Cobb County Public Library, in partnership with the Cobb Library Foundation, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2026 Summer Reading Program. Embracing this year’s adventurous theme, “Unearth a Story,” the library challenges residents of all ages to pick up a book, engage their curiosity, and celebrate community literacy from June 1 through July 31.
Kickoff Events and Registration
Pre-registration officially opened on Monday, May 4, allowing eager readers to set up their accounts early. The summer festivities officially launch with four simultaneous, family-friendly Kickoff Celebrations on Saturday, May 30, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. These free events will feature music, crafts, and interactive activities for the whole family at the following locations:
- Gritters Library
- South Cobb Regional Library
- Switzer Library
- West Cobb Regional Library
Challenges and Prizes
Starting June 1, participants can track their reading and activity achievements using the Beanstack platform (available via the mobile app or online at bit.ly/SummerInCobb). Local public school students can also sync their school Beanstack accounts directly with their public library accounts so their minutes count toward both challenges.
To complete the challenge, participants log their minutes and activities to hit “BINGO” on their challenge cards.
- Children: Earning a Bingo scores young readers their choice of a Scholastic book and a ticket into the Grand Prize drawing. Blacking out the entire card awards a special Glow-in-the-Dark Dinosaur Egg. The Children’s Grand Prize features a dinosaur-themed mega-bundle, including a VR dinosaur kit, tablet, camera, painting kit, Lego set, and more.
- Teens & Adults: Completing a Bingo earns an entry into the adult raffle and a choice of original “Unearth a Story” themed merchandise, including custom tote bags, sunglasses and travel mugs. Achieving a full blackout on the card gives readers a second entry into the Teens & Adults Grand Prize drawing for a massive prize pack that features a 3-D puzzle, crochet kit, dinosaur waffle maker, a hooded blanket, and more.
Grand Finale Closing Celebrations
To honor the hard work of Cobb’s readers, the library will host its first-ever, week-long series of Closing Celebrations from July 20 to July 24. These events will feature show-stopping performances by the renowned Crescent Circus Performers, with shows scheduled daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM across the county:
- Mon. 7/20: Switzer Library (11 AM) | Sewell Mill Library (2 PM)
- Tue. 7/21: East Cobb Library (11 AM) | Mountain View Library (2 PM)
- Wed. 7/22: Gritters Library (11 AM) | North Cobb Library (2 PM)
- Thu. 7/23: Powder Springs Library (11 AM) | West Cobb Library (2 PM)
- Fri. 7/24: South Cobb Library (11 AM) | Vinings Library (2 PM)
“Summer reading is not just about keeping children academically sharp during the break; it’s a vital tool for community bonding and personal stress reduction,” said Slone Williams, Communications, Community and User Engagement Division Manager for CCPL. “We want every resident in Cobb County to know that their library is the ultimate destination for adventure, connection, and curiosity this summer.”
3rd Annual Library Mini-Golf Fundraiser
The Cobb Library Foundation is bringing back its beloved Indoor Mini-Golf Fundraiser. Transforming library spaces into custom putt-putt courses, this event runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on two consecutive days, Friday, June 12, at North Cobb Regional Library, and Saturday, June 13, at Sewell Mill Library
All ticket proceeds will go directly to the Cobb Library Foundation to fund future critical literacy programs, technology upgrades, and community outreach initiatives across the county’s 15 branches and bookmobile. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at cobblibraryfoundation.org or in person on the day of the event.
For more information regarding the Summer Reading Challenge, detailed event schedules, or to sign up for Beanstack, please visit bit.ly/SummerInCobb or scan the QR codes found on promotional flyers across your local branches.
