Summer Reading

Pick up your Summer Reading log in the Children's Department beginning May 29.

• Keep track of the time that you read and the activities that you complete.
• Once you have completed the reading and/or activity challenges, bring your log back to the Children's Desk to collect your prizes.
• You can also stop in anytime after May 29 for a halfway (10 hour) check-in on your reading progress!
• Finishing prizes will be available from June 16 to July 31.

Below are the activity challenge options for the READ program, plus extra information and links to help you get started. 

You will need a paper log (available at the Children's Department) to track your progress in order to receive your prize! Once you have finished at least 12 activities, bring your log back to the Children's Desk to be stamped and collect your prize. Prizes will be available beginning Monday, June 16.

• Check out a cookbook and try a new recipe with your family. (Call number J641.5, or browse the catalog)
• Attend a music event at the library. (Kids events calendar)
• Check out an Explore More Illinois or Museum Adventure Pass and go on an adventure.
• Check out a Curiosity Kit and enjoy the activity.
• Borrow an item from the Library of Things and try out something new.
• Pack a lunch and have a picnic in the park.
• Watch a movie based on a book you have read and compare the two. (Visit the library to browse DVDs and Blu-rays, access movies and shows from home with Hoopla and Kanopy, or check out a Roku for streaming access from your TV!)
• Find all of the items in the library I-Spy case.
• Read a book about a character that is different than you in some way.
• Design a new cover for one of your favorite books.
• Check out and read a magazine from the Children's collection (or check out a digital magazine with your library card on Libby/OverDrive).
• Write a poem or memorize one to recite. (Call number J811, or browse the catalog)
• Check out and read a biography about a person you find interesting. (Call number JUNIOR BIOGRAPHY, or browse the catalog)
• Write your own song lyrics and melody.
• Create a self portrait using crayons, markers, paint, or collage.
• Go to a farmers market or festival.
• Create a masterpiece on the library light bright wall or LEGO wall or try the early literacy activity on the black felt wall.
• Play some fun music and have a dance party. You can stream music for free with your library card on Hoopla or Freegal.
• Attend a craft event at the library. (Kids events calendar)
• Check out a joke book and share a few jokes with your family or friends. (Call number J793.735, or browse the catalog)
• Create a summer drawing, painting, or sculpture.
• Check out a science experiment book and try an activity at home. (Call number J507.8, or browse the catalog)
• Write a story about your dream vacation.
• Pick a "letter of the day" and point out things that start with that letter throughout the day.
• Build a fort in your house and read inside it.
• Check out and read a non-fiction book about a topic that interests you.
• Visit a forest preserve, nature center, or zoo. (Check out a zoo pass with your library card through Explore More Illinois or Museum Adventure Passes)
• Write a letter to a friend or family member and send it through the mail.
• Check out a VOX book and read along while you listen.
• Color inside (or outside) the lines at the coloring station in the Children's Department.
• Get some exercise. Do yoga, swim, run, or play a sport.
• Play a card game or board game with a family member or friend. Borrow a game from the library if you want to try something new.