Summer Reading 2026

South Carolina State flag palmetto tree and white text on a blue background reading: Reading is Revolutionary, 2026 TBS Summer Reading Program.

2026 TBS Summer Reading Program!

Reading is Revolutionary! Celebrating 250 years of freedom, one book at a time.

June 2nd - August 7th

Patrons can track their progress by the number of titles read or the hours spent reading. They must keep up with their book or hour totals and let us know by phone or email.

At the end of the program, anyone who has read at least one book or read for 1 hour will receive a completion prize and entry into the grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire (Generation 10).

If you have any questions or wish to sign up for the TBS Summer Reading Program, call us at 1-800-922-7818 or email us at tbsbooks@statelibrary.sc.gov.

TBS Summer Reading is open to registered TBS patrons in South Carolina.

 

An image of two dinosaurs reading and the words Unearth a Story written in big letters.

National Library Service Summer Reading Program

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, administers a free national library program that provides braille and recorded materials to people who cannot see regular print or handle print materials.

The NLS 2026 summer reading theme, “Unearth a Story,” focuses on discovery involving dinosaurs, nature, and more. The programs target both kids and adults, promoting reading with engaging activities.

 Learn more about the NLS Summer Reading Program

 

TBS Summer Reading Milestones & Prizes

The 2026 TBS Summer Reading prizes for each milestone are listed below.

Milestone 1: Read 2 books or 2 hours

Prize: Die-Cut Digby Bookmark

This fun die-cut bookmark is shaped like Digby, the friendly triceratops mascot of Unearth a Story™! making it a standout way to keep your place while reading. The front features Digby in bold blue, while the back showcases the 2026 slogan, Unearth a Story, alongside Digby holding a book.

Milestone 2: Read 4 books or 4 hours

Prize: Dino Librarian Single-Sided Bookmark

The Dino Librarian design by Tom Bonson will appeal to youngsters — and the young at heart who love libraries. This friendly dinosaur librarian found your favorite book!

Milestone 3: Read 6 books or 6 hours

Prize: Unearth a StoryTM Lanyard

The Unearth a Story™ lanyard features a bold Digby print marching across a light blue background with the official slogan in green and orange, this necklace-style lanyard is both fun and functional.

Milestone 4: Read 8 books or 8 hours

Prize: Lens Clothes *limited supply, the first 25 completions will be eligible to receive one

Keep your view crystal clear with the "Unearth a Story"TM microfiber lens cloth. Perfect for cleaning eyeglasses, tablets, phones, or other handheld devices, this cloth combines practicality with this year’s adventurous dinosaur theme.

Milestone 5: Read 10 books or 10 hours

Prize: Lanyard Badges

Designed to pair perfectly with the themed lanyard, these badges celebrate the 2026 program and mascot.

Completion Prizes

All 2026 TBS Summer Reading participants will receive a completion prize that includes:

  • a tote bag,
  • a mug,
  • a hot-and-cold pack,
  • a magnifier with a built-in light,
  • Unearth a StoryTM Reading Certificate
    Celebrate this summer’s reading milestone with our colorfully designed "Dinos in the Stacks" certificate by Tom Bonson.

Grand Prize Drawing: Kindle Fire Generation 10.