Summer Reading 2026

Welcome to Summer Reading 2026 at the Barrington Area Library!

May 29 - Aug 17, 2026

For kids, teens, and adults

Read, write book reviews, and complete fun activities to earn buttons and prizes.

Ready to sign up or log in? Get started on our Beanstack site.

New to Summer Reading? Here's how it works:

Log your summer reading and other fun activities from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. No Library card required! 

1. Create an account at balibrary.org/summer (our Beanstack site).
2. Sign up for 2026 Summer Reading.
3. Add to your log. Log your reading, reviewing, and activities, earn points and badges. There are different levels and activities depending on your age group.
4. Visit the Library to claim your badges and prizes!

Everyone who participates gets a NEW Library lanyard and Summer Reading badges!

Read and win!
Pre-Readers (Birth-Preschool) & Readers (Grades K-8)

Complete your reading goal to earn a free book!
Earn points to receive coupons for treats and fun activities:

  • 20 points: 6 free ticket vouchers for Schaumburg Boomers Game on June 17!
  • 250 points: a voucher for two tickets to a Kane County Cougars game of your choice!
  • 500 points: coupon for a free custard at Culvers in Lake Zurich!
  • 750 points: a pass for one free skate at Xtreme Wheels in Crystal Lake!
  • 1,000 points: coupon for free ice cream from Oberweis in Lake Zurich!
  • 1,500 points: A free pass to a Family Swim at Dolphin Swim (Includes one hour of swimming during Open Swim hours for up to two adults and three children)!

Pre-Reader and Reader Grand Prizes

More details coming soon, we are still working on our Summer Reading site!

  • 500 points: coupon for a free ice cream cone from Bear Family Restaurant McDonald's!
  • 1,000 points: coupon for free ice cream from Oberweis in Lake Zurich!
  • 1,500 points: coupon for a free entree, fry, and shake from Epic Burger in Barrington!
  • Gift card for local restaurant of your choice
  • Barnes & Noble gift card
  • Smart Bird Feeder
  • Mini Projector
  • Gift card for local restaurant of your choice
  • Barnes & Noble gift card
  • Airpods
  • Mini Projector
  • Barrington Rotary = 1,000 Summer Reading sign-ups
  • Barrington Bank & Trust = Community reads a total of 1,000,000 minutes
  • Barrington Area Volunteer Connection = 2,000 Summer Reading sign-ups
  • Barrington 220 Educational Foundation = Community reads a total of 2,000,000 minutes

 

Our 2025 Beach Read is The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, translated by Melody Shaw, about a life-changing friendship between an elderly bookseller and a nine-year-old girl. Filled to the brim with heart, humor, and meditations on the power of stories, this short novel is sure to sweeten your summer. Look for copies on the Hot Book Summer display table on the second floor.