2026 Bookmark Contest Winners Announced
Wake County Public Libraries invites kids and teens to explore what’s possible at their local library this summer. The 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” runs from Sunday, June 7, through Saturday, Aug. 15.
This year’s program encourages young readers to dig into stories of all kinds — whether it’s listening to audiobooks, reading magazines, following a recipe, enjoying a graphic novel, exploring a web article, doing homework or even sharing a bedtime story. All reading counts toward the goal!
“The Summer Reading Program is a great way for kids to continue building a lifelong love of reading and keep their minds active during the summer,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “I encourage everyone to join in the fun at libraries across the county.”
Libraries across the county will kick off Summer Reading with special programs and activities on Saturday, June 6, or Sunday, June 7. Check the calendar to find out what’s going on where!
How Kids and Teens Can Participate
All children and teens are welcome to join Summer Reading this year. Participation is simple:
- Read every day. Mark each day you read and visit the library for an incentive every 10 days.
- Visit the library. Fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to win monthly prizes.
- Attend a program. Events and activities will take place throughout the summer.
Participants can track their reading by picking up a Summer Reading Tracker at any library. Each day of reading earns a colored-in spot, and completed trackers turned in by Aug. 15 earn a special reward. Incentives and rewards are available while supplies last.
Learn more at wake.gov/summer-reading.
Announcing 2026 Bookmark Contest Winners
This year marks the second annual Wake County Public Libraries Bookmark Contest. The contest, open to all ages, drew more than 1,000 creative entries from across the county.
Five winners, one in each age group, were selected by the Wake County Library Commission. Each winner will receive 20 printed copies of their bookmark, a printed poster of their design and recognition at a celebratory reception. A gallery of winning designs and honorable mentions can be found at wake.gov/summer-reading-2026.
Congratulations to:
- Ages 3–5: Jackson Seratti, Zebulon Community Library
- Ages 6–8: Saanvi Pallamreddy, West Regional Library
- Ages 9–12: Dhwani Raghavendran, West Regional Library
- Ages 13–17: Hansitha Teluguntla, West Regional Library
- Ages 18+: Amie O'Donoghue, Northeast Regional Library
To learn more about the Summer Reading Program and find out how to get involved, visit one of our 23 locations or go to wake.gov/Summer-Reading.
