Find nourishment for your body, mind, and spirit during the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
Hawaiʻi’s public libraries invite readers of all ages to join the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge from June 1 through July 31.
ʻUmeke Kāʻeo is a calabash full to the brim. It represents an individual full of knowledge, wisdom, skills, and training. That’s why it’s the symbol for this summer’s reading challenge: E Heluhelu Kākou: ʻUmeke Kāʻeo.
“An ʻumeke kāʻeo is meant to be shared,” said State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich. “This summer our public libraries will be bringing communities together to share an abundance of stories, learning and connection.”
What’s New This Year?
- Second Grand Prize Added: Thanks to the generosity of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, we’ve added a second grand prize! Those who reach reading milestones and enter the Word of the Week will be entered to win:
One child/teen reader will receive 4 domestic roundtrip airline tickets
One adult reader will get 2 domestic roundtrip airline tickets
- Readers choose how they’d like to track: Participants will log either minutes read or books completed, whatever works best for them. (All reading counts: Physical books, Audiobooks, Graphic novels, Braille, and Newspapers/Magazines).
- Collectable Merch! Thanks to the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi, Summer Reading Challenge t-shirts, a tote bag, and an apron all featuring the appetizing work of local artist Kelsie Dayna are available for purchase at an online store.
Register for the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library or Beanstack: Reading Challenges.
On Oʻahu, the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge kicks off with a celebration at the Hawai‘i State Library (478 South King Street):
What: Free family event
Date: Saturday, June 6, from 10am- 2pm
Program: Keiki activities, Storytime, informational booths, sweet treats, and prize giveaways
There are 51 public libraries on six islands, and readers are encouraged to attend kick-off events at select local branches (events calendar).
Mahalo to the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge sponsors who are helping our communities read, learn and connect: Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, R.M. Towill Corporation, McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawai‘i, Pizza Hut Hawai‘i, Hansen Distribution Group, HMS Host, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Gail Urago Memorial Fund, and Zippy’s Restaurants.
For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit librarieshawaii.org/summerreading.
About the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System (HSPLS):
The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System is the only statewide public library system in the United States, serving six islands with 51 branches. HSPLS inspires curiosity and creates opportunities for all to read, learn, and connect. Rooted in the ʻohana spirit, the library system embodies the aloha, cultural richness, and environmental beauty of Hawaiʻi. Through its books, digital collections, community programming, and welcoming spaces, HSPLS nourishes minds, strengthens communities, and enriches generations. Learn more at librarieshawaii.org.
