Summer Library Program are packed with fun—from reading challenges and animal encounters to dance instruction and comedy shows. The whole family will love spending time at libraries this summer!
When do the summer programs start?
Summer Library Programs start on different dates at different libraries. Most begin in early June and go through late July or early August. Follow your library on social media, check their website, or ask next time you’re there. Find your library.
Reading challenges for all!
Every library offers an exciting reading challenge for kids, teens, and adults to encourage everyone to dive into the pages of books all summer long.
When you sign up for Summer Library Program, you’ll get information on the reading challenge and everything happening at your library this summer. Check out the Systemwide Event Calendar featuring all 24 member libraries’ events!
Belly Laughs, Bopping, and Bigfoot!
Professional performers, from comedians to animal ambassadors, are coming to your public libraries this summer to make learning fun. Libraries offer summer programs for all ages.
Take a look at the Bridges Library System supported 2026 Summer Library Performers and Workshops. Be sure to check with your library about their additional summer offerings.
Tracks in the Stacks: A Bigfoot Hunt
Hunt for friendly bigfoots hidden throughout Bridges Library System libraries this summer!
Explore all 24 libraries for free, find their bigfoots, and collect footprints along the way. Then enter to win prizes at every library you visit!
The hunt runs June 1 – August 21, 2026! Learn more about the Tracks in the Stacks Bigfoot Hunt!
Thank you to our sponsors!
From Wisconsin State Fair tickets to nature hikes and roller coasters, the Summer Library Program offers exciting prizes for everyone’s summer bucket list. Kids and teens can complete different reading challenges or activities throughout the summer to earn these prizes.
A big Thank You goes to our area sponsors for the 2025 Summer Library Program incentives! We are grateful for their generosity and support of libraries and literacy.
2026 Prize Sponsors
- The Big Backyard
- Big Putts
- Dodge County Parks
- Eugsters Farm
- Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium at Retzer Nature Center
- Jefferson County Fair
- Little Amerricka Amusement Park
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Madison Mallards
- Marcus Theatres
- Milton House Museum
- Milwaukee Admirals
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Milwaukee County Parks: Mitchell Park Domes, Boerner Botanical Gardens & Wehr Nature Center
- Milwaukee Public Museum
- Pettit National Ice Center
- Pizza Ranch: Waukesha & Watertown locations
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
- Schuster’s Farm
- Springs Water Park
- Tan-A-Latte
- Waukesha County Fair
- Waukesha County Parks Ice Arenas
- Wisconsin Historical Society Old World Wisconsin
- Wisconsin State Fair
Updated: 4/28/26