Anne Arundel launches Summer @ Your Library

Anne Arundel County Public Library has opened its 2026 Summer @ Your Library program, a countywide summer reading and activity campaign that runs from June 1 through August 31. The system is using the theme “Unearth a Story” this year and is offering separate challenges for children, teens and adults. Participants can sign up at library branches or online, track reading and activities, and qualify for prizes while attending events across the county. AACPL said the program is designed to keep people reading and using library services through the summer. ### When does the program run, and who can join? June 1 is the start date for the 2026 program, and August 31 is the final day to participate, according to AACPL’s summer program page. The library system says the campaign is open to kids, teens and adults, with age-specific formats rather than a single countywide challenge. Anne Arundel County Public Library says the annual initiative is meant to promote connection and learning during the summer months. (aacpl.net) In its announcement, the system said this year’s version encourages daily reading and attendance at educational library events between June 1 and August 31. ### What do children, teens and adults actually do? (aacpl.net) Kids are being directed to the “classic Summer Quest,” where they use a game board and help the library character Sneaks travel down a trail to find buried treasure. AACPL’s challenge instructions say children can sign up at any branch, pick up a game board, or register online and log books through Beanstack. (aacpl.net) The children’s challenge uses two milestone prizes. AACPL says participants fill out Prize Ticket 1 at day 15 for a halfway prize and Prize Ticket 2 at day 30 for a completion prize, with prizes distributed at local library branches while supplies last. Teens are being offered a “Choose Your Own Adventure” format. AACPL says teens can read or complete activities to earn points and prizes, and one winner will receive a Nintendo Switch Mario Kart bundle. (aacpl.net) Adults are being offered a “Wild Card Bingo” challenge. AACPL says adult participants can enter for a chance to win four Southwest Airlines tickets by using their library, with terms and conditions applying to that prize. (aacpl.net) ### What kinds of events are scheduled? AACPL’s summer page lists live performances, science programs, music and educational events as part of the campaign. (aacpl.net) The lineup includes “A Dino-Sized Magical Circus,” “Eco Adventures: Jurassic World Training Academy,” “Annapolis Opera Presents: Stories Through Music,” “I Dig American Sign Language!,” “Captain Curiosity: The Carbon Conundrum,” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth with the Science Guys of Baltimore.” June events tied directly to the theme are already on the calendar. AACPL has posted kickoff and celebration programs at multiple branches, including “Summer at Your Library Kickoff: Unearth a Story!” and a June 30 celebration at Maryland City at Russett Library where visitors can register for the challenge and join crafts and activities. (aacpl.net) ### How do people sign up and track progress? AACPL says residents can register at any branch and pick up printed materials, including game boards for the children’s quest. The system also says participants can register online and log books through Beanstack, its digital reading tracker. The library’s summer landing page links readers to challenges, events and school reading lists. (aacpl.net) AACPL also directs users to its library calendar for the full schedule of summer programs across Anne Arundel County. ### What comes next before the program ends? June 25 is the date AACPL has scheduled a “Jurassic Kickoff” event at Annapolis Library, and June 30 brings a Summer @ Your Library celebration at Maryland City at Russett Library. (aacpl.net) The broader Summer @ Your Library program remains open through August 31, with registration, event listings and challenge details posted on AACPL’s website and Beanstack platform. (aacpl.net 1) (aacpl.net 2)