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Ultimate Summer Challenge

Registration is open now! Challenge begins on July 1.

Are you ready for the Ultimate Summer Challenge?

The Challenge is simple — read every day this summer. Read, attend programs, and have a lot of fun at the Library this summer.  

Everyone can be part of the Ultimate Summer Challenge. The shared reading adventure will be an exciting way to connect and grow together over the summer months.  

Track your reading using the Beanstack app or with one of our garden-themed Challenge maps available at all Library locations. Plus, you will be eligible to win incredible prizes just by participating.

Challenge runs from July 1 - August 31. 

Register for Ultimate Summer Challenge online with Beanstack

background image: An illustration of the new USC map for 2025. The map is of a garden where there are many cute little bugs reading books on the front as well as little mushroom huts.

Complete your Challenge Map and Track your Progress

You can track your reading right in the Beanstack app or on one of our garden-themed Challenge maps available at all Library locations. Keep track of every day between July 1 and August 31 by colouring in your map and picking up a new sticker each week at any Library location. Before you know it, your Challenge map will be in full bloom with a beautiful garden and adorable insects! You can also complete a reading badge to be displayed at your Library.    

Visit a Library location to pick up your Challenge map or download your map.

Win Amazing Prizes for All Age Groups

Ages 0 – 5: 

  • KiwiCrate one-year subscription, Panda Crate (ages 0 – 36 months), delivered every two months
  • KiwiCrate one-year subscription Sprout (ages 3 – 5), delivered every month
  • Calgary Zoo membership for two adults and two children 

Ages 6 – 12 

  • Long & McQuade lessons and Ukulele
  • KiwiCrate one-year subscription (matched to age) 
  • Calgary Zoo membership for two adults and two children 
  • Telus Spark family membership for two adults and four kids
  • iPad 11th Gen 

Ages 13 – 17 

  • LEGO
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 
  • Apple iPad 11th gen 
  • PS5 with disc drive and pack

Ages 18+: 

  • District Box 
  • LEGO
  • AirPods Pro 2
  • Apple iPad 11th gen
  • PS5 with disc drive and pack

The Ultimate Summer Challenge is fun for readers of all ages. Everyone who registers will have a chance to win amazing prizes.

background image: A brightly coloured garden with two images of people enjoying reading activities.

Ultimate Summer Party

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, visit any Library location and join us for a fun-filled day of storytimes, dancing, and special activities to celebrate the Ultimate Summer Challenge!

Bring your whole family and discover new reasons to fall in love with reading. 

Party Activities

Central Library
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime
11:30 – 2:00 pm: Family Dance Party
12:00 – 4:00 pm: Movies and popcorn
12:00 – 4:00 pm: Various performances
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Activity: Creative Arts

Memorial Park Library
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime in the park
11:30 – 4:00 pm: Exterior actvities: Bouncy Castles, Face Painters, Popcorn
12:00 – 4:00 pm: Various performances
12:00 – 4:00 pm: Interior activities: Adult Lounge Space with table-top games and popular summer paperbacks

Bowness, Country Hills, Louise Riley, Seton, Village Square Libraries
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime
11:30 – 2:00 pm: Family Dance Party
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Activity: Fun Friends of Summer which includes character visits with themed face painting or tattoos

Crowfoot, Fish Creek, Forest Lawn, Giuffre Family, Saddletowne, Shawnessy, Southwood Libraries
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime
11:30 – 2:00 pm: Family Dance Party
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Activity: STEM, Nature, or Animals

Judith Umbach, Nicholls Family, Nose Hill, Quarry Park, Signal Hill Libraries
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime
11:30 – 2:00 pm: Family Dance Party
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Activity: Creative Arts

Prototype Skyview, Sage Hill Libraries
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime
11:30 – 2:00 pm: Activity: Creative Arts

Rocky Ridge Library
11:00 – 11:30 am: Storytime
11:30 – 2:00 pm: Activity: Fun Friends of Summer which includes character visits with themed face painting or tattoos

Some locations, including Bowness, Central, Crowfoot, Forest Lawn, Seton and Shawnessy, will offer Quiet Cozy Reads Nooks, a sensory friendlier quiet reading experience.

Need some reading inspiration? Check out these booklists

A group of friends sitting on a picnic blanket with stacks of books all around them. They are all reading a book and smiling.

Follow Along on Social Media

Be sure to follow us on social media — Instagram, Facebook, X, or LinkedIn — for the latest Ultimate Summer Challenge updates. Stay tuned for social media giveaways and fun photo opportunities at locations across the city. 

We also want to see your progress! Tag us and use our hashtag #UltimateSummerChallenge as you share with friends and family pictures of books that you’ve read, programs you’ve attended, or the progress on your map.