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SummerQuest

summerquest logo of a sun with a blue banner on top of it that reads "saummerquest." text circles the logo that reads "reading. activities. kids, teens, adults"

SummerQuest 2026: Unearth a Story

Dig deep and uncover what we have in store this summer at York County Libraries! This year, SummerQuest Unearth a Story is all about reaching your own unique goals.

Do you want to read more? Get involved in the community? Or perhaps you want to be more active and get outdoors. Whatever those goals may be, YOU get to decide how your summer looks!

2026 Key Dates

  • May 17: Pre-Registration for SummerQuest begins on Beanstack
  • June 1: First day of SummerQuest & Get Outdoors (GO) York
  • June 10: Prize pickup begins
  • June 20: York Revolution’s special baseball game for SummerQuest participants
  • August 16*: Last day of SummerQuest & GO York; Beanstack Challenge ends
  • August 22: Last day to pick up prizes at the library

*August 16 is also the last day to log your reading, complete activities, log GO York hike codes, and “spend” your tickets on Ticket Drawings.

BONUS: Prize Drawings

This summer, there will be TWO bonus prize drawings in June and early July. Winners will be randomly drawn from SummerQuest participants. Make sure you register early for a chance to win!

Performer River Barry, the Bubble Magician, blowing a large soap bubble

About SummerQuest

SummerQuest is York County Libraries’ version of a summer reading program—but it’s so much more! We offer kids, teens, and adults tons of ways to stay active in mind and body all summer long. We host free, fun activities that keep everyone learning, reading, and physically active from June to August. Each year, the theme and special events change.

Find a Library
May 17: Pre-register for SummerQuest
See Upcoming Events

How it works

To get started, first you’ll need to register for the SummerQuest Challenge in the Beanstack app/website. Log into an existing account or create a new one (don’t forget to update your information!). You’ll use Beanstack to track your reading, activities, and progress throughout the summer.

illustrated graphic of a book
Step 1

Log Reading & Complete Activities

In Beanstack, you earn virtual “badges” when you log reading and complete activities. Choose any four badges you want to earn! With a variety of badges to choose from, your summer can be customized to your unique goals and interests! 

Get started with Beanstack
illustrated graphic of a gift box and a ticket
Step 2

Get Rewards & Earn Tickets

When you earn badges, you’ll receive Rewards and virtual tickets. Tickets can be spent in Beanstack Ticket Drawings for a chance to win real prizes! The best part is that YOU get to decide where you spend your tickets.

How to use tickets
illustrated graphic of a prize ribbon
Step 3

Complete the Challenge

Once you earn any four (4) reading or activity badges, you will “complete” the SummerQuest Challenge. Keep logging to earn more tickets and additional rewards!

Kids, Teens & Adults: Join the SummerQuest Challenge!

We invite everyone to join in the summer fun at York County Libraries! See below for more information about participating in SummerQuest, prizes, and more!

Get the App and Join the Challenge

Beanstack Promotional Graphic Full Flex Size

Beanstack is the mobile app (and website) where you participate in library “Challenges,” log your books/reading, and complete activities.

All SummerQuest participants must have a library card and be registered in Beanstack.

Download the mobile app for Apple iOS and Android here.

Returning Beanstack Users:

  • Your accounts remain active from year to year. Simply log into your account to register for this year’s SummerQuest Challenge.
  • If you cannot recall your login credentials, click here to recover your username or reset your password. 
More Beanstack Tips

Log Reading & Activities to Earn Rewards

It would not be a summer at the library without reading! The easiest way to keep track of your reading minutes is through Beanstack.

  • If you prefer to log your reading on paper, we have a printable tracking sheet. Bring it to the library when you’re ready!

When you log reading and complete activities in the Challenge, you will earn virtual “badges.”

Each (1) Badge You Earn = A Reward + 1 Ticket

Each badge you get will also give you a Reward and one Ticket.

  • Rewards are physical prizes that are redeemed at the library starting June 10.
  • Tickets are “spent” on Ticket Drawing prizes in Beanstack. Learn more about tickets here.

Prizes & Drawings

We are so grateful to the many local attractions, restaurants, and businesses that support SummerQuest each year!

Rewards will be available for pick up starting June 10.

*Note: Adults (ages 19+) are only eligible for Ticket Drawing prizes.

Rewards for Kids & Teens

When you earn a Reward in Beanstack, stop by the library (starting June 10) to pick out your prize.

You may* find exciting prizes to local attractions and restaurants such as:

  • Attractions: Roll R’ Way, Maize Quest, Oakes Museum of Natural History, Laser Alley, and more!
  • Restaurants: Texas Roadhouse, Chick-Fil-A, and more!

*Prizes are available while supplies last

Ticket Drawing Prizes

This year, we are excited to offer several Ticket Drawing prize bundles. Winners are pulled at the end of summer.
Note: Ticket drawing prizes vary by age group. 

  • Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts
  • York History Center
  • School of Rock: York
  • Ready Up Gaming
  • WareHouse ROCKS Climbing and Fitness
  • 2nd & Charles
  • and more!

For a chance to win one of these prizes, you must “spend” your Tickets in Beanstack Ticket Drawings by August 16.

Click here for instructions on using Tickets. Ask library staff if you need help “spending” your tickets!

Bonus Prize Drawings!

This summer, we’re offering bonus prize drawings to anyone who registers for SummerQuest! This includes family 4-packs of tickets for the following:

"Complete" the Challenge

sq completion badge art

The magic number is FOUR! You only need to earn four reading or activity badges* in Beanstack to “complete” the Challenge.This means that you can pick and choose which badges you want to earn!

When you get the “Unearth a Story: Completed” badge (see picture), you’ll know you’ve finished the Challenge. But why stop there? Keep earning more badges to get more rewards and tickets!

*Note: The Registration badge does not count toward your four badges.

Get Outdoors (GO) York!

GO York is a challenge facilitated by our partner, Wellspan Health. 30 wooden posts are hidden in York County parks every summer. Using an annual GO York guidebook, follow the steps to locate the posts and unveil the “rubbing” of the sketch and a secret code.

Log the secret code into the Beanstack app to earn entries for GO York grand prize drawings! Join the GO York! Facebook group for updates and info.

Click the video to watch a short tutorial on logging your GO York hikes in Beanstack. Read more about using Beanstack for GO York here.

Visit GOYork.org

If your business is interested in becoming a sponsor of SummerQuest, contact us!

Contact Us!

Thank you to our supporters!

Annually, many local businesses offer financial support to York County Libraries’ SummerQuest. They help us encourage kids to keep reading and to stay active over the summer months.