Summer reading programs: What a perfect activity.
With longer days and fewer responsibilities (well, for some of us, anyway), there’s extra time to let books take us to faraway places or entertain us with fantastical tales. Kids can learn new words and ideas, and keep those minds fresh even while taking a break from the rigors of school.
Local libraries always get in on the fun (and make it more fun) with creative events, activities and enticements. Here’s the lineup of summer reading programs for 2024.
King County Library System
The KCLS summer reading program takes place from Monday, June 17 to Saturday, August 31. There will be special events, themed story times, and a reading challenge with prizes. Participants are encouraged to read at least 20 minutes per day, and that includes reading to someone else or listening to an audiobook. Keep track with a paper reading log (available at KCLS libraries) or with the Beanstack app.
The winning begins when you sign up! Anyone who comes in to pick up a reading log or shows a librarian a Beanstack reading log on their device will get a prize, including stickers, bookmarks and vouchers for Seattle Storm tickets.
Finishing prizes include gnome badges and tote bags.
Lots of summer events are planned as well, and anyone at a loss to find something to read should just ask a librarian for help.
Seattle Public Library
Watch this space for details on SPL’s Summer of Learning program. And of course there’s also Book Bingo, in conjunction with Seattle Arts & Lectures and now for teens as well as for adults.
Need ideas for what to read? Seattle Public Library can help with its program Your Next 5 Books.
Everett Public Library System
Reading logs are available for “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” the 2024 summer reading program at Everett Public Library System. Prizes are handed out beginning July 1, and there are several special events before the fun wraps up on Aug. 31.
Adventure is also the theme at Sno-Isle Libraries this summer, and library is emphasizing outdoor activities and resources to go along with the reading program. Kids can get a free book and sticker after their first 10 hours of reading.
Tacoma Public Library
Tacoma Public Library is accepting signups for its summer 2024 program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” which runs June 22-August 17. Stop by any library for a sign-up prize. Those who finish the challenge will get a prize and be entered into a grand prize raffle. (Note the early finish date.)
Pierce County Library System
Pierce County Library System invites patrons of its 19 locations to participate in “A Summer of Stories” from June 1 through Aug. 31. There are many ways to participate, and prizes will be given at various milestones.
Summer reading programs at bookstores:
Half-Price Books is calling its summer program Summer Reading Camp. It aims to prevent summer learning loss. The new-and-used bookstore chain encourages “campers” to visit their local store with an adult to pick up an interactive reading log and sticker sheet. Campers can earn $5 Bookworm Buck rewards by marking off the days they read in June and July. Interested campers can visit hpb.com/summer to receive reminders about important dates and to check out reading recommendations, craft ideas and cool activities for campers ranging in age from tots to teens. (Puget Sound-area locations in Tacoma, Tukwila, Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood and Everett, but this is an online program.)
Barnes & Noble: This chain’s website is great for lists. For instance, if you’ve got a bored kid or teen, point them to 100 Books of Summer for Teens and YA. Local in-person locations: Bellevue, Alderwood, Northgate, Southcenter, Federal Way, Woodinville.
Related:
More book news in Seattle’s Child
Tips for preventing “summer brain drain”
Favorite summer reads: University Book Store picks
