Get kids into the summer reading habit! These local programs are educational, fun and free. Plus they are great motivators for kids to read — who doesn’t love free prizes?
Local Libraries
Multnomah County Library
Begins June 16
Multnomah County Library’s summer reading program will look a lot like it did last year. Have your kids mark one space for each day they read, listen to a book, or do any type of learning, on the summer reading guidebook (you can pick up a paper copy at the library). To spread the fun over the whole summer, Multnomah County Libraries will award prizes on a schedule:
- First day to claim Level 1 prize, June 30
- First day to claim Level 2 prize, July 15
- First day to claim Level 3 prize, July 30
- All prize forms must be received by August 31
After 15 days (they don’t have to be in a row!), go to the library for a prize. After completing 45 days total, your kids can nab a T-shirt and an entry in the grand prize drawing. Pro tip: T-shirts can run out, so don’t wait until August 31 to claim prizes!
The individual prizes range from books and toys to LEGO and Dungeons & Dragons sets. Grand prize drawing includes a birthday package at PlayDate PDX or Northwest Children’s Theater’s Family Cinema or Oaks Park, an iPad technology package, and more!
As in previous years, the library is hosting lots of fun special events to celebrate summer reading and give families another excuse to visit their local branch.
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
Starts June 1
Washington County’s summer reading program includes special events at various branches. Check your local library’s site for the specific details. At the Beaverton City Library, for example, all kids from birth to grade 5 can complete 15 hours of reading, listening, or doing family activities to earn a free book! Download a reading log or create your own.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Starts June 15
When you sign up, kids 0-18 get a free book (while supplies last through July 15). Track with the Beanstalk app, print a log, or create your own, then bring completed activity logs to the library for every ten days of reading to receive limited edition vinyl stickers and an entry for the grand prize drawing.
Bookstores
Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge
Starts June 9
Pick up a Bingo card at the info desk at any Powell’s store and read five books in a line (using the Bingo prompts) by August 31 to win a $5 gift card, a sticker, and an entry in grand prize drawings. Adults can play, too!
Barnes and Noble
Starts July 1
Kids in grades 1-6 can receive a free book when they read eight books and complete a journal about their reading adventures, with book recommendations by age. Download the journal here. Free books chosen from the list in the journal may be picked up in July and August.