News and Stories

School’s almost out, the days are getting longer, and summer adventures are just around the corner. That means it’s also time to get your reading records ready because Vancouver Island Regional Library’s summer reading programs are back!

Registration is now open for both our Summer Reading Club (SRC) for kids and our Teen Summer Challenge (TSC), with both programs officially starts on July 2.

Whether your child loves picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, audiobooks, or all of the above, our summer reading programs are designed to keep young minds engaged, encourage creativity, and make reading part of a fun-filled summer.

For Kids: Summer Reading Club (Ages 0–12)

This year’s Summer Reading Club theme is Under the Sea, inviting kids to dive into a summer filled with stories, activities, prizes, and library fun. Kids can visit their local branch to pick up their SRC package, track their reading throughout the summer, collect trading cards, and enter prize draws along the way. Families can also enjoy special summer programs and activities happening at branches across the region.

Registration is simple…just stop by your local VIRL branch and pick up an SRC package.

Learn more about Summer Reading Club:
https://virl.bc.ca/read-watch-listen/audience/kids/src/

For Teens: Teen Summer Challenge (Ages 12–18)

Teens can set sail on this year’s Sea of Monsters Teen Summer Challenge, a self-directed adventure packed with activities, creativity, and opportunities to win some incredible prizes. Participants earn points by completing challenges throughout the summer, with each point earning entries into prize draws. From art projects and DIY activities to reading and exploration, there are plenty of ways to participate.

Registration is now open through the Teen Summer Challenge portal (or by email), and teens can begin preparing for their summer quest today.

Learn more about the Teen Summer Challenge and register:
https://virl.bc.ca/read-watch-listen/audience/teens/tsc/

For Adults: Adult Summer Reading Challenge (Ages 19+)

Who says Summer Reading Club is just for kids?

Whether you’re escaping to the beach with a great novel, listening to audiobooks on your commute, or finally tackling that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand, the Adult Summer Reading Challenge is a fun way to make reading part of your summer.

From July 2 to August 31, complete reading activities, track your progress with a Bingo card (or participate online through Beanstack), and earn entries for fantastic prizes along the way.

Participate your way

Choose the format that works best for you:

• Pick up a printed challenge package at your local VIRL branch.
• Join online through the Beanstack app or website.

Audiobooks count too, and you’re encouraged to make the challenge your own!

Win prizes

Complete reading challenges for chances to win:

• Weekly book prizes for Beanstack participants.
• Three grand prizes, including options such as a Kobo eReader, Beats earbuds, a Singer sewing machine, or a gift card to the bookstore of your choice.
• Many VIRL branches will also have their own local prizes throughout the summer.

Completed Bingo cards and draw entries must be submitted by September 10 to be eligible for the grand prize draws.

Whether you read one book or twenty, every page is a chance to discover something new. Join the Adult Summer Reading Challenge and make this your best reading summer yet!

Learn more about the Teen Summer Challenge and register:

https://virl.bc.ca/adult-summer-reading-challenge/

Mark Your Calendars

All three programs begin on July 2, so now is the perfect time to register, visit your local branch, and start building your summer reading list.

From ocean adventures and mythical monsters to mysteries, memoirs, fantasy worlds, and everything in between, there’s a summer reading adventure waiting for every young reader.

We can’t wait to see where reading takes you this summer.