There’s something for everyone at Beloit Public Library this summer! From reading prizes and bingo challenges 
to live performances, hands-on activities, movies, camps, and programs for all ages, BPL is the place to read, explore, create, and connect all summer long. All BPL events are free and open to the public.
Summer Library Club Kick-Off
BPL’s summer season kicks off with the Summer Library Club Kickoff from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. The public is invited to stop by for an afternoon of hands-on activities inspired by the 250th birthday of the United States. Participants can pick up a reading log, learn how the Summer Reading Challenge works, and start reading … and earning prizes. Beloit Culver’s will provide custard for those in attendance.
Free Events all Summer Long
BPL’s summer calendar is packed with free activities for children, teens, adults, and families. All-ages highlights include a new music program The Listening Lounge, Prairie Lakes Library System’s Storywagon performances, dinosaur and reptile programs, Wildflower Walks, Cardboard Extravaganza, and an End of Summer Drop-In Dance Party.
Children can enjoy early literacy favorites such as Music and Movement Story Time, Baby Play Date, Toddler Yoga, Preschool STEAM Lab, and Preschool Story Time. School-age kids can take part in programs including Tales at Two, Wonderful Wildlife, Instant STEAM Challenges, Bug Out! Entomology Explorers, and free PBS Kids camps. Teens and Tweens will find programs created just for them, including Teen Taste Test, Teen Craft, Teens & Beads, Teen Detectives, Teen Page Turners Book Club, Manga/Graphic Novel Club, Teen Advisory Board, and teen movie nights. Adults can enjoy book clubs, films, walking groups, history programs, craft clubs, Spanish Fluency Club, job services help, and more.
Free Meals for Kids
Beloit Public Library will offer free meals for kids this summer on weekdays from June 23 through July 30 as part of the USDA’s Free Meals for Kids program. Lunch will be served out of the School District of Beloit’s food truck on-site at BPL from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for children and teens ages 18 and under. No meals will be served July 3, 6, or 17. Families are invited to stop by, enjoy lunch, and take part in the many free programs, activities, and reading opportunities happening at BPL throughout the summer.
Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 runs June 6 through August 1. Readers of all ages are invited to log their reading minutes and collect prizes along the way. Participants may earn one prize at each reading level, while supplies last. Prizes are different for each age group.
Ages 0-12:
200 minutes: Gift Certificate
400 minutes: Choose from Treasure Chest
600 minutes: Choose from Golden Chest
800 minutes: Choose a Book
Ages 13-17:
200 minutes: Gift Certificate
400 minutes: Funny Stickers
600 minutes: Reusable Straw Trinkets
800 minutes: Fun Pens
Ages 18 and Up:
200 minutes: Gift Certificate
400 minutes: Magnetic Bookmark
600 minutes: Book Lovers Pen
800 minutes: Reading Award Medal
Gift certificate options for every level include Culver’s, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, or Dari Ripple.
Play Bingo for a Chance at Bigger Prizes
Throughout the Summer Reading Challenge dates, summer readers can also pick up a bingo card for a chance to win a grand prize. For each completed bingo card, participants will earn an entry into a drawing for a larger giveaway prize. The more cards you fill, the more chances you have to win. All drawings will be held on Monday, August 3.
Grand Prizes:
Adult Grand Prize: Kindle Paperwhite
Teen Grand Prize: Gift bag
Child Grand Prize: LEGO set and LEGO gift certificate
Wrap-Up Party
New this year is a year-end celebration for our Summer Reading Challenge. Our End of Summer Drop-In Dance Party caps off the season from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1. This all-ages event will feature family-friendly techno music, disco lights, glow sticks, snacks, and plenty of room to dance — or just hang out and enjoy the fun.
Summer 2026 Events Guide
Our summer is packed with activities to keep the family busy and engaged. For the full list of summer programs, download our Summer Events Guide or visit our online calendar.
