Every summer, my kids love participating in summer reading programs. We live in West Chester, Oh, so our go-to is MidPointe Library’s diverse summer reading program. Summer after summer has brought new surprises, and along with many other awesome programs out there, they have accommodated families through the pandemic with new virtual options, creative ways to log your reading and exciting prizes that really motivate them to pick up their books.
Luckily, many book stores, libraries and local businesses offer programs for all ages, and some include babies and adults (yes, Parents, you can log reading when you read to your little’s, too!) Here are some of our top summer reading programs happening this summer. Let your kids choose and have some flexibility with it. The main thing is to keep it fun – that way they are more likely to not only enjoy a good book, but stick to it, too!
MidPointe Library Summer Reading; midpointelibrary.org/page/summer-reading
Through July 31
Enjoy your favorite summer reading program, just a little safer this year. MidPointe’s Tails & Tales activity map is available at the library or online now for all ages to explore. All Kids can create their own adventures by completing a variety of activities of their choice and win cool prizes. Plus, enter to win weekly grand prizes on MidPointe’s Facebook page, Instagram page or by submitting an entry form here. Request your prizes for pick up through curbside service delivery, too! Utilize the library’s reading material from anywhere: the Library, MidPointe’s eLibrary, audiobooks, comic books, graphic novels or books you have at home!
Joseph-Beth Booksellers; josephbeth.com/adventure-summer-reading
Head to Joseph Beth’s website and snag your summer reading passport! Simply download your passport and get reading. Kids earn free meals, a cool bookmark and coupon sheet just for joining. Then get ready to earn free books, win gift cards and more!
West Side Pediatrics Summer Reading Program; facebook.com/828083003918021/posts/4118735331519422
Through August 1
Ages 3 – 18 can participate and have the chance to win cool prizes! Download your log from their Facebook page and get reading.
Barnes and Noble; barnesandnoble.com
July and August
A fun and easy way for kids to earn free books! Read everything from library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – and write about your favorite part in Barnes and Noble’s nifty Reading Journal. Bring the completed Reading Journal to your Barnes & Noble bookstore and collect your free book. That easy!
Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays; showcasecinemas.com
July 7 – 28
Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to their favorite kid-friendly films. All they need to do is present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas box office. Tickets must be reserved in advance online or on the app; seating is limited ; accompanying parents or guardians and ages 6 and younger get free admission and do not need to submit a book report.
Cincinnati and Hamilton Public Library; cincinnatilibrary.org/summer
Through July 31
Discover Summer with CHPL! This exciting program is for all ages and, it’s free! No library card required. Choose activities from your 12 of your favorite Cincinnati organizations and watch your kids have fun while reading and exercising their brains. Age-appropriate booklets are available here – kids just complete their cool activities and earn sweet prizes.
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp; halfpricebooks.com
Through August 1
Activities of the week, reading logs and giveaways galore. This online program allows readers to enter the HPB Summer Reading Camp Giveaway each week through August 1, and have a chance to win one of 9 Half Pint Lending Libraries built by The HPB Woodshoppe, plus a $100 HPB Gift Card to get you started.
Pizza Hut Camp Book It; bookitprogram.com
Earn free pizza when you meet your reading goals! Grades pek-6th can join Camp BOOK IT! Parents can easily track and reward their kids’ reading for through August digitally. Every time kids meet their monthly reading goal, they receive a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut! Keep a lookout for the weekly fun activities and book recommendations, too. Enroll at the website above.
Kenton County Summer Reading; kentonlibrary.org
Through August 31
Get reading and earn badges and tickets prizes all summer long. Happy reading!
Boone County Public Library; bcpl.org
Through July 31
BCPL has summer reading fun for everyone, birth to adult! Whether you participate online or at the library, both options reward you with great prizes while you read. Register at bcpl.org or download the Beanstack Tracker app. For paper logs, download and print blank logs at their website; return all library logs or complete online logs by July 31. Summers not the same with a good book on-hand! Don’t forget to check out their out-of-the-box reading opportunities you can add to your Summer Reading total!