School’s out, and the calendars of our local libraries and other organizations are packed with fun literacy-themed activities and events. There are also free books to be earned!
Even though libraries ramp up the incentives to read this time of year to prevent the “summer slide” of school-aged kids, the programs are great for readers of all ages. You can sign up the littlest readers, who earn books by being read to, and even adults in some programs (last year our Communications Coordinator earned a free tote bag in Mid-Continent’s adult reading program).
We’re lucky enough to have several fantastic library systems in our area – as well as other organizations- offering summer programs. Most of them are outer space-themed. We’ve rounded them up for you.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library: A Universe of Stories
This program is for readers of all ages, including teens and adults. Readers log their books and activities to earn points, and then free books, as well as the chance to win prizes and library bucks. There are a wide variety of family-friendly events on the library calendar as well. Click here for more information and to sign up for the program.
Kansas City, Missouri Public Library: Dare to Discover
This program also caters to readers of all ages, including teens and adults. You even get a free book just for registering. According to the library’s website, the theme is “a nod to our collective spacefaring legacy and amibitons to explore the unknown, but it’s also an invitation – and a challenge – to use the Library and its resources to learn, grow and endeavor to know more about our world and how it works.” Readers log their books, and can earn a sippy cup, light-up cup or pint glass. There are also myriad events and activities for families to enjoy. Click here for more information and to sign up for the program.
Mid-Continent Public Library: A Universe of Stories
Also an outer-space themed program, Mid-Continent has separate programs for younger and adult readers. All involve logging books and activities for points/badges, and to earn free books (up to 4), or for adults, a T-shirt or tote bag. The library system’s many branches have also scheduled a wide variety of programs, from music to wildlife to yoga and science. Click here for more information and to sign up for the program.
Johnson County Public Library: A Universe of Stories
You can stop by the library to pick up a free book (while supplies last), and all readers are encouraged to track the books they read this summer. There are lots of activities planned with authors, astronomers, astronauts and more. Click here for more information or to register for the program.
Olathe Public Library: A Universe of Stories
Olathe offers programs for kids, teens and adults as well. Kids can earn prizes by logging their books as well as writing reviews and going to activities. There’s also a kids’ summer bookmark contest. Click here for more information or to register for the program.
Turn the Page KC: Summer Reading Splash
Turn the Page will hold a free summer reading celebration on Wednesday, June 19th, at the Sprint Center, along with KC Mayor Sly James. The citywide summer reading celebration will feature more than 2,000 K-3rd grade students, as well as activities and performances to get kids excited about reading. There will also be a free book fair! Find out more here.