Looking for ways to keep your kids reading this summer without hearing “I’m bored” every 12 minutes? Wilmington has some fantastic summer reading programs that combine books with prizes, pizza, baseball, free books, and fun community events.
Here’s a full roundup of local and national summer reading programs available for Wilmington-area families, including how to sign up and where to learn more.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Local Store: Mayfaire Town Center – 850 Inspiration Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405
July–August
Who can participate: Kids entering grades 1–6
How it works:
- Read 8 books
- Write about your favorite part in the reading journal
- Bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store
- Choose a FREE book from the eligible selections
Sign up/details:Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Barnes & Noble also publishes downloadable reading journals in English and Spanish.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through Smart Start
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is back and through our community Smart Start of New Hanover County branch.
This is hands-down one of the BEST free resources for young children.
Who can participate? Children from birth to age 5
How it works:
- Your child receives a FREE age-appropriate book mailed directly to your home every month
- No reading logs or tracking required
- Completely free for eligible families
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Summer of Stories
Who can participate? Pre-K through 6th grade
Dates: June 1 – August 31, 2026
How it works:
- Parents set reading goals in the BOOK IT! app
- Kids track reading throughout the summer
- Earn free Personal Pan Pizza rewards for meeting goals
What kids earn:
Digital Reading Award Certificates redeemable for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza at participating locations
Wilmington Sharks “Read Around the Bases”
The Wilmington Sharks often partner with schools and community literacy initiatives to encourage summer reading through baseball-themed incentives and community outreach.
Possible incentives may include:
- Game tickets
- Reading challenges
- Community reading events
- Kids club activities
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Program
Local Store: Hanover Center – 3737 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
Next Steps:
- Choose any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure feature in store or online.
- Write about the books youʼve read in your Summer Reading Adventure logbook.
- Show your completed logbook to a store associate to receive your free gift.
Summer @ Your Library with New Hanover County Library
June 1 – August 1, 2026
Get ready for a season filled with reading, learning, and discovery. This summer, readers of all ages are invited to Unearth a Story by exploring books, ideas, and experiences that uncover something new. From lost civilizations and local history to mysteries, adventures, and personal journeys, Summer @ Your Library 2026 offers something for everyone.
Complete the Summer Reading Challenge by:
- Reading for 600 minutes
- Completing 1 activity
What you’ll earn:
- A Cape Fear Museum pass (opening this summer!)
- A Jeremiah’s Italian Ice coupon
- A coupon for a free book at the next library book sale
Get Started
- Download the Beanstack Tracker app or visit: NHCLibrary.Beanstack.org
- Track your reading, complete activities, and follow your progress all summer long.
Check out the Summer Programming
Summer @ Your Library is filled with exciting programs, events, and activities for all ages all summer long! From storytimes and hands-on crafts to workshops, performances, games, and special events, there’s something for everyone at New Hanover County Public Library.
Browse the Summer @ Your Library program brochures below to explore upcoming events for kids, teens, and adults across all library locations. Print a copy at home or save one to your device so you never miss the fun!
Panda Express Read With Me Program
Panda Express partners with schools and literacy programs through reading incentive initiatives. I wasn’t able to confirm which local schools here in Wilmington enroll in this, but worth asking your child’s school or summer camp.
What to expect:
- Reading tracking sheets
- Kids meal incentives or rewards
- Family-friendly reading encouragement
Hello, Wilmington children’s book
Check out Hello, Wilmington at the New Hanover County Library branches, Smart Start of New Hanover County or purchase your own copy at a local store or online (free shipping).
Explore all the places in the book and take photos as you explore! Part reading adventure, part scavenger hunt!
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