Summer Reading

Summer Reading Program is under way!

Reading logs are available to pick up at the library during open hours, or you can click here to download and print your log at home.

What is Summer Reading Program?

Summer Reading Programs were created to help prevent learning loss in children over the summer break from school, also known as "summer slide." Our program is created to get everyone reading over the summer, regardless of age! This year’s theme is Plant a Seed, Read! Each week we will be giving out a different 1" pin-back button featuring native plant species. See if you can collect them all! In addition to earning buttons, patrons can earn prize drawing entries throughout the summer. At the end of the summer we have a big party where we announce the winners for the grand prizes.

Palmer Public Library also hosts extra activities and events as part of the summer reading program. In addition to our usual weekly programs, we have activities most Wednesdays which are designed to be family friendly but open to all ages! Check out our calendar for the full library schedule.

Here's how it works:

1. Pick up a reading log at the library, or download at the link above.
2. Set a reading goal—each box on your log could represent 30 minutes of reading, one picture book, one chapter, etc.
   1. Audiobooks and being read to count for your reading log! A parent reading to a child can count it in both their own log and their child's.
3. Keep track of your reading at home, checking off boxes as you complete your goals.
4. Visit the library each week for a stamp in your log, a collectible button, and one prize entry.
5. Join us July 29th for the final party where prize winners will be announced.

Rules:

• Read and visit the library as much as you want! However, patrons are limited to one button and prize entry per week (with the exception of extra prize entries for bonus activities).
• The maximum number of prize drawing entries per participant is 12: One for each of the eight weeks of the program plus one extra entry each for completing the four bonus activities in the log.
• Each patron is allowed one make-up week: if you cannot make it to the library one week or start the program late, you can use it to get the previous week's button. You do not get a make-up prize entry for the missed week.
• You may start the program at any point during the summer. When you pick up your log you can use your make-up week to get the button from the previous week (if you read that week...be honest!) but no further back.
• Grand prizes are separated by age group: select your age range on the entry slip and your entry goes into the corresponding prize category. Winners will be drawn from each age category, and then all entries will be combined for all-ages prize drawings.
• Entries which are incomplete, illegible, or inaccurate will be discarded.
• One prize per person: if your name is drawn a second time it will be discarded and we will draw again.
• You do not need to be at the party to win--we will contact you to pick up your prize.
• The last day to earn prize drawing entries is Saturday July 25th. The following Tuesday and Wednesday you can still submit your log to the library and collect the last button, but we will not be providing any prize drawing entries after Saturday July 25th. 

Geocache

The Geocache coordinates are 61°36'49.4"N 149°06'47.8"W. You can click on the coordinates for a link to a pin on Google maps. When you find the geocache, open it up for the secret code. Write the code in your reading log (in the bonus activities section) and then put the geocache back where you found it. Show library staff the secret code for a stamp and an extra prize drawing entry.

Prizes

Available prizes and details are subject to change. More prizes will be added as donations are received. Currently confirmed grand prizes include the following:

Age 0-5:

• Musk Ox Farm family pass (up to 4 people)
• Yoto Mini kids audio player

Age 6-11:

• Two bikes, each with helmet and lock
• Extreme Fun Zone 30 minute play passes (2) & Valley Cinema movie tickets (6)

Age 12-18:

• Kindle eReader
• JBL FLIP 5 Bluetooth Speaker

Age 19+

• Local Shopping Spree: gift cards donated by local businesses including Fireside Books, The Art Cafe, 203 Kombucha, Palmer Brewing Company, and more!
• Certificate for two on Wilderness Excursion with Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures

All Ages

• Round-trip rail adventure class gift certificate for (2) adults onboard the Alaska Railroad Hurricane Turn Train (Summer) -- Talkeetna/Hurricane
• Skeetawk Free Family Day Pass and Rental Packages: valid for one day pass and one 1-day rental package for each immediate family member of a single household for the 2026-2027 season.

Friends of the Palmer Public Library, Inc.: The Friends of the Palmer Public Library is a nonprofit organization which assists the Palmer Public Library in developing programs to meet current community needs, promote knowledge of and participation in library programs, and aid in providing funds to meet special library needs. They provide 100% of the funding for the Summer Reading Program every year.

The following businesses, organizations, and individuals also support the Summer Reading Program by donating goods, services, and expertise for our prizes and events:

City of Palmer Police, Fire, and Public Works, Muskox Farm, The Art Cafe, Backcountry Bike and Ski, Healthy Futures AK, Valley Cinema, Extreme Fun Center, Bleeding Heart Brewery, Palmer Brewing Company, Mat-Su/Copper River 4-H, Palmer Kiwanis Club, Palmer Lions Club, Alaska Railroad, Matanuska Masonic Foundation, Mahay's Jetboat Adventures, Skeetawk, Subway Palmer, AK Namaste.

We couldn't put on this amazing program without the support of our community!