Booked & Busy: 7 Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids

One of the best things about summer in Asheville is how many local organizations, libraries, and businesses come together to support young readers. From free books and library challenges to pizza, ice cream, and other fun rewards, there are plenty of opportunities for children to stay engaged with reading while school is out.

​To help families make the most of the season, we've gathered seven free summer reading programs that encourage kids to pick up a book, try something new, and celebrate their progress along the way!

1. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal
🎁 Prize: A free book of your choice
📅 When: July–August 2026
✅ How it works: Download the Summer Reading Journal (available in English and Spanish), have your child read 8 books, and write a short response for each one. Bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store and choose a free book from the summer reading list.

2. Buncombe County Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
🎁 Prize: A free book, bookmark, and kiddie scoop from The Hop
📍 Where: Any Buncombe County Public Library location
📚 For Ages: 0–18
✅ How it works: Pick up an activity sheet at your nearest library. Complete 10 fun reading-related activities and return the sheet to receive a free book, bookmark, and a scoop of ice cream from The Hop. More details here. 

​3. Chuck E. Cheese Page Turning Pro Award
​🎁 Prize: 10 Free Play Points
📅 When: Available through December 31, 2026
✅ How it works: Choose a reading milestone that works for your child-finishing a book, reading every day for a week, improving fluency, or another reading goal. Download and print the Page Turning Pro Award certificate, celebrate their accomplishment, then bring the completed certificate to Chuck E. Cheese to redeem 10 Free Play Points.

4. Pizza Hut "BOOK IT!" Digital Program
🎁 Prize: Monthly reward certificate for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza
📚 For Ages: PreK–6th Grade
✅ How it works: Parents and caregivers can sign up online and track reading through the BOOK IT! digital dashboard. Children who meet their reading goals can earn a pizza reward each month from June through August.

5. Little Free Libraries Around Asheville
🎁 Prize: Free books anytime
📍 Where: Neighborhoods throughout Asheville
✅ How it works: Visit a Little Free Library near you, take a book, leave a book, or simply browse. It's a fun, free way to discover new stories and grow your home library all year long. Find a little free library near you. 

6. Devil's Foot Summer Reading Program
🎁 Prize: A free 4-pack of Devil's Foot craft soda and a coupon for 50% off a kids Make-Your-Own Pie at Pizza Mind
📍 Where: The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage and Pizza Mind
✅ How it works: Download and complete the reading log by reading 8 books. Bring the finished log to The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage in Asheville to claim your rewards and celebrate a summer of reading. 

7. Nothing Bundt Cakes "Books & Bundts"
🎁 Prize: A free mini Bundt cake
📅 When: June 1–August 31, 2026
✅ How it works: Children in PreK through elementary school can track 400 minutes of reading throughout the summer. To receive a reading tracker, email one of the participating Asheville bakeries below. Once completed, turn in the tracker and enjoy a sweet reward.
West Asheville: [email protected]
South Asheville: [email protected]

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Free Printable Reading Tracker

Download and print this free reading tracker to encourage your child to read over the summer and work towards earning one of the rewards listed above!

Download Tracker

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