Blast Off into Summer Reading 2026 at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library!
February 18, 2026
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is excited to celebrate Summer Reading 2026 with you! Our annual summer reading challenge, open to individuals aged 0–18, runs from June 1 to August 15, 2026. It’s the perfect way to keep minds active, imaginations soaring, and reading skills strong all summer long.
2026 Theme: Universe of Stories
This year’s theme invites readers to blast off on a reading adventure that spans galaxies of imagination, discovery, and creativity. Whether you love space, science, fantasy, or stories grounded here on Earth, each book will transport you to a new world of wonder. Explore the universe—one page at a time!
3rd Annual Summer Reading Bookmark Contest
We’re thrilled to bring back our popular Bookmark Contest for the third year in a row! From March 1–31, students in grades K–12 are invited to design a bookmark inspired by this year’s theme.
Design prompts by age group:
- Grades K–5: Blast off on a reading adventure.
- Grades 6–12: Expand your world one page at a time.
Winners will have their designs printed and distributed across all Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations! For full contest details and entry guidelines, visit your local branch.
Get ready to read, explore, imagine, and create with us this summer. We can’t wait to see where your stories take you!
Last year’s winning designs:
