Summer Reading Programs in the Albuquerque Area

My favorite thing about summer as a kid was unlimited time to read. I loved (and still love!) cozying up in a chair and diving into new worlds, traveling back in time or walking in someone else’s shoes with a good story.

It brings me so much joy to see my kids love reading now, and they especially love summer reading programs.

Every May, we stop by the local library and Dion’s to pick up summer reading trackers. Then, they devour books, record their reads, and earn their prizes.

Plus, the local libraries have great events throughout the season to celebrate summer reading! They’re some of our favorite free summer activities!

So without further ado, here’s a list of local summer reading programs to entice our kids to stop the summer slide and keep them busy for a hot minute.

Who’s stopping you from enrolling in them all?

» » » » » » » » » » » » »  RELATED READ: Guide to Storytime in Albuquerque  « « « « « « « « « « « « «

Founded in 1938, Manzano Day School is an independent, non-profit elementary school serving children in pre-k through fifth grade. The program at Manzano Day School sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and develops the whole child while cultivating lifelong learners, independent thinkers, and engaged community members.

Students build a strong academic foundation through core studies in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science, complemented by co-curricular programs in library, music, physical education, Spanish, technology, and visual arts.

With an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and strong teacher relationships. All students also participate in our Environmental Education program at Fenton Ranch in the Jemez Mountains, one of the few programs of its kind in the country, where outdoor learning strengthens independence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

Manzano Day School is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. Nearly one in four students receives financial aid, awarded based on demonstrated need and available funds, with awards covering up to 50% of tuition. Learn more about admission here.

Guided by the philosophy of Joy in Learning®, Manzano Day School balances tradition and innovation while preparing students for continued academic success and meaningful participation in their communities and an ever-changing world.

That joy carries over into the summer during Manzano Day School’s Summer Discovery, a hands-on, interactive program that immerses students in creative, skill-building experiences. Students can enjoy Manzano Day School’s sprawling six-acre campus as well as classes taught by MDS teachers.

Summer Discovery is open to the public for rising pre-k and fifth graders. It runs from June 8 to July 17, 2026. Space is limited. Contact [email protected] or the website for more information.

Check out these great summer reading programs around Albuquerque!

Unearth A Story at Albuquerque Public Libraries

“Unearth A Story” is the theme for the Albuquerque Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. This free, 8-week program encourages babies, children, tweens, teens, and even adults to read (or be read to!) throughout the summer.

Sign up and pick up a reading log at any of the Albuquerque library branches beginning May 30 or online beginning May 8. Bring your reading log to any Public Library Branch location once a week to earn a weekly prize. All participants who turn in their completed reading logs up until the end of the Summer Reading Program will be entered into grand prize drawings for their age group held at each branch.

The libraries host amazing, free programs and events throughout the summer, too, that go along with this year’s theme. Read more from one of our contributors who participates in the program every summer here!

Teens who want to volunteer with their local libraries’ summer reading program can register at oneabqvolunteers.com.

Unearth A Story at Rio Rancho Public Libraries

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Barnes & Noble hopes to foster a love of reading and its rewards through their Summer Reading Program. Download the summer reading journal from the Barnes & Noble website, read eight books over the course of the summer, and record your reading in the journal. Then bring in completed journals to your closest Barnes & Noble store to earn a free book!

Dion’s Club Read

Dion’s and the Albuquerque Isotopes are strongly committed to providing programs that support youth in our community. The Club Read program encourages students to read and rewards them for their dedication. Kids can earn a free slice of pizza, Isotopes tickets, and more! The program runs from April 6 to July 27 for students in preschool through fifth grade.

Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program

Can you believe it still exists? The BOOK IT! Program is a free, reading incentive program for PreK-6th grade classrooms, parents, and homeschool families. Children who meet their parent-set goals can earn a free single-topping personal pan pizza. Use the BOOK IT! mobile app to set goals and track progress from June 1 to Aug. 31.

State of New Mexico Summer Reading Program

New Mexico’s Summer Reading Program is an innovative free program set to empower 10,000 students from incoming kindergarteners to outgoing eighth graders with focused reading instruction in small groups with trained literacy instructors. This program is being offered free to New Mexico families because reading interventions work. Students who receive focused instruction can get caught up in important reading skills and gain the confidence they need to be successful in all school subjects. The goals are simple. Enhance literacy, track reading progress, and boost confidence and skills in literacy.

Rally Reader New Mexico

The state Public Education Department has partnered with Rally Reader, an AI-powered e-reading and literacy app, to give every public school child in New Mexico free access to the app’s digital library. Parents can register their kids online and download the app with more than 50,000 popular books. Kids practice reading outloud and get real-time feedback.

Owl Cafe Summer Reading Program

The landmark Owl Cafe, 800 Eubank Blvd. NE, has a sweet summer reading program too! Kids can pick up a reading log at the restaurant, read six age appropriate books, and then turn log in for a free shake! The program runs from May 27 to Aug. 1.

Bookworks Kids Summer Reading Challenge

The local, independent bookstore Bookworks is offering a Kids Summer Reading Challenge for young children through high school students. Kids can pick up a challenge card at the store, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, then return it by Aug. 31 for a prize.

Local libraries in and around Albuquerque are hosting a variety of events tied to their Summer Reading programs. Check out this list of great upcoming events!

Do you know of other summer reading programs available to local families? If so, email us at [email protected].