Library reading programs are a great way for kids of all ages (even pre-readers) to keep their skill sharp and earn fun prizes, too! Registering is as simple as heading to your library and signing up! Here’s a preview of area programs with links to more information. I’ll have a separate post on retail store reading promotions.
This year, all the area libraries are doing a science based theme-Fizz, Boom, Read! A few systems haven’t yet announced final details, so I’ll be updating this post. For now, this should give you the links you need and enough to share for those of you putting together resources for classes and groups.
Puyallup Public Library Program begins June 16th, but kids can register now. All participants get free coupons and passes, and early finishers get an invite to library night with the Rainiers. Kids can also enter to win More prizes at the library. Link includes details on all the featured programs. I’ll include as many in our calendar as possible. New this year: The option to track reading minutes online!
Pierce County Library Begins June 21st. Programs for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens. Details aren’t up yet, but in the past, kids and teens have been able to, “Read down,” up to 5.00 of fines after 10 hours of reading. Just 5 hrs. of reading earns a prize-including zoo or Trek tickets. Readers who record 15 hours or more are entered to win big prizes. Variety of fun programs will be scheduled.
Tacoma Public Library Sign up began May 31st. Program runs June 14-August 9th. Last day for prize selection is August 23rd. The zoo party is August 16th. Sign up at the library or online. Prizes for everyone who completes the program, including zoo tickets good for the 16th. In the past there have also been weekly drawings for other prizes and a Grand Prize for a big ticket item. I’ll update you if I get more scoop. Programs for teens and grown-ups, too! Variety of in library programs planned, including magic shows with Jeff Evans and a touch a truck story time.
King County Library System Kids can earn prizes and “Virtual,” badges. Record minutes online. Summer reading, “Handbooks,” coming to libraries soon-check back. Lots of fun programming. This year’s info. will be announced soon. Program should be similar to last year’s
Kitsap Participants earn free books, a t shirt, and a ticket to the Kitsap County Fair. Great, kids’ entertainment all summer; be sure to download and print out the free activity calendar. Download a tracker or record minutes online.
Timberland Regional Tons of fun, in-library science programming and performances. The rest of the program details will be announced soon.
Don’t forget, thanks to reciprocity agreements, if you have a card for one library, you can pretty much get one for every other library. So, feel free to double dip in your summer reading fun if you can keep track of all that (I know we can’t)!
If you’re in the Tacoma area, be sure you’ve also registered for the free, community reading program for preschoolers at your nearest elementary school. The official deadline was June 1st, but I’d give it a shot. Many other area groups will also be doing excellent story time events this summer, and I’ll have the scoop on all those, too. For a list of summer reading programs offered by retail stores and restaurants, head here.
Now, let’s talk summer reads for grown-ups! I’d love to hear what you’d suggest I take to the beach. If you’ve got a good suggestion, leave a comment!
Don’t forget Barnes and Noble’s summer reading program. If you read 10 of the books on their list, you get a free book.
Don’t forget the University of Washington Bookstore also does a Summer reading program for kids. You also receive a free book, plus half way prizes and discounts at any of their stores.