Summer is almost here! Which means it is time for summer reading programs! Libraries all over the area offer reading reward programs for kids and adults in some areas. All you need is a library card – which is FREE!
⭐Check out some of these local summer reading programs near you! Click the link to get all of the information for each program.
The largest library system in the area is Peoria Public Library, with 5 locations.
Local Summer Reading Programs
Register with your local library to participate.
📚Peoria Public Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚Peoria Heights Public Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚Dunlap Public Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚 Fondulac Library (East Peoria) Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚 Fondulac Library (East Peoria) Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚Morton Public Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚Alpha Park Public Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚Chillicothe Public Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT 📚
📚Washington District Library Summer Reading Program - READ, RENEW, REPEAT📚
📚Pekin Public Library Summer Reading Program - ADVENTURE BEGINS📚
📚Creve Coeur Public Library Summer Reading Program - ADVENTURE BEGINS📚
Looking for other ways to read this summer? Here is our big list of all the FREE summer reading programs that are available nationally!
Barnes & Noble - Kids grade 1-6 can earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.
1.Read eight books this summer and record them in your Summer Reading Journal (PDF download). Tell which part of the book is your favorite, and why.
2. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2024.
3. Choose your free reading adventure from the Reading Journal list.
Chuck E. Cheese - Kids can fill out this Reading Reward Calendar and receive ten free Play Points (with food purchase) for reading every day for two weeks. This is a year-round program. Chuck E. Cheese also offers similar awards for good grades, doing chores, meeting other goals, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program - Kids 18 and younger select a list from the grade level bands listed. Print the appropriate list and track each book you read by checking it off and recording the date it was read, along with a rating. Once completed submit your list to receive a certificate and t-shirt!
Pizza Hut Camp Book It - Join Camp Book it! When kids reach their monthly reading goal they receive a free one-topping personal pizza!
Sora Sweet Reads - Sora Sweet Reads is a no-cost collection of always available ebooks and select audiobooks for grades K-12, available in the US/Canada and globally.
Scholastic Summer Reading Program - This is a fun and free reading program that encourages kids to read. Kids can log their reading and unlock digital rewards.
American Library Association Summer Reading Lists - The 2024 Summer Reading Lists are full of book titles and other digital media options to keep children engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. Four Summer Reading lists are available for birth-preschool and grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8.
Ways To Encourage Reading in Your Home This Summer:
1. Create a reading environment.
Keep books visible. Have them in baskets and on shelves around the house where kids can easily see and get to them.
2. Make it cozy or fun!
Make a cozy reading nook in a comfy chair, pillows on the floor, or even a hanging swing! Or make it fun with a reading fort!
3. Keep a Variety.
Have different things handy to read not just regular books. Things your kids might enjoy are comics, magazines, audiobooks, etc.
4. Visit the Library often.
Libraries have so much to offer! They have Storytime and so, so much more. Check out your library and see what kinds of activities and events they have.
5. Set aside dedicated reading time.
This could be a time when everyone (mom and dad included) pick up their book, or whatever they are reading, and read together for 20-30 minutes. It's good for family bonding and good for the kids to see their parents being reading role models.
6. Read aloud to your kids.
From the time our kids are little we are constantly reading to them. We read loads of picture books. Now that they are getting older we try to pick at least one chapter book read aloud a month. Sometimes mom reads, sometimes dad, sometimes the kids, and sometimes we all just take turns. reading aloud and getting lost in a story is such a wonderful way to spend family time. Something we have loved over the years is picking a book that is also a movie and doing a sort of family book club where we read the book together then watch the movie complete with themed snacks!
7. Help them to find books that interest them
It's important for kids to be able to have freedom in their book choices. As long as the choice falls within a reasonable boundary for our unique families. If we can encourage them to read books they actually enjoy the reading won't feel like a chore or something they have to do.
8. Check out our Pinterest Board for more reading inspiration!
These are just a few of the many ways to help foster a love for reading in your home. Here's to helping our kids to become lifelong learners and people who love to read!
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