As a kid, I cherished the long lazy days of summer when I could lay around reading anything I wanted. My kids, not so much. Somehow, the bookworm gene skipped them — but they are motivated by prizes. If your kids, like mine, need some encouragement to pick up a book this summer, here are the summer reading programs with the best incentives.
King County Library System
June 6 – August 31
KCLS wins the best summer reading program hands down. This year, they’re stepping it up further with a new program aimed at teens.
You can sign up at any KCLS branch, but a fun way to get started is by attending one of the launch parties held throughout June. We walked into a launch party where a beaming children’s librarian welcomed us, handed each kid a gift box, invited them to pick out a new free book, then segued into a live show with a professional magician. Wowza.
After completing your reading tracker, redeem it for a prize (we got Seattle Storm tickets!) Check the KCLS site for a truly impressive lineup of fun, free activities for kids all summer long. You can filter by date, age, and branch. We’ve done everything from improv class to breakdancing to building Lego robots.
Note: KCLS is for everyone in King County. You can absolutely have a Seattle Public Library account and a KCLS account.
(Image courtesy KCLS)
Mariners
March 26 – September 27
If anyone can get your kids reading, it’s Cal Raleigh.
The Mariners’ All-Star catcher is partnering with PEMCO Insurance this summer to encourage kids K-12 to “get caught reading.” It’s so easy. All you have to do is take a photo of your kid reading anywhere and submit the photo online for a chance to win prizes. If you prefer not to show your child’s face, photos from the back are totally fine.
The challenge runs through the Mariners’ regular season, and there’s no limit on the number of entries you can submit. Five winners will be chosen to win a baseball autographed by Raleigh. Go Mariners!
(Image courtesy PEMCO Insurance)
Seahawks
Through July 31
Attention, Junior 12s: our Super Bowl champions are offering readers ages 5 to 15 a chance to win some cool Seahawks gear. Register for the summer reading challenge online, print out the reading log, and keep track of the time you spend reading. Submit the total number of minutes by July 31.
Entries are sorted into tiered buckets based on how many minutes you read. Prizes include a Seahawks water bottle, an autographed football, and an autographed jersey. The grand prize is a personal visit from Blitz!
Barnes & Noble
July 1 – August 31
How about a summer reading program with a guaranteed prize? No purchase necessary, no strings attached. Kids in grades 1-6 can read any eight books to earn a free book at Barnes & Noble.
For every two books you read, bring your reading log into the store and get a sticker. Read eight books — and visit Barnes & Noble four times over the summer — to complete the reading challenge. Your reward is picking out a brand new book from the summer reading display, which includes titles in varying levels.
Psst, a new Barnes & Noble opened in downtown Seattle in May. The children’s section is downstairs, and it’s well-stocked.
Reading logs at the new downtown Seattle Barnes and Noble. (Image courtesy Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
Pizza Hut
June 1 – August 31
If you grew up a child of the 80s, you remember the free Book It personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut. It’s still a thing! The program is now on an app, and it’s open to kids pre-K through 6th grade. Set a daily reading goal, from 20 to 60 minutes, and remember to log your kid’s reading each day in the Book It app. Reach your goal at least 15 days in the month to earn a free pizza. Max one pizza per kid, per month, from June to August.
Get a free personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut. (Image courtesy Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
Panda Express
Year-round
Teachers and homeschoolers, this is for you. If you work with students pre-K to 5th grade, you’re eligible to sign up for the Panda Express reading program. Students read five books to earn a free kids’ meal coupon.
Get a free kids meal with the Panda Express reading program. (Image courtesy Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
Kellogg’s
June 15 – October 30
You do have to buy something for this promotion, but use it as an opportunity to stock up on cereal. One box equals one free book. Claim your books by buying specially marked Kellogg’s boxes and uploading a photo of your receipt.
Get free books when you buy Kelloggs cereal. (Image courtesy Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
