Siouxland Libraries Announces 2026 Summer Reading Program
Published on May 20, 2026
Siouxland Libraries will launch its 2026 Summer Reading Program on Friday, May 22, inviting readers of all ages to participate in a summer filled with books, prizes and dinosaur-themed activities.
This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” encourages community members from infancy through adulthood to stay engaged in reading and learning throughout the summer. The program runs through Aug. 14 and includes four age-specific reading logs, special events and prize opportunities.
“Research shows kids can lose two to three months of reading progress over a single summer. The Summer Reading Program is how we push back,” said Alysia Boysen, director of Siouxland Libraries. “Last summer, more than 5,000 readers signed up across our 13 branches, and more than 3,000 finished the program, both the highest numbers in recent years. That includes 1,654 elementary-age children who each logged at least 20 hours of reading between June and August. We’re inviting every family in Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County to make this year even bigger.”
The goal of the program is to make reading something families can do together.
“Summer reading is a fun and flexible way for readers of all ages to explore new interests and discover books they enjoy,” said Leah Tanis, supervising librarian. “It’s also an opportunity for parents, grandparents, mentors and other caring adults to help young learners build strong reading habits. When children see the people around them making reading part of everyday life, it reinforces the value and joy of literacy.”
Early Literacy: Birth to Age 5
The early literacy program focuses on sensory play and shared reading experiences designed to support foundational literacy development.
Upcoming activities include:
- Book Walk at McKennan Park on June 16 from 9:45 to 11 a.m.
- Park & Play events with the City of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department from 2 to 4 p.m. on:
- Aug. 1 at Frank Olson Park
The finisher party is scheduled for Aug. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Oak View Branch.
Elementary: Kindergarten through fifth grade:
Designed to keep school-aged children engaged and excited about independent reading, the Summer Reading Program will feature 11 kickoff events scheduled from May 27 through June 6.
Performers throughout the summer include Adam Reptile Adventure, 605 Magic Art Bus, the Sioux Falls Canaries, Kind of a Dragon Show, Magic Show and Zoomobile.
The finisher party is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oak View Branch.
Teens: Grades 6-12
Middle and high school students are invited to explore their interests and compete for prizes through a variety of library programs this summer. Entries for the Teen Art Contest will be accepted through June 22, with an artists’ reception scheduled for July 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Teens can also attend the “Booked After Hours: Unearth a Story” program on July 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library.
The finisher party is scheduled for Aug. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Prairie West Branch.
Adults
Adults ages 18 and older are invited to participate in Archaeology 101 on June 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ronning Branch and the Spectacular Adult Spelling Bee on July 31 at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Library.
For more information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, including reading logs, a complete schedule of events and prize details, visit siouxlandlib.org/summer-reading-program.