KCLS launches 'Curious Creatures' June 6

King County Library System said on May 20 that its 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Curious Creatures,” will run from June 6 through August 31 across its branch network. The Issaquah, Washington-based library system said the program will serve readers of all ages and, for the first time, include a dedicated experience for teens. Families and teens can begin signing up on June 6 at local branches, while launch parties with prizes and special programming are scheduled throughout June. The program is backed by the KCLS Foundation, and the Seattle Storm is providing ticket vouchers for in-person attendance at launch parties and select summer events. ### What changes in this year’s program? The 2026 program adds a teen-specific track for ages 13 to 17, alongside separate tracks for early learners and kids, KCLS said. The library system said the teen program includes age-appropriate reading and activity goals and a Teen Stamp Rally booklet designed to keep participants engaged through the summer. (kcls.org) Heidi Daniel, executive director of King County Library System, said in the announcement that the library was expanding the program “with a dedicated experience for teens.” Daniel said teens benefit from “spaces and opportunities created specifically for them,” while the broader program is intended to support reading, learning and community connection during the school break. (kcls.org) ### Who can take part, and how is it organized? KCLS said “Curious Creatures” is divided into three age-based tracks. Early Learners covers babies through age 5 and focuses on caregiver engagement, play and shared reading activities, while the Kids track serves ages 6 to 12 with independent reading challenges and optional family activities tied to prize eligibility. (kcls.org) Teens ages 13 to 17 will have their own program materials this year, according to the library system. KCLS also said activity books, the Teen Stamp Rally and the Beanstack platform will be available in Spanish, which it described as part of an effort to better serve King County’s Spanish-speaking communities. (kcls.org) ### Where do sign-ups and events happen? June 6 is the start date for registration at local KCLS branches and online, according to the library system’s summer reading page. The page says more details will be available when the program opens, and it lists the 2026 offering as a program “for everyone.” KCLS said launch parties will take place throughout June at branches around the system. (kcls.org) The library said those events will include prizes and special programming tied to the summer kickoff, and Seattle Storm ticket vouchers will be offered for in-person attendance at launch parties and select events later in the season. (kcls.org) ### What else is part of the rollout? Stacy Nguyen, a local artist known to KCLS users for the “Dogs Camping” library card design, created the artwork for this year’s “Curious Creatures” campaign, the library system said. KCLS said the design follows pets exploring the outdoors and was intended to reflect the Pacific Northwest setting. (kcls.org) The library system said the program is made possible by the KCLS Foundation. On its homepage, KCLS also promoted the summer reading launch as an “Upcoming Summer Reading Invites Teen Participation” item dated May 20, 2026. ### What happens next for families and teens? (kcls.org) August 31 is the final day of the 2026 program, according to KCLS. Before then, participants can sign up starting June 6 at branches or online through the summer reading page, and branch-level launch parties will continue through June as the system opens the program countywide. (kcls.org)