Unearth a Story 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
Plan to take part in the Fargo Public Library's Unearth a Story 2026 Summer Reading Challenge happening June 8 through August 15, 2026. Participants of all ages are encouraged to read anything: books, ebooks, comics, and by listening to audiobooks! Track number of days read for kids, teens and adults through the Beanstack app or website. Earn prizes along the way and complete the challenge for a chance to win one of our grand prizes.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Read Books • Complete Challenges • Attend Events • Earn Badges • Win Prizes
To get started pre-register for the Summer Reading Challenge starting June 1! The link goes live June 1.
Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google Play
Once you register for the Summer Reading Challenge, you will earn prizes and rewards for reading, completing challenges, and participating in awesome activities and events.
The Summer Reading Challenge is free and open to readers of all ages, from babies to adults, and all reading levels. Everyone is encouraged to read, discover, and learn this summer with our Unearth a Story reading program.
Unearth a Story Summer Reading Challenge Video
Check out the "Jurassic Library" video to find out more about the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
The Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party* Is June 8 at the Main Library
We are ready to Unearth a Story this summer and we need your help! __ Join us for the Kickoff event happening Monday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at the downtown Main Library (101 4th St. N.). Kick off the Summer Reading Challenge with big dino digging machines at the Main Library! And while you explore the excavators, backhoes and Bobcats, be on the look out for mountains of foam at the fantastic foam party! We rawr-commend dressing to get foamy and to bring a towel if you can. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
Park in the East Lot next to the Main Library downtown and follow the dino prints up to the fun. Activities will take place in the green space between the Library, City Hall, and the Civic Center.
In case of inclement weather, these activities will be rescheduled to another date.
For details, call Children’s Services at 701.241.1495.
*This event is part of the "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Challenge sponsored in part by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library.
Kids
Kids (birth to age 12) who participate in the Summer Reading Challenge earn spins on our prize wheel. Each day that you or your child read, log their reading * in Beanstack. We suggest reading for 20 minutes a day, or two picture books, but choose whatever goal works best for your family. For every 10 days, you earn a prize wheel spin. If you read for 40 days during the summer, you earn your prize book! Days do not need to be consecutive to count towards prizes.
* Paper reading logs for Kids are available beginning June 8 at all Library locations.
In addition, we have weekly drawings on Mondays from June 15 through Aug. 17. Each week as you log reading (at least one day during the week), you are automatically entered into that week's prize drawing.**
**Prize drawings are Monday through Sunday. Days must be logged by the following Monday to be included. Any days backdated after the weekly drawing will not be included. Reading must be logged in Beanstack to be eligible for weekly drawings.
Visit our kids’ page for weekly updates or our online events calendar.
Teens
Designed for teens age 11 to 18 to encourage reading and learning. Each day that you read, log your reading * in Beanstack. For every 10 days that a teen reads they will earn a prize. Once a teen has logged 40 days of reading they will receive a free book and a special prize! Prizes can be picked up from any one of our three FPL locations. Days do not need to be consecutive to count towards prizes.
Visit our teen page or the library's online events calendar for a list of related events and activities.
* Paper reading logs for Teens are available beginning June 8 at all Library locations.
Be a College SAVE Reading Champion!
Kids and Teens who complete the Fargo Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and who are North Dakota residents will automatically receive a certificate for a contribution to a new or existing College SAVE account. New account owners receive $25; existing account owners receive $10. Avid readers will be entered for a drawing for one of 10 – $529 scholarships to a College SAVE account. For more information about the College Save Reading Champion program, visit the Bank of North Dakota at collegesave4u.com.
Adults
Designed for adults age 18 and up to encourage life-long reading and learning habits. Adults can complete the challenge by reading physical books or ebooks, or listening to audiobooks. We encourage adults to read every day and log their reading * in Beanstack. Adults will receive a small prize for completing the summer reading challenge, and will be entered into the grand prize drawing which will be held after August 15.
* Paper reading logs for Adults are available beginning June 8 at all Library locations.
Events for adults are listed on our adult page and on the online events calendar. For more information, call 701.241.1492.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.