplish the reading challenge in each age category.  

Any and all reading that you do from June 1st- August 31st can be applied to one of our summer reading challenges. Read a book with a friend, listen to an audiobook, attend one of our weekly storytimes, enjoy a graphic novel, it all counts! 

The Port Townsend Public Library's Summer Reading program is available to all community members and no registration is required. Just start reading! 

Kids & Teens: 

Read 10 hours to earn a new book. Read 50 hours to earn a limited edition t-shirt designed by local artist Shannon Kidd. All t-shirt orders must be recieved by August 31st at 6:00 pm.  

Teens and young adults, ages 13-24, can wear their Summer Reading t-shirt to The Nest and receive a free drink. Limit 1 use by September 7th, 2026. 

Adults:

Read 10 hours and get a free vinyl sticker and be entered for a raffle drawing. Read 100 hours to earn a limited edition t-shirt designed by local artist Shannon Kidd. All t-shirt orders must be received by August 31st at 6:00 pm. 

Summer Reading Program 2026 is sponsored by the Port Townsend Library Friends & Foundation.

Events & Activities

Every week we will be having fun events and activities to celebrate Summer Reading. Check out our event calendar for more information on all of the programs listed below. 

Weekly Programs & Performances: 

• "Read to Rover" with special guests from Olympic Mountain Pet Pals. Tuesdays, June 2, July 7, and August 4, from 3:30pm-4:30pm. The Children's Room. Ages 5-12.  
• "LEGO Club." Mondays, June 8, July 13, and August 10, 4:00pm-5:00pm. The Children's Room. Ages 7-12.  
• "Youth Chess Club." Mondays, June 15, July 20, and August 17, 4:00pm-5:00pm. The Children's Room. Ages 7-12. 
• "Teen Chess Club." Mondays, June 15, July 20, and August 17, 4:00pm-5:00pm. The Teen Room. Ages 12-18.  
• “Summer Garden Program,” with City of Port Townsend Parks Department. Wednesday, June 24, 10:00pm-12:00pm. Bell Tower Park. 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 Children’s Room. Ages 5-12. 
• “Flower Fairy Friends,” with Shannon Kidd. Thursday, July 2, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Children’s Room. Ages 7-12. 
• "Fairy House Workshop." Thursday, July 9, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Pink House Lawn. Ages 7-12. 
• “Bike Rodeo.” Saturday, July 11, 11:00am-1:00pm. Blue Heron Middle School. Ages 3-12. 
• "Storytime at Finnriver Farm & Cidery." Thursday, July 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Finnriver Farm & Cidery. Ages 5-12. 
• “Scribbles Art Exploration: Window Pane Collages” with Ali and Whitney from Scribbles. Tuesday, July 28, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Pink House Lawn. Ages 3-7. 
• “Summer Garden Program,” with City of Port Townsend Parks Department. Wednesdays, July 29, and August 26, 10:00am-12:00pm. Chetzemoka Park. Kids ages 7-12 and teens ages 12-18. 
• “Art in the Park” with Maria Coryell-Martin of ArtToolkit. Wednesday, August 5, 1:00pm-2:00pm. 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. 
• “Gel Printing,” with Kaylee Cammack. Thursday, August 13, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Pink House Lawn. Ages 7-12.  
• “Trivia Night.” Thursday, August 20, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Carnegie Room. Ages 12+. 
• "Magic Show," with Tobias Weinberger from the Traveling Spectacular. Thursday, August 27, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Chetzemoka Park. All Ages.  

 Summer Storytimes:

• Storytime in the Park: Every Tuesday from 10:30am-11:00am at Chetzemoka Park, June 3- August 26.  
• Storytime at the Port Townsend Farmers Market: Saturdays, June 6, July 4, and August 1, 11:00am-11:30am. 

Our Summer Storytime series is intended for kids of all ages and their families. Join us rain or shine! 

Sing-a-Ling with Keeth Apgar:

• Summer Sing-a-Ling: Fridays, June 26, July 24, and August 28, 10:30am-11:00am. Ages 0-5.