125 years of stories on Washington Avenue
June 6 – Aug. 16, 2025
This summer, Oshkosh Public Library celebrates 125 years on Washington Avenue, and we want you to help us write the next chapter! Join us for a season of stories, community and celebration through our Summer Reading Challenge for all ages.
Read what you love
Books, blogs, audiobooks… if you’re reading or listening, it counts. Read solo or with friends and family.
Whatever you read, every minute counts.
Help us reach our Million Minutes Community Goal
If we hit our goal, we’ll celebrate together at a Million Minute Party on Fri., Aug. 22 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
How it works
Choose your favorite tracking method.
- Paper tracker – Available at the library or download using the link on this page.
- Digital tracker – Download the free Reader Zone app or visit the website at readerzone.com. Use program code 05689.
Earn incentives and win prizes
You’ll find birthday-themed fun when you visit the library!
- Receive a “goodie bag” when you reach reading milestones (while supplies last).
- Enter to win one of our festive raffle baskets.
- Check out our summer programs.
Deadline to enter raffles: Aug. 16
Redeem party favor coupons by Aug. 31
Readers may only turn in 10 trackers for prizes, but you can keep logging minutes toward the community goal.
One Million Minute Celebration
FRI | Aug 22 | 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Reading Room
If we hit one million minutes read as a community, we’re throwing a party for everyone who helped us get there. You read. Now, we celebrate!
Generously supported by the Donald Hansen Fund.
Thank you to our contributors:
The Paine Art Center and Gardens, Oshkosh Public Museum, 4imprint, Oshkosh Food Co-Op, Escape Oshkosh, Fire Escape, House of Heroes, Hughes Home Maid Chocolates Ltd., Kwik Trip, McDonalds, New Moon Cafe, Niko's Gyros, Oaks Chocolates, OshPop Gourmet Popcorn, Pollock Community Water Park, Red Robin, Revs Bowl Bar & Grill, Zaronis.
Share your summer reading stories and photos with us. Have a favorite book moment, a family reading tradition, or a snapshot of your summer reading spot? We want to see it! Share your stories and photos and be part of history.
Your submissions may be featured on the library’s website or social media.
Email your stories and photos to info@oshkoshlibrary.org Be sure to include your name and a sentence or two about what you’re reading or why you love summer reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fun, free program that encourages people of all ages to read during the summer. You track your reading, earn prizes, and join a community of readers across Oshkosh.
Because reading is good for your brain, your mood, and your community. Plus, this summer is extra special because we’re marking 125 years of library service and working toward a shared goal of one million minutes read!
You can start reading any time between June 6 and Aug. 16. Just choose your tracker style and begin logging your time.
- Digital: Download the Reader Zone app and enter code 05689.
- Paper: Download a paper tracker or pick one up at the library.
Anything you enjoy! Books, magazines, audiobooks, blogs, comics and more. Read to yourself, to someone else, or be read to. It all counts.
There’s no official end unless you hit ten prize card submissions. After that, you're still encouraged to log minutes toward our community goal and attend the celebration.
Incentives include free books, fun summer items, and raffle entries. All items are available while supplies last.
You’ll be entered to win themed baskets:
- We Love Oshkosh
- Summer Party
- Summer Fun
Winners will be contacted after Aug. 16.
Come to the library any time during the program to turn in your reading cards and collect your prizes. Incentives and prizes cannot be mailed.
Call us at (920) 236-5208 or email youth@oshkoshlibrary.org
Upcoming Events
Cake Pop Making
This challenge is designed for children ages 0-5. The program will help you make a habit out of reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing with your young child. Doing these activities increases children’s early literacy skills—the skills needed to be able to learn how to read once they begin school.
The goal is to read 1000 books with your child by the time they reach kindergarten.
You can easily register at our Youth Services Desk. When you register, you will receive a tote bag and booklet designed to guide you and your child through the challenge. Coming soon we will be partnering with Reader Zone to offer online tracking!
For every 100 books, your name will go on our 1000 Books Challenge Wall. You will also earn prizes along the way that include books and early learning toys!
For more information, visit our 1000 Books Reading Challenge page!