Below are details on many FREE Summer Reading Programs for kids. In addition to these programs, many local libraries host summer reading programs. I encourage you to stop by and sign your children up.

At our house, we love to read. When the kids were little we frequently visited our local library and read anywhere between 2-6 books each night before bed. As they started to learn to read on their own, I loved to listen to them read the stories out loud to me. Now that the kids are older, I often find them with their nose in a book.

I'm thankful that we introduced them to reading at an early age. Reading is such a great activity that they can enjoy throughout their entire life. Looking for suggestions on how to get your kids to enjoy reading at an early age? Check out our 6 Tips for Reading with Your Kids.

Summer Reading Club at Your Local Library

Remember to check with your local library to see if they'll be offering their summer reading program in 2020. Summer Reading Programs typically include special events and prizes for children who complete the reading challenges.

Cleveland Public Library: Summer Lit League
Summer Lit League runs June 1 through July 25, 2020. Participants are separated into three age groups: Early Learners (0-4), Kids (5-11), and Teens (12-18). Early Learners and Kids must read 10 books and Teens must read three books to successfully complete the eight-week program to win prizes. Each week, virtual activities related to the Summer Lit League will teach youth how to be active in democracy. Summer Lit League will conclude with a family fun celebration tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2020, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. {Find Out More}

Medina County District Library: Imagine Your Story
2020 Summer Reading Game: Imagine Your Story, June 15 – August 31, 2020, includes the Children's Game, for children birth through entering grade 5 in the fall, and Teen Game, for students entering grades 6-12 in the fall. Read for a chance to win prizes! {Find Out More}

Geauga County Public Library: Imagine Your Story
2020 Virtual Summer Reading: Imagine Your Story runs June 1 – July 31, 2020. Register, log your reading progress digitally (using Beanstack) for a chance to win great prizes, and have fun! {Find Out More}

North Canton Public Library: All-Digital Epic Summer of Giving
Beginning June 1, 2020, this year’s Epic Summer is specially tailored for this time of social distancing with fun and activities you can do from home. All ages – children, teens and adults – can track their progress online with Beanstack or by downloading the Beanstack Tracker app. As you track reading and complete activities, you’ll earn tickets for a chance to win prizes! {Find Out More}

Canal Fulton Public Library Online Summer Reading: Imagine Your Story
The Canal Fulton Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs June 1-July 31, 2020. For teens and adults, call (330) 854-4148 to sign up. For children, you can stop at the children’s door to pick up a summer reading bag or register and track reading minutes online. Participants can also enjoy activities, like an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt, virtual storytimes, Mad Science presentations, and more, throughout the summer. {Find Out More}

Free Monthly Book Programs for Kids

Ohio Governor's Imagination Library
Is your child between the ages of 0-5? Start your child's enrollment in Ohio's Imagination Library program! Each month, your child will receive an age-appropriate book in the mail at no cost to you. When your child turns 5, they will receive their final book, Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! and officially become an Imagination Library graduate. {Find Out More}

PJ Library Library
PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children 6-months through 12-years-old. Sign up and your child will receive a new book each month at no cost to you. {Find Out More}

National Summer Reading Programs

Pizza Hut Camp BOOK IT Summer Reading Activities
Track and reward your kids' reading for June, July and August. When they meet their monthly reading goal, they'll receive a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut! Plus, enjoy fun activities and book recommendations each week to keep the fun going throughout the summer. {Find Out More}

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Incentives
Download the Reading Rewards incentive calendar and track your child's reading for two weeks straight. Submit the completed incentive calendar to your local Chuck E. Cheese and receive 10 FREE tokens. (Food purchase is required. Beverage purchases do not qualify as a food purchase.) In addition to a reading incentive chart, there are several other incentive charts, including good behavior, daily chores, and more. {Find Out More}

Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza
For 2020, join in for a brand new kids' experience in Scholastic Home Base, a free digital destination which offers full books, live events, and games in a safe community for readers! Kids will be encouraged to track their reading to earn rewards and unlock book donations! The program runs from May 4-September 4, 2020. {Find Out More}

The Book Adventure Program
Find a book, log your reading, and participate in online activities, including quizzes and writing prompts. Access to Book Adventure’s complete quiz database requires a paid subscription. But, before purchasing, use their free membership to test, evaluate, and explore. (NOTE: Book Adventure does not provide printed books, eBooks or digital editions. The program is used in conjunction with a student’s independent reading material.) {Find Out More}

Sync Summer Reading Program for Teens
SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens 13+. SYNC 2020 will use Sora, the student reading app from OverDrive. {Find Out More}

Half Price Books Virtual Summer Reading Program
Download and use the reading log in June and July. Check-in with Half Price Books all summer for reading
recommendations, tips, virtual storytimes, and weekly giveaways. {Find Out More}

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Head over to the Barnes & Noble website and download the Summer Reading Journal. Fill out the Reading Journal, then bring the completed Reading Journal to your local B&N store, where you can choose a FREE book from the selection on the Reading Journal list. This year, Barnes & Noble has expanded the program to include teens and adults. The program runs from TBA. {Find Out More}

Here's to your next reading adventure!