Welcome to the Governor's Summer Learning Challenge webpage!

It's that time again! Summer Reading here we come! This summer is the 30th anniversary of the Governor's Summer Program. The CT State Library has assumed development and implementation of the program and we're so excited to help Connecticut Read this summer!

"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."-iREAD

This summer through the re-envisioned CT Summer Learning Challenge, we challenge readers to complete one activity in each of our four categories: 

Through these curated activities participants will have an opportunity to dive into the offerings from their local public library. Users will be exposed to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts through suggested activities like: 

• Plant a Seed Indoors or Outdoors 

• Write or Draw About Your Ideal Community 

• Borrow a Resource from a CT Public Library. 

Summer Learners will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge through activities like 

• Read a Book from a Summer Reading List 

• Visit a CT Historic Site or Learn About One in a Book 

• Do a local citizen science project

We've hunted high and low for partner organizations who offer activities and opportunities to build reading comprehension skills, and learn through activities and engagement to supporting all learning methods!

While CT is small, it can be difficult getting from point A to point B, so the team worked very hard to have activities in each category that can be done from home, or while out and about. Each learner who completes at least one activity from each of the four categories and send in their challenge form, will receive keychain tag via the USPS!