Summer is here and one of the best ways to help your kids prevent the summer slide in their reading skills is by participating in a summer reading program at your public library. In the Kansas City Metro we have five major library systems, all offering their own summer reading programs with different events and prizes. Most even have a summer reading program for adults so you can also participate and get rewarded for it. Reading in front of your kids is a great way to demonstrate the importance of reading for fun at all ages.
Summer Reading Program Tips
Try to sign up in person at your favorite library branch. Many have kick-off events and will
hand out free books, stickers, and prizes for those that attend. You can pick up a paper reading log and start tracking minutes and books read right away. While you’re there, sign your child up for their own library card if you haven’t already, they’ll be so proud!
Remember that all kinds of reading count, whether it’s reading aloud, listening to audio books, or reading things like comics and graphic novels. There are many ways to get lost in a great book!
Depending on your family’s schedule, try to carve out time each week to read together. Whether it’s on a lazy Sunday afternoon or at bedtime.
If you’re having trouble finding books your child or teen enjoy, talk to your librarian for recommendations. They can make recommendations based on subjects your child enjoys or books they have enjoyed in the past.
Johnson County Public Library
Theme
Dates
June 4 – July 29, 2022
Reading Log
This year’s reading log has an option for kids to color in a sea creature for each book they read or write down the title on the lines below. Print off a copy here or pick one up at a library branch. There are no rules for how many books to read or how to read them (audio, read aloud, etc.) You can figure out what works best for your family.
Events
Along with many online and in person scheduled events like story times, movie nights, and book clubs that can be found here, there is also a poetry writing and sticker design contest. All the details about those contests can be found here. To stay up to date on all of the upcoming events, sign up for the summer reading program e-newsletter here.
Prizes
The Johnson County Library hands out free books at the beginning of the summer reading program instead of at the end. You can pick up one book per family member at any branch during the month of June.
Adult Program
While there is no summer reading program for adults, there are many events hosted at the library throughout the summer for adults. Find the complete list here.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
Theme
Dates
June 1 – July 31, 2022
Reading Log
Track your reading on the Beanstalk App or print off the paper log here. Adults can find their own reading log here.
Events
There is a kick-off event at Boulevard Drive-In on June 2 featuring a free showing of Shrek. There will be games and prizes and free books handed out. See all the details here. For ongoing events like story times, crafts, and other activities check the library calendar.
Prizes
For every 100 minutes you read up to 600 minutes, you’ll earn a free book. Log 300 minutes total during June and July to officially complete the program and win your prize pack. Continue logging (up to 600 minutes) to earn more free books and additional ticket entries into the grand prize drawings.
Complete three online activities in June to receive another ticket entry into the grand prize drawings.
Complete three more online activities in July to receive another ticket entry into the grand prize drawings.
Adult Programs
Log six books total during June and July to complete the program, win your prize (a mini lantern, mini hot/cold pack, and five dollars in library bucks), and be entered into the prize bundle drawing. Read two more books (for a total of eight books read during June and July) and get another entry into the prize bundle drawing.
Complete three online activities in June to receive another entry into the prize bundle drawing.
Complete three more online activities in July to receive another entry into the prize bundle drawing.
Kansas City Public Library
Theme
Dates
June 1 – August 15, 2022
Reading Log
Check back for info on this webpage for all the details.
Events
Most branches are hosting their own kick-off parties so check out the library calendar for more details. The library will be hosting story times and Friday Night Family Fun events.
Prizes
Everyone who registers for the program gets a free book and those that read at least five books can get a prize (a sketch book and gel pens to tie in with the art theme!)
Adult Programs
Adults that participate can win an engraved pint glass.
Mid-Continent Public Library
Theme
Dates
May 31 – August 23, 2022.
Reading Log
Books can be logged on the Beanstack App or print out a paper log sheet.
Events
There will be kick-off events, story times in the park, movie nights, and book clubs. Check out all of the events here and make sure to register to secure a spot!
Prizes
The focus of the summer reading program is on reading 20 minutes each day.
Log 20 days to earn first book + community partner ticket drawing entry at your branch.
Log 40 days to earn second book + community partner grand prize drawing entry.
Log 60 days to earn third book + Kindle Fire drawing entry.
Adult Program
Log at least 20 minutes of reading a day for 60 days between May 31 and August 23 to earn a commemorative Summer Library Program beach glass, plus a chance to win tickets from the Library’s community partners. Adults can use the Beanstalk App or the printable log.
Olathe Public Library
Theme
Dates
May 23 – August 6, 2022
Reading Log
You can register your reading online here or pick up a paper log at your local library branch.
Events
The kick-off event is Tuesday, May 31 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Indian Creek Park (this is the playground located at the Indian Creek Library branch). There will be live music and activities for the kids. Olathe libraries have a robust schedule of events for the summer including crafts, Wednesday afternoon movies, book clubs and lots more. Check out the summer guide here.
Prizes
Adult Programs
Each book you read earns you one prize entry. Earn extra entries for reviewing books, attending programs or playing Bingo. Read at least one book and you’ll earn a free book. You could also win weekly or monthly prize drawings.
