Your Summer. Your Story. Let’s Read!

Posted on: June 1, 2026 | Category: Spotlight

2026 Summer Reading Challenge: ʻUmeke KāʻeoMake reading part of your summer with the Summer Reading Challenge! Whether you prefer a few quiet minutes before bed, audiobooks during your commute, or stories shared with keiki, it all counts. This year’s theme, “E Heluhelu Kākou – ʻUmeke Kāʻeo”, is a calabash full to the brim and a poetic way to describe someone full of knowledge. 

Because reading isn’t just about books. It’s how we learn, relax, connect, and grow. And yes, there are some pretty great perks along the way!

Exciting Rewards Await!

Grand Prizes: Thanks to Alaska Airlines, we’ve added a second grand prize. One child/teen reader will receive 4 domestic airline tickets, and one adult reader will receive 2 domestic airline tickets.

More Ways to Track: You choose how to log — track your minutes or the number of books completed.

Boost Your Luck: Visit your local library each week to find the Word of the Week for bonus entries.

Quick Facts

  • Dates: June 1 through July 31, 2026
  • Who can join: Everyone! Keiki, teens, and adults.
  • What counts: All of it! Physical books, audiobooks, graphic novels, Braille, and newspapers/magazines.

For more details, visit our Summer Reading Challenge webpage. Join us this summer. Your story is part of Hawaiʻi’s story.

ALERT | All public libraries will be closed in state observance of King Kamehameha Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

ALERT | Libraries will observe the Independence Day holiday July 3–5, 2026. Most libraries will be closed Friday, July 3; however, ʻAiea, ʻĀina Haina, Hanapēpē, Hawai‘i Kai, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kīhei, Liliha, Makawao, McCully-Mōʻiliʻili, Princeville, Thelma Parker, Wahiawā, Waialua, Waimānalo, Waikīkī-Kapahulu, and Waipahu will be open July 3 and closed Saturday, July 4.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of Statehood Day, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, August 21, 2026.

ALERT | In observance of Labor Day, all public libraries will be closed Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026.