May 21, 2026, Seward Folly

Press release from the Seward Library

The Seward Community Library & Museum invites children, teens, and adults to sign up for this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, Read!”, running May 21 through August 12, 2026. Participants are encouraged to dive into great books all summer long, with reading goals set at 12 hours for ages 0–6, 20 hours for ages 7–12, and 24 hours for ages 13–125. The program fosters a love of reading and learning through free events, hands‑on activities, and exciting prizes for reaching reading milestones.

This year’s theme celebrates the journey from farm to table — just as a farm nourishes our bodies, the library nourishes our minds. Stories help us grow, connect us to our families and communities, and remind us how ideas take root and flourish. All summer long, the library becomes our shared community table, where we feast on imagination. Throughout the summer, participants can enjoy a wide variety of interactive programs including planter painting and seed planting, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, farm-themed imaginative play, Junior Ranger walks at Exit Glacier, art workshops, cooking and food history programs, and opportunities to read to shelter animals.

“We’ve planned a fun, creative, and community-centered summer reading program that encourages families to explore, imagine, and learn together,” said Karen Cooper McLoughlin, Deputy Director of the Seward Community Library & Museum. “Whether participants are planting seeds, solving puzzles, creating art, meeting local authors, or simply discovering a great new book, we hope the library becomes a place where curiosity and lifelong learning can grow all summer long.”

Featured events include a community Seedling Swap at the Branson Pavilion, an author talk and writing workshop with local author Sean Ulman, Paws & Pages reading sessions at the Seward Animal Shelter, marine science programming with the Alaska SeaLife Center, nature-inspired art workshops, food history presentations, and an educational farm tour at the Vachowski Farm. Many events are designed for all ages, with special activities for children, teens, and adults throughout the summer.

Participants can also earn prizes for tracking reading time and attending library programs. Prizes include books, games, art supplies, gift cards, and other fun incentives that reward consistent reading and participation.

Summer reading programs play an important role in helping students maintain literacy skills during school break. Research shows that children who read during the summer are more likely to retain academic progress and build stronger reading habits. Recreational reading also helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic performance, especially when readers can choose materials based on their own interests.

Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss. “Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperformed those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests. Our library is committed to supporting lifelong learning, creativity, and educational enrichment for the entire community,” Jolanta Ryan, Director of SCLM, added. “Summer reading is about much more than books — it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and meaningful experiences that bring people together.”

Registration continues through August 12. To learn more about the Summer Reading Program, call 907-224-4082 or visit cityofseward.us/SummerReading.