Book lovers of all ages lined up, checked out, perused, played games and more Saturday at Carson City Library’s annual kickoff party to celebrate the launch of its annual Summer Reading Challenge.
Going with the theme “Wander Beyond Words,” the free, family-friendly event turned the library into a fantasy-inspired celebration that featured games, crafts, activities and opportunities to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Wander Beyond Words,” runs from June 13 through August 15 and encourages readers of all ages to discover new stories, attend library programs and build a lifelong love of reading.
Readers of all ages also signed up to earn prizes for reading throughout the summer with books that highlights adventure and imagination.
Kick-off party activities featured a pancake breakfast by Kiwanis Club of Carson City, hands-on crafts, fantasy-themed games and information about the library’s summer programs and events.
Even with school out for the summer, Seeliger Elementary fifth grade teacher Lindsey Blei and her father Steve brought along her 3-year-old son, Oliver, to the event to get the program started for their family and then moved onto Browser’s Corner Book Store across the library for its parking lot sale and raffle.
Over the summer, where there’s a long gap for kids to not be in a full-time learning enviroment, Blei said students can become complacent during the time off and by the time they returned to school at the end of summer, it can be overwhelming for them to start reading again.
“Being able to have the summer program — even to keep light reading up — is going to make the first week of school not so intense,” said Lindsey Blei. “I love this program because it is really geared for all ages — teenagers find it fun, little kids find it fun and adults find it fun.”
She praised Carson City Library’s efforts turning something that is difficult — creating a program every age group can enjoy — into an important annual education event for students, families and teachers.
“It’s a program where we’re seeing people dress up today to go on a reading adventure through books and stories. I love how they make this open and free for the whole community with activities and prizes. They have done a phenomenal job,” she said of the Carson City Library staff.
Go here for more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library events.
