Kids ages 0 to 12 are invited to join us this summer to Plant a Seed, Read!
Starting June 15 you can sign up for our reading challenge, encouraging kids to read and explore widely – and win prizes as they do.
We’ll have special programs happening every week, from animals in the library to a very special visit from a favorite Maine author & illustrator, Kevin Hawkes. Throughout the summer we’ll keep running classic story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers – there’s something for everyone at the library.
Click here to see upcoming Summer Reading events.
Summer Reading is for everyone! We have three separate challenges running for kids, teens, and adults. Stop by the library to pick up your bingo board today.
If you have questions about Summer Reading, call us at (207) 626-2415, or send us an email at kids@lithgowlibrary.org. For ideas of books to read to complete your challenge, see our reading list for early literacy and our list for kids.
2026 Summer Reading Challenge
HOW TO START
- Come to the Library to pick up a BINGO board!
- Summer Reading will run from Monday, June 15 through Friday, August 14.
- Those who join us the first week will receive a collection of fun, wildlife-themed materials like activity books, fish and track ID cards, and sticker packs from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
HOW TO PLAY
- Complete a challenge in any bingo square you choose. When you complete a challenge, cross it off.
- Try to choose a different book for each reading challenge.
- Be creative! If you can’t do a certain square, make up a similar challenge or read books about someone who did those things. Check our book list for ideas, or ask library staff for suggestions!
HOW TO WIN
- Complete 5 squares in a row (up, down, or diagonal) and come to the Children’s Room to claim a pin. You can get a pin for each completed bingo line, up to five times. If pins aren’t for you, we have stickers!
- Complete the entire board and come to the Children’s Room to claim a free book!
- Kids who finish the entire board can also enter a drawing to win:
- a new bike, thanks to a generous donation of fourteen 14 Lowdown BMX bikes by the Bethlehem Masonic Lodge #35 AF&AM of Augusta. Entries will be taken in the Children’s Room through August 14, and bikes will be awarded at the end of the summer (kids 6-12 only).
- one of 20 free passes to the Maine Wildlife Park!
Library staff is here to help! If you need ideas or suggestions to complete a challenge, come see us, call us, or email us.
