Howdy, Partner
Let's Read!
2026 Summer Fun for All Ages
Saturday, June 6-Friday, July 31
Saddle up for a summer of exciting activities, challenges, prizes, and giveaways!
We’ve suggested 1,000 minutes of reading as a worthy goal, but if this challenge isn’t right for you or your family, feel free to create your own. You can increase or decrease the number of minutes or set a goal for the number of books or pages you want to read.
You can also do the supplemental activities we suggest on the reading log. We aren’t set on you reading 1,000 minutes, we just want you to read and have barrels of fun while doing it!
Giddyup Giveaways
Sign up for Summer Reading and you could ride off with more than great stories!
All Howdy, Partner – Let's Read participants are automatically entered into our random prize drawing, featuring two exciting prize packages: the Grand Prize Lucky Lasso package and the Second in the Saddle Runner-up package. Register now for your chance to win!
Grand Prize Lucky Lasso Prize Package
- Four tickets to the National Western Stock Show in January 2027. Winner can choose from four different rodeos and an evening of dancing horses. Tickets include grounds admission for the day of the chosen event.
- Four General Admission tickets good for one day during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo.
- Four Reserved Seats for one PRCA Rodeo during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, including grounds admission.
- Eight-person game show experience at Game Show Battle Rooms plus prize pack.
- Local barbecue restaurant gift card.
- One autographed C.J. Box book.
- Games: Old Maid, Playing Cards, Dominoes, plus a book on card games.
Second in the Saddle Runner-up Prize Package
- Four tickets to the National Western Stock Show in January 2027. Winner can choose from four different rodeos and an evening of dancing horses. Tickets include grounds admission for the day of the chosen event.
- Two General Admission tickets good for one day during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo.
- Two Reserved Seats for one PRCA Rodeo during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, including grounds admission.
- Raising Cane's basket.
- One autographed C.J. Box book.
- Games: Old Maid, Playing Cards, and Dominoes, plus a book on card games.
Everyone registered May 1-July 31 will be entered into the random prize drawings. Drawings will take place in early August. Winners will be notified individually and announced via DCL's digital channels (first name, last initial). No purchase necessary and registration is free.
Prizes
Prizes available June 6-August 7, while supplies last.
Sign-Up Prizes
Visit any DCL location to pick up your Summer Reading sign-up prizes, while supplies last.
- Babies 0-3: Cowboy Rubber Ducky
- Kids 4-12: Cow Fidget Toy and Raising Cane's Free Kids Meal
- Teens & Adults: Second Chapter Used Bookstore coupon
- Registered participants are also eligible for BOGO tickets to select Colorado Rapids games.
Finishing Prizes
Available starting June 7, while supplies last. Collect a prize when you complete your challenge, or just for having a fun summer!
- Babies & Kids (Ages 0-12): One Free New Book
- Teens & Adults: Custom Bandana
Goals
Help us meet our community goal of 10.5 million minutes read!
If we meet the community goal, the Douglas County Libraries Foundation will donate $1,000 to the Douglas County 4-H Youth Council, which works to organize and lead events and activities in support of Douglas County 4-H.
Help your school earn $500!*
All you have to do is sign up (and remind your friends and classmates to sign up, too!), making sure you include your school's name and your grade when you register. The school with the most sign-ups by July 31 will be awarded $500. Award recipients announced in August. See contest rules and restrictions.
*The leader board will be posted here and updated each Monday through July 31.
Whoa, partners! We'll start wrangling minutes beginning June 6.
