Summer Reading Program 2026

Were you the kind of kid who liked summer reading programs? Are you the kind of adult who loves to read but needs a little motivation? Are you the kind of adult who loves to read, but would like to do it in community with others? If any of these sound like you, this Summer Reading Program is for you! It even has prizes!

How It Works:

• The reading program begins May 15 and will end on July 31.

• Between these dates, you will read one book for each of the ten categories on the submission form.

• After reading your 10 chosen books or at the end of the program, email the  form (scanned or photographed) to Melody Green at mgreen@urbanatheologicalseminary.org

Additionally, if you’re on Facebook, we have a group specifically designed to connect with other readers. You can make book suggestions, ask for recommendations, and share thoughts about books. Join the FB group “Urbana Theological Seminary Summer Reading Program for Grownups 2026.”

Prizes

Read Five Books: You will be entered into a drawing for one of three Book Lovers Gift Baskets. We’ll email the winners. If you are not in the area, we will ask you for an address so we can send your basket.
Read Ten Books: You will be invited to an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social on September 12 (even if you are out of the area, we can Zoom you in to say “hi” and talk about books!), you will also receive a certificate of completion, a few small fun items, a non-transferable certificate for $100 off a credit course, or $25 off one audit course.

Theme: Reading for the Refreshment of the Soul

In C. S. Lewis’s Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Lucy reads a story that is titled “Spell for the Refreshment of the Soul,” and later, when she cannot access the story, she asks Aslan to tell her the story again. He says that he will always be telling her that story—a story that refreshes the soul. So we recommend that, for this year’s summer reading program, you find books that refresh your soul. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Melody Green.