BY KAREN BOSSICK

Adults 18 and older are invited to dig into prehistoric history—from dinosaur fossils to Idaho’s geological jackpots—during the valley-wide Adult Summer Reads program.

This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” challenges readers to expand their knowledge of the world in which we live through a prehistoric lens as they delve into ancient sea reptiles, discoveries in archaeology and other aspects of natural science.

Complete a short registration form at one of the participating libraries--The Community Library in Ketchum, Hailey Public Library or Bellevue Public Library. Then pick up your Adult Summer Reads 2026 passport.

The passport, available in English and Spanish, will offer reading ideas, activities and audio-video options to keep you exploring all summer long. Each passport activity you complete will earn you a ticket to the end-of-summer drawing.

Prize winners will be drawn at each library on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and winners will be notified by telephone. Two grand prize winners from each of the three libraries will win dinner for themselves and a guest at the historic Ernest and Mary Hemingway House.

“We often see an uptick in library checkouts during the summer,” said Pam Parker, a librarian at The Community Library. “People are looking to balance outdoor activities. It seems that our minds get as thirsty as if they’ve been on a long hike or bike ride!”

Added Lahela Maxwell of the Hailey Public Library: “The Adult Summer Reads is an engaging and fun way for Valley residents to connect with their library throughout the summer. Summer is often viewed as a time for travel and relaxation, and what better way to relax than reading a good book? Every summer we challenge our patrons to grow, both as readers and citizens, and giving them a structure for that helps people stick to it.”

Don’t know where to get started? Did into the Adult Summer Reads 2026 book recommendations.

A summer reading program for youth will start June 4.