Summer is officially here and while we don’t want to think about school for a bit, we have to think about the summer slide. That’s why I’m sharing my list of free summer reading programs for kids. We are a book-reading family and Hattie loves to read books, so it is no surprise when we sign up for all the summer reading programs. There are two ways I’ve seen these programs laid out. One way is the number of books read or how many minutes read. All of these free summer reading program websites allow you to register or print out a sheet where you can keep track of your reading and then head to the library or store and claim your prizes. I mean, free stuff for reading. I’ll do it! There are even adult options for many of these too. I’m going to give it a go too because I’m none too impressed with summer TV for the most part. Many of these programs require you to download the Beanstack App which allows you to easily go between different reading programs.
Here is a list of local programs to St. Louis programs as well as a few national programs. If there are any national programs you’re familiar with that you participate in, let me know and I am happy to add them to the list! Many of these program run through the end of July or early August. Check the individual program for details. Happy Reading!
St. Louis Programs
St. Louis County Library – Register online and track your progress or download a sheet based on your age range. This program looks to track minutes of reading. When you attend library events, there will be secret codes worth extra points! How fun!
St. Charles County Library – This is our favorite one and home base for us. The 2023 Summer Challenge is here and we’re ready to read All Together Now! Grab a friend or neighbor and register to read, play, and learn at the Library from June 1 through August 8. The Library’s Summer Challenge is open to readers of all ages, from babies to adults
Lindenwood Lions Summer Reading Program – Each child must read five books before the conclusion of the program to receive their prizes.
St. Louis Public Library – Summer @ SLPL Challenge
Webster Groves Public Library – Summer Fun at the Library.
The following have reciprocal lending agreements with SLCL – and are participating in the All Together Now Summer Reading Program.
- Kirkwood Public Library
- Brentwood Public Library
- Ferguson Public Library
- University City Public Library
National Programs
Barnes and Nobel Summer Reading Program – They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends, or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August.
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge – The Scholastic Summer Reading program offers kids an exciting, free, and safe summer reading experience while helping to provide books to kids with limited or no access over the summer, keeping every child reading.
Camp BOOK IT! – is open to all families with PreK-6th grade students (ages 4-12). Parents set goals, track reading, and reward their students, all in our digital dashboard.
Half Price Books – Welcome one, welcome all to HPB Summer Reading Camp, where online campers, and their trusty guardians, can get their fill of fun reads and activities to keep busy during lazy days of summer!
Mensa for Kids’ Excellence in Reading – To encourage the joy of reading, the Foundation has developed the Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program. Earn a commemorative certificate in recognition of your outstanding achievement and get an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too! (Mensa Membership not required)
Let me know if you sign up for any of these free summer reading programs.
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