Summer 2026: Plant A Seed, Read

Plant a Seed, Read is rooted in the concept of farm-to-table. A farm grows food that nourishes our bodies; a library grows ideas that nourish our minds. Both food and stories connect us to our family, culture, economy, and ecology. iREAD 2026: Plant a Seed, Read will provide a context for exploring culture, history, science, health, and human connection.

It is never too early to start planning your next summer reading adventure. The Plant a Seed, Read Resource Guide and Graphics are available now. 

This is your complete Summer Reading Program! Over 300 pages of Plant A-Seed, Read-themed activities, games, art, reading lists, and much more. Includes programming for Children, Teens, Adults, Military, Early Literacy, and Families. Instant downloadable files with all of the graphics and programming are available in your receipt upon purchase. 

Note: If your library is located in one of the states listed below, do not purchase the Resource Guide from the iREAD website. Instead, wait for instructions from your State Library iREAD Representative. As part of the iREAD State Partnership Program, your library will receive the 2026 downloadable Resource Guide directly from your state.

Please check the page linked below, find your state's specific link for updates, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

iREAD State Partners for 2026:
Alaska, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Southwest Kansas Library System, and Washington.

Your state’s representative will let you know how and when the Resource Guide will be distributed.

*Note: Illinois Library Association (ILA) Institutional Members are eligible to receive a complimentary downloadable Resource Guide as part of their membership, upon request. Illinois iREAD participants, before purchasing the Resource Guide, please email iREAD@ila.org to confirm your library’s membership status and request the downloadable Resource Guide.

Meet the 2026 featured illustrators:

Pete Oswald & Jory John	Hatem Aly
Wendy Xu	Sarah Ferone