Seattle Public Library’s Summer Book Bingo Expands To Reach Readers Across King County

Seattle’s beloved Summer Book Bingo kicks off with a countywide expansion, inviting more readers than ever to join the literary adventure. For the first time, the program—led by The Seattle Public Library (SPL) and Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL)—welcomes the King County Library System (KCLS) as a partner, extending the popular adult summer reading challenge across King County.

Since its debut in 2015, Summer Book Bingo has encouraged adults to read widely, discover new genres, and share their literary journeys with friends and family. This year’s partnership with KCLS marks the program’s most inclusive season yet.

“Since 2015, Book Bingo has grown into a favorite summer tradition for Seattle readers who want to read adventurously and have some reading fun with friends and family,” said SPL Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone in King County to find out why adults deserve a summer reading program, too!”

Readers can pick up a bingo board at any of the 27 SPL or 50 KCLS branches or download one at spl.org/BookBingo, kcls.org/BookBingo, or lectures.org/BookBingo. Completed boards—either with a traditional bingo (five in a row) or a full blackout (all 24 squares)—must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. to qualify for prize drawings.

“Book Bingo is more than just a reading challenge — it’s a celebration of curiosity, connection, and the quirky ways King County loves to read,” said KCLS Executive Director Heidi Daniel. “We’re excited to bring readers from across King County into the mix for the first time, and we’re hoping to make this the biggest year for Book Bingo yet!”

This year’s board features 24 imaginative and flexible categories, including “Intergenerational Friendship,” “Grief,” “Monsters,” and “SAL Speaker.” All types of books count—from graphic novels to audiobooks to young adult fiction.

“We are so excited about Book Bingo’s new and expanded chapter — it’s like a deluxe edition!” said Rebecca Hoogs, Executive Director of Seattle Arts & Lectures. “In a hurry-hurry world, the encouragement to slow down and dive into reading feels like a real gift. We can’t wait to see which books readers spend time with, which books they are pressing into the hands of others, and what new favorite authors or genres they discover along the way!”

Each year, readers share memorable moments from the challenge—from discovering new genres to laughing out loud in public spaces. One fan said, “Reading all of these books was exhilarating. I immersed myself in diverse worlds, each with unique perspectives, which expanded my horizons and deepened my appreciation for storytelling.”

This year’s bingo cards are illustrated by Seattle artist Marlowe Pody, known as Odd Rabbits, bringing a whimsical, local touch to the program.

For those looking for book suggestions, both SPL and KCLS offer curated reading lists for each square, available online. Staff at library branches are also ready to help with recommendations. SPL patrons can use the Your Next 5 service, and KCLS patrons can try BookMatch. For the “SAL Speaker” square, readers are encouraged to choose books by past or upcoming Seattle Arts & Lectures presenters.

Participants can also share their progress and book discoveries using the hashtag #BookBingoNW2025 on social media.

Those who complete a bingo (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) will be entered into a drawing for a commemorative tote bag. Players who complete all 24 squares for a blackout will be entered to win one of three grand prizes per library system, including a “Create Your Own Series” subscription to SAL’s 2025–26 season.

Teen and Kids Book Bingo

Younger readers can also join in the fun. SPL and SAL are offering a Teen Book Bingo board with 25 squares featuring categories like “DNF = Did Not Finish,” “Face Your Fears,” and “Published in Your Birth Year.” Teens can submit their boards in person or online. Prizes include a $25 Visa gift card for bingo and a $100 Elliott Bay Book Company gift card for blackout.

For children ages 0–12, SAL’s Kids Book Bingo features categories such as “A Biography of Someone You Admire” and “Read in Pajamas.” Parents can download the card at lectures.org/BookBingo, and submit entries by mail or email. Kids are eligible for prizes including $30 and $100 bookstore gift cards. The deadline for teen and kids entries is also Sept. 2.

As the program begins a new chapter with expanded access and community engagement, organizers hope more readers than ever will take part.

“Book Bingo is a joyful reminder that reading doesn’t have to be solitary — it can be a community celebration,” said Hoogs. “Whether you’re discovering new authors, revisiting favorites, or just having fun with the categories, you’re part of something bigger — a shared love of stories.”