Summer isn’t just for kids. The Petersburg Public Library is excited to invite adults to join our Adult Summer Reading Challenge 2026, a fun way to make reading part of your summer while earning chances to win exciting prizes.

Running Now through August 2026, the challenge encourages adults to discover new books, explore library resources, and experience the many benefits of lifelong reading.

Why Read This Summer?

Reading is one of the simplest ways to invest in your brain health. Keeping your mind engaged through reading may help strengthen memory, improve focus, and build cognitive reserve, which researchers believe can contribute to healthy aging.

Whether you enjoy mystery novels, biographies, history, personal finance, inspirational books, or audiobooks, every page you read is an opportunity to learn, relax, and grow.

How the Challenge Works

Participating is easy.

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Have a Petersburg Public Library card.
  • Register in person at the Petersburg Public Library.
  • Receive a special registration gift.
  • Check out three or more books during each visit to earn a stamp.
  • Each stamp earns you an entry into the prize drawing of your choice.

Win Great Prizes

Every prize is valued at $75.

Choose from:

  • Gas Gift Card
  • Dinner for Two
  • Massage Gift Card
  • Cash Gift Card
  • Swaders Sports Park Gift Card

The more you read, the more opportunities you’ll have to win.

Read Your Way

The Adult Summer Reading Challenge includes a variety of reading formats to fit your lifestyle.

Participants can enjoy:

  • Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Biographies
  • Graphic novels
  • Financial literacy books
  • New releases
  • Books on CD
  • Audiobooks
  • Digital books through Hoopla, Libby, and Magzter

Whether you prefer reading at home, listening while driving, or relaxing with an eBook on your tablet, there’s something for everyone.

Register Today

Registration is available in person only at the Petersburg Public Library.

If you don’t already have a Petersburg Public Library card, our staff will be happy to help you get one so you can begin your summer reading journey.

We look forward to helping you discover your next great read while making this your most rewarding summer yet.

Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 733-2387