PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library is inviting the community to unearth a story this summer, announcing the return of its annual Summer Reading Program, which runs through Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the community-wide reading challenge, which encourages children, teenagers, and adults to explore new books, discover new ideas, and celebrate the joy of reading throughout the summer. Participants can track their reading through Beanstack, earn raffle tickets and prizes, and enjoy incentives tailored to each age group, whether they are reading a favorite novel, listening to an audiobook, or discovering something new.
This year’s theme, Unearth a Story, celebrates the adventures that can be found through books, from mysteries and distant worlds to family histories, memorable characters, and nonfiction.
“Summer Reading is one of the Library’s most anticipated traditions,” said Rose Schulman, Head of Children’s Services at the Main Library and Branch Manager at Mount Tabor Branch Library. “Whether you’re reading your very first picture book, discovering your next favorite author, or revisiting a classic, every story has the power to inspire curiosity and bring people together. We invite everyone in our community to join us this summer and unearth a story.”
The program is open to readers of all ages and welcomes all reading formats, including print books, electronic books, and audiobooks.
Summer Reading offers age-appropriate reading challenges with prizes designed to encourage reading throughout the summer.
Children from birth through fifth grade will track the time they spend reading, earning raffle tickets and weekly prizes as they reach reading milestones. Teenagers in grades six through twelve will earn raffle tickets by logging books throughout the summer, increasing their chances of winning prizes.
Adults will earn raffle tickets by reading books and receive special rewards throughout the challenge. After reading three books, participants can pick up a complimentary copy of “The Maid” by Nita Prose, this year’s Community Read selection, while supplies last. Adults who complete six books in total will receive a commemorative Parsippany Library mini tote bag, while supplies last.
Raffle winners across all age groups will be selected after Summer Reading concludes and notified by email.
Community members can register by creating an account or logging in to Beanstack at parsippanylibrary.beanstack.org, or by downloading the Beanstack mobile application. Summer Reading is happening now and concludes on Saturday, August 15, which is also the final day to log reading and submit raffle tickets.
Programs, prizes, and reading activities will take place throughout the summer at the Main Library, Lake Hiawatha Branch Library, and Mount Tabor Branch Library.
Visit parsippanylibrary.org to learn more about Summer Reading, upcoming programs, and how to register through Beanstack. Summer Reading is free to participate in and open to all community members. For more information about Parsippany Library, visit www.parsippanylibrary.org or call (973) 887-5150.
The Parsippany Library serves a diverse community of more than 56,000 residents across three locations: Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and Mount Tabor. Through its membership in the Main Library Alliance, patrons also have borrowing access to materials from over 50 libraries across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.
