Teen Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Challenge Starting June 1!

The Milton Public Library Summer Reading Challenge is open to teens ages 12–17, and no library card is required to participate.

Track your reading time in the Beanstack Tracker from June 1 through August 8 for a chance to win prizes all summer long. Start reading, log your minutes, and earn rewards!

Beanstack is the platform we use to track reading for the Summer Reading Challenge. Download the app or visit the website to get started.

Create an account, join the Unearth a Story Challenge, and begin logging your reading time.

  • If you download the Beanstack app, be sure to search for “Sussex County Libraries (DE)” when selecting your library.
  • If you are using the Beanstack website, make sure you access the Sussex County Libraries Beanstack site.
  • To be eligible for Milton Public Library prizes, select Milton Public Library as your primary library. If another library is selected as your primary library, we will not be able to track your progress, and you will not qualify for Milton Public Library prize drawings.

Have questions? Call us at 302-855-1975 or stop by the library—we’re happy to help!

Earn Prizes All Summer Long!

  • Read for 10 hours to receive a free book and be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing for a chance to win a pair of Apple AirPods. One lucky winner will be selected at the end of the Summer Reading Challenge.
  • Plus, log any amount of reading time each week for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. One winner will be drawn every week throughout the challenge.
  • Every kind of reading counts! Whether you enjoy fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, manga, magazines, or audiobooks, your reading time can help you earn prizes.


Explore our upcoming summer programs for teens! All programs are free, though some may require registration. You do not need a library card to attend.

Register Self-Defense for Girls (for ages 11-17): June 15, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

In this two-hour self-defense seminar, you’ll learn essential skills such as situational awareness, trusting your instincts, and setting strong personal boundaries. You’ll then get hands-on practice with techniques including wrist releases, basic submissions, and more.

Drop in Tote Painting (for ages 11-17): June 16, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Paint your own tote bag! Freehand a design or use a stencil to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Drop in Dragon Eye Contest (for ages 11-17): June 17, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Inspired by our Summer Reading theme, “Unearth a Story,” create a one-of-a-kind dragon eye design on a mini canvas. All supplies are provided, including pencils, colored pencils, and acrylic markers. Completed artwork will be displayed in the library from June 18–25 for patrons to vote on, and the winning artist will receive a $10 prize.

Register String Art (for ages 11-17): June 22, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Create a vibrant, summer-inspired string art board!

Register Learn to Solder Workshop (for ages 11-17): June 23, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Join Mr. Keith for a fun, hands-on introduction to soldering! Learn the basics and build your own blinking LED circuit board. No experience is needed. This is a two-hour workshop. If you are unable to attend the June 23rd session, a second class will be offered on July 13th. Participants may register for only one session.

Register Guided Paint Class (for ages 11-17): June 29, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Join Miss Cat for a fun, guided acrylic painting class! All materials will be provided.

Register America 250 Wreath (for ages 11-17): June 30, 2026 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Celebrate America 250 by painting a patriotic wooden wreath!

Register Sew a Succulent (for ages 11-17): July 6, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Love hand sewing? Create an adorable fabric succulent using a needle and thread! You’ll assemble the base and sew the leaves together to build your own decorative piece.

Register Improv Workshop (for ages 10-17): July 7, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Join us for a fun improv workshop with Melissa Brenner! Learn how to create scenes, characters, and dialogue on the spot through games, creativity, and teamwork.

Register Learn to Solder Workshop (for ages 11-17): July 13, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Join Mr. Keith for a fun, hands-on introduction to soldering! Learn the basics and build your own blinking LED circuit board—no experience needed. This is a two-hour workshop. Participants who attended the June 23rd session may not register for this class. Each participant may attend only one session.

Drop in Outdoor Tie Dye (for ages 11-17): July 20, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Stop by our outdoor patio to tie dye your own canvas pouch. Crafts are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Weather permitting.

Register K-Pop Picket (for ages 11-17): July 21, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Create a K-pop themed picket fan decorated with your favorite artist using a variety of craft supplies. You can also make other fun crafts like pinback buttons and bracelets.

Register Get Smart About Banking (for ages 11-17): July 27, 2026 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Learn the basics of banking, including credit and savings, with M&T Bank.

Drop in Marvel Merch Party (for ages 11-17): July 28, 2026 from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Excited for Spider-Man: Brand New Day to hit theaters? Get into the spirit by creating your own Marvel-inspired merchandise. Design custom bags using our Cricut machine and make other fun crafts like pinback buttons, bracelets, and keychains while watching Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Register Mini Canvas Bedazzle (for ages 11-17): August 3, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Bedazzle select designs on a mini canvas.

Register Beginners Chess Workshop (for ages 9-17): June 18, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Curious about chess? Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll learn the basics—how the pieces move, how the board is set up, and how to play. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): June 25, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): July 2, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): July 9, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): July 16, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): July 23, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): July 30, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

Register Chess Club (for ages 9-17): August 6, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for Chess Club! With guidance from Chess Champs, continue building your chess skills and play games with other participants. Registration is required, and a waiver must be signed. Information collected in the waiver will be shared with Chess Champs so they can provide participants with additional resources and online tools to continue learning at home.

 

Drop in Game Night (for ages 11-17): July 1, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for fun and games! Enjoy classic board games, Nintendo Switch on the big screen, ping pong, and cornhole.

Drop in Game Night (for ages 11-17): July 15, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for fun and games! Enjoy classic board games, Nintendo Switch on the big screen, ping pong, and cornhole.

Drop in Game Night (for ages 11-17): July 29, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for fun and games! Enjoy classic board games, Nintendo Switch on the big screen, ping pong, and cornhole.