Unearth a Story 2026 Summer Reading Program

May 22-July 31

Register at arcpls.beanstack.org beginning May 4, 2026

Richmond County residents of all ages are invited to participate in our annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Unearth a Story. Read, earn prizes (while supplies last), and participate in a variety of fun and free programs over the summer!

You can register at arcpls.beanstack.org, via the Beanstack mobile app, and at Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System (ARCPLS) locations starting May 4, 2026. All participants can log their activities virtually at arcpls.beanstack.org, via the Beanstack mobile app, or on a paper log that can be obtained at any ARCPLS location starting May 22, 2026.

Registration & Rules:

Register at arcpls.beanstack.org, via the Beanstack mobile app, or at any of our locations. Need help registering or forgot your password from last year? Call Headquarters or your local branch, and we will be happy to assist you.

Ages 0-18

• Children and teens (ages 0-18) are encouraged to read or be read to at least 20 minutes a day throughout the summer.
• After logging 600 minutes of reading by July 31, participants will earn a completion prize which includes a free book, a tote bag, and a Star & Strikes certificate for an hour of game play (while supplies last). They will also be entered to win a grand prize of your choice!
• Those who read and log 900 minutes, 1200 minutes, 1500 minutes, and 1800 minutes will earn extra tickets for the grand prize drawings.
• To be eligible for the grand prizes, entries logged into Beanstack and paper logs must be submitted no later than Friday, July 31st. The grand prize drawings will be held on Monday, August 3rd.
• Completion prizes must be collected by Saturday, August 15th.
• Log reading at arcpls.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app. You can also pick up a paper log at any ARCPLS location.
• Listening to audiobooks also counts as reading. Your library card gives access to free audiobooks, e-books, and e-magazines via the Libby app as well as access to free audiobooks and e-books on eRead Kids.

Ages 19 and older

     Grown-ups can participate in the fun too!

• Read at least 20 minutes a day (includes listening to audiobooks) with the goal of reading for 600 minutes between May 22-July 31.
• Log reading at arcpls.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app. You can also pick up a paper log at any ARCPLS location.
• Once you have completed the goal of reading 600 minutes, you can visit any of our locations to pick up your completion prize (while supplies last). You will also be entered into the grand prize drawings of your choice. To be eligible for the grand prizes, entries logged into Beanstack and paper logs must be submitted by Friday, July 31st. The grand prize drawings will be held on Monday, August 3rd. Completion prizes must be collected by Saturday, August 15th.
• Adults who exceed the goal of reading 600 minutes will have a chance of winning additional tickets for the grand prize entries at the milestones of 900 minutes, 1200 minutes, 1500 minutes, and 1800 minutes.

Programs

Attend programs at Headquarters and at your neighborhood branch. Programming will include story times, soap making, crafts and more! Go to https://arcpls.librarycalendar.com/events/month to see our full event calendar.

Special Events

• Our Summer Reading Book Bash/Kickoff will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Dave & Buster’s Augusta (807 Cabela Drive, Augusta, GA 30909) from 11:00am-3:00pm. For those who register for our summer reading program, there will be free food and free books while supplies last. There will also be a petting zoo from Wallace’s Farm, games, and more!

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