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Kansas City's Summer Reading Programs

2018 Edition

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Books open new worlds to children. This summer encourage your child to cultivate a love of reading with these incentive programs from local libraries and businesses! 

Note: This list may not be reproduce online or in print without permission from KC Parent. If you have additions to this guide, email kristina@kcparent.com.

Kansas City Library Summer Reading Programs:

Reading and listening to books and stories will open children’s minds to the fun of adventure with "Libraries Rock," the theme of the 2018 Library Summer Reading Programs across the Kansas City area.

Mid-Continent Public Libraries

From May 21 through July 31, the Mid-Continent Public Libraries Summer Learning Program will take place for kids and teens from birth to 19 years of age, and for the first time ever, for adults over 19. Kids and teens can earn incentives based on points earned by reading, going to Library programs, and doing fun activities at home including free books and a chance to win branch grand prizes like Kindle Fires and iPod Touches, and tickets and experiences from our Community Partners (Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Worlds of Fun, Kansas City Ballet, and Kansas City Symphony).  See the MCPL prize/incentive page for the complete list of prizes for kids and teens.  Adults who read over 1,000 minutes will receive a Libraries Rock tote bag courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, and be entered into drawings for concert tickets from KC102.1 and tickets from our Community Partners. As part of the celebration, MCPL and Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas City, Kansas City, KS, and North Kansas City Public Libraries will again participate in Library Night at The K on Tuesday night, July 24 at 7:15 p.m. when the Royals play the Detroit Tigers. Library patrons can go to their library’s special webpage on royals.com and purchase tickets at a discount with a portion of the ticket going to support special library programs. On game night, a librarian will sing the National Anthem, library vehicles will be parked outside The K, and each library will have an activity table in the Outfield Experience.  Visit mymcpl.org/FUN to learn more.

Johnson County Libraries - Summer Reading for Everyone (Adults too!)

May 21 – July 31, the Johnson County Library summer reading program is for kids, teens and families. Each Summer Reading participant receives a prize book just for registering with the program. Stop by any Johnson County Library location starting May 21 to pick up your free book and a reading log to track your summer reading. Year-round readers have more fun. The library is encouraging school-aged families – and everyone else – to read for fun this summer. The special events and programs all summer long help Johnson County readers of every age to have meaningful (and sometimes meaningless) experiences. This program is generously supported by the Friends of Johnson County Library and the Johnson County Library Foundation.

Kansas City Kansas Public Libraries

​June 1 - July 31, sign up for the KCKPL Summer Reading Program. The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library is ready for a rocking good time this summer with their Summer Reading Program! Summer reading is fun for all ages! Kids, teens and adults can read books, attend library programs and earn prizes at any of our five library locations of three mobile libraries. For kids: Free books, treasure box toys and coupons to local businesses, coupons to pay library fines and entries into a grand prize drawing. For adults: Tote bags, cell phone wallets, gadget pens, coupons to pay library fines and entries into a grand prize drawing.

Kansas City Public Libraries

Beginning May 21, crank up the volumes with some bookish beats as the Kansas City Library's Summer Reading Program invites both youth and adults to Rock & Read! Kids (ages 12 & under) Track the activities you complete on the Activity Log. Complete as many as 4 cards throughout the summer to earn rewards! Attend exciting Library events. Teens (Ages 13-18) Read any book and share a review in order to win prizes. 

Bonner Springs Public Library

May 29 - July 28 at the Bonner Springs Public Library Reading Program children, teens and adults of all ages may earn prizes including T-Shirts, guitars, books, guitars and more. The prizes are awarded based on the amount of reading completed by each child. Also, enjoy free programs throughout the summer including KC Symphony instrument petting zoo, Lego club, exotic animals, and more!

Cass County Public Library

The Cass County Library Summer Reading Program registration starts on May 21st. The program last until Saturday, July 28th. Prizes can be redeemed starting on June 18th. Children and teens up to age 19 may participate in the Summer Reading Program. Adults can also participate in our "Adult Summer Reading Remix", a challenge-based program. Every child and teen who participates will earn a free book of their choice. Every adult who completes at least 3 challenges will earn an entry into their branch's prize drawing. 

North Kansas City Public Libraries

During the North KC Public Library Summer Reading Program (May 26-August 4), for Children's: Birth - 5th Grade, Young Adult: 6th - 12th Grade, Adult: 18+. Children's Rewards: Coupon Card, Book, Book, Book, Book Bag and Ticket to Rockin' Rewards Party (August 4 at Macken Park). Young Adult Rewards: Coupon Card, Book, Sturdy Tote and Ticket to Pizza Party. Adult Rewards: Treat Bag & $1 off library fines coupon, Handmade Bookmark, Sturdy Tote. Also, enjoy special events: 

Olathe Public Libraries

Pick up your Olathe Public Library Summer Reading Log to keep track of all your summer reading at either library location beginning May 21 or anytime during the summer. Folders will also be distributed at our Summer Kick-Off on May 29. Return your folder to the library between July 23 - August 10 and receive a free paperback book!

Summer Reading Programs at Kansas City area Businesses:

Summer Reading is also encouraged at businesses across the Kansas City area. Kids earn terrific prizes and incentives after completing their reading goals at these businesses:

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

May 15 - Sept. 3, 2018 The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is here to help you on your way, encouraging you to read books of your own choosing and earn a FREE book, simply by following these three easy steps: Read any eight books this summer and record them in your Summer Reading Journal (English or Español). Tell us which part of the book is your favorite, and why. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 15th and September 3rd, 2018. Choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of the journal.​ www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards

Children may earn 10 free tokens every time they read everyday for 2 full weeks. Download this and more rewards charts for good habits at https://www.chuckecheese.com/deals-offers/rewards-calendars

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Program

June & July, redeem by Aug. 31. Read 15 minutes a day and log your minutes. Have your parent or guardian initial each week. Once you’ve reached 300 or more minutes, bring your log to your local HPB to claim your Bookworm Bucks on or before August 31. http://b.hpb.com/fyb/

Scholastic Summer Challenge

May 7 - Sept. 7. Why is summer reading important? According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™: 6th Edition, both kids (80%) and parents (96%) agree that summer reading will help the child during the school year. Whether you are a returning participant or joining the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge for the first time, we’re excited for you to enjoy our brand-new website filled with fresh content for students, educators, librarians, community partners and families. www.scholastic.com/summer/

Sylvan Book Adventure

Ongoing free reading incentive program for K-8 students. They read books, take a comprehension quiz and earn points. They redeem points for prizes. www.bookadventure.com/home.aspx

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