Each June, Nashville Public Library invites the community to participate in its Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is simple: read books, complete activities, and earn prizes. However, its impact is profound.
The Summer Reading Challenge strengthens our community by drawing patrons into the library and reinforcing its role as a hub of learning and connection. For reluctant readers, the activities offer an inviting entry point, encouraging the development of lifelong reading habits. Consistent reading throughout the summer helps children retain and strengthen their literacy skills, reducing the risk of the “summer slide,” a common learning loss that can occur when school is out. A study by MNPS confirmed that students who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge showed an increase in test scores from spring to fall. Overall, the program supports literacy through every phase of life, inspires greater engagement with library resources, and brings new visitors through NPL’s doors.
This year, NPL is introducing trading cards to the challenge. Each branch is featured with its own custom artwork, created by art students from Belmont University and NPLF’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Kristi Graham. These cards will be offered alongside the usual prize vouchers throughout the summer.
The Summer Reading Challenge is made possible by Amazon, whose generous support reflects the many benefits the program brings to our community. Last summer, NPL saw a 40% increase in participation, including more than 40,000 Metro Nashville Public School students. The completion rate reached 77%, a 12% increase from the previous year.
To ensure the library continues to reflect the diversity of our city, this year’s materials include reading logs in Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish, Burmese, Somali, and Vietnamese. Additionally, bookmarks are available in Spanish, Arabic, and Kurdish, and posters are offered in Spanish. In 2026, NPL plans to expand this effort with materials in Mandarin and Cantonese.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a chance to connect with others, encourage lifelong learning, and explore all that the library and Nashville have to offer.
