Summer reading season is back, but this year, one of Columbus’ favorite independent bookstores is doing things a little differently.
“Camp Prologue,” the annual summer reading challenge from Prologue Bookshop, officially kicked off on Friday, May 22, inviting readers to earn merit badges, connect with the community, and maybe even score some pizza along the way.
Instead of focusing entirely on reading as many books as possible, Camp Prologue is designed around participation and community engagement.
Readers can complete a mix of literary and community-based activities to earn merit badges throughout the summer. Once participants collect any five badges, they can turn in their completed “sash” card for a $15 gift card to Yellow Brick Pizza.
Everyone who participates will also be entered to win a Prologue Bookshop gift basket, while campers who complete every badge receive an additional giveaway entry.
The challenge runs through Labor Day weekend, with all badges needing to be completed between May 22 and September 7.
There are a few rules to keep in mind:
- Participants must be loyalty members at Prologue Bookshop to join, though membership is free in-store.
- Sash cards must be turned in by Tuesday, September 2.
- Only one card is allowed per person.
The shop says this year’s challenge is all about creating connections through books, local events, and the wider literary community. Physical sash cards are now available for pickup at Prologue Bookshop.
For anyone still building a summer reading list, this might be the perfect excuse to finally tackle that stack of books sitting on the nightstand. Head over to prologuebookshop.com/summerreading2026 for more information.
