When I think back to the summers of my childhood, the constant thread that runs through each of them was reading. There were the summers when I spent days on our living room couch with a book in my hands, stopping only for the occasional break. The family roadtrips, when I depended on a good novel to pass the time between games of “I Spy.” And the camping trips we took to the beach, where I always had a supply of books at the ready. Most of the time, I was reading for fun; some of the time, I was reading my way through lists for my AP classes. But every book was its own adventure, woven into some of my fondest summer memories.
Now, as a mom, my plans for the summer always include signing the kids up for summer reading programs. It’s fun to watch their love of books grow with each trip to the library, bookstore, or Pizza Hut to redeem their BOOK IT! certificates for personal pan pizzas. But even more than sharing my love of reading with them, I know that encouraging them to read is an investment in their future. Reading has MANY lifelong benefits, including the development of critical thinking skills and encouraging empathy. Reading has even been linked to longer lifespans. And YES, audiobooks count!
Summer Reading Programs & Freebies
Here’s a list of 9 summer reading programs to take advantage of this summer:
Miami-Dade Public Library
MDPLS has a wonderful summer reading program for the whole family! Beginning June 7th, you can stop by any local branch to pick up a reading log or download a copy online. Kids 18 and younger, who have a library card, are eligible for weekly rewards. Completion of all 7 weekly challenges earns a voucher for 2 tickets to a Miami Marlins game. And don’t forget the grand prize! Participants will automatically be entered into the grand prize drawing for a chance to win some great prizes. Click here for more details and to download your reading log(s)!
Homestead Cybrarium
We recently discovered the Cybrarium and have become instant fans! Offering tons of books, events, games, family movie nights, STEAM activities, and more, it’s become a new family favorite weekend hangout spot. Their summer reading program kicks off June 1st with prizes for children, teens, and adults! Register here.
Barnes & Noble
We participated in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program last year, and it was a huge hit! Kids in grades 1-6 can select and read 8 books and complete their Summer Reading Journal to earn a free book.
BOOK IT!
Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! program is a tasty and nostalgic way to encourage summer reading. Kids can earn 1 pizza per month in June, July, and August by reading at least 20 minutes a day for 15 days each month. This year, kids can be enrolled via the new mobile app available in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
I just learned about the Books & Bundts program, where pre-K through elementary students can earn a free Bundlet! Participation depends on location, but details are available on their FAQs page under Promotions/Offers/Giveaways.
Books & Bundts is our youth reading program for pre-K through elementary students that celebrates the joy of reading. It’s easy and free with delicious results. Contact your local bakery to see if they are participating and to learn more.
Chuck E. Cheese
Did you know Chuck E. Cheese has a Reading Rewards Calendar for kids to complete over the summer? Reading every day for 2 weeks earns them 10 FREE play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese. Just track their reading on the Rewards Calendar and redeem it for the points. If they complete a calendar and start a new one every 2 weeks, they can earn multiple redemptions all summer long!
Mensa for Kids
The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program is all about exposing kids to high-quality literature, based on their level of ability or interest. To participate, kids must read all of the books on their selected reading list to earn a certificate of recognition and a free t-shirt. All of the details, including reading lists, are available here. This international program is open to all readers under 18.
Scholastic’s Summer Reading Home Base
Scholastic’s Home Base is a free digital space where readers can access stories, play book-based games, and attend live author events! It’s monitored for safety 24/7 and is free to use with no download fee, subscriptions, or in-app purchases. Home Base is available now through September 12th, and is a great way to make reading fun.
Books-A-Million
The Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure offers kids an opportunity to earn a FREE Dog Man drawstring bag for reading and logging just 4 books! Log books from reading ambassador Dav Pilkey are available for download here.
Free Books
There are many programs that exist to provide kids with access to free books. Here are 3 that your child(ren) may be eligible to participate in:
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Free books delivered to children year-round, from birth to age 5
Children’s Trust Book Club: Free books delivered to children monthly, from birth to 4.5 years of age. Books are available in English and Spanish.
New Worlds Reading Initiative: New Worlds Reading is a program from the University of Florida that provides free resources to help VPK-5th graders who need support to reach grade-level reading goals. Apply by June 9th to receive 12 free books and activities.
And don’t forget little free libraries! I love these because you can both take books and share books, and they’re a fun way to share the love of reading with your community. Check out this map to find the little free libraries near you!
