Library summer reading programs are a fun, free and effective way to help prevent the “summer slide” while keeping children’s minds active and engaged.
As an added bonus, these programs do more than encourage reading, since they usually offer games, prizes, themed events and community connection. Check out the following summer reading programs for kids of all ages offered by libraries in the greater Cleveland/Akron area.
Barberton Library
June 1-August 8
Readers of all ages can track their reading progress and win prizes in the “Unearth a Story” summer reading challenge. Register online using Beanstack. A Summer Reading Kick-Off party featuring art projects, tie-dyeing, games and more will happen June 3 at noon. barbertonlibrary.org
Cleveland Public Library
June 8-July 31
The “Cleveland Reads” program focuses on hands-on learning and creativity, with weekly activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Participants can earn points by tracking their reading, attending kickoff events, and participating in weekly activities; they can win prizes for reaching certain milestones. This year’s theme is “Main Character Energy: Step Into Your Story!” clevelandreads.com
Cuyahoga County Public Library
June 1-July 31
In the “Unearth a Story” summer reading challenge, participants can track their reading progress and win prizes. Register to participate online or in-person at your local branch, then play offline using a printed gameboard or track your books through the Beanstack app. Participants can earn midpoint and completion prizes, plus be entered for a chance to win one of several grand prizes. cuyahogalibrary.org
Cuyahoga Falls Library
May 29-August 7
All ages are welcome to participate in the “Unearth a Story” program by reading 20 minutes each day (30 minutes for adults). Children, teens and adults will earn prizes for reaching reading milestones. Grand prizes will be awarded via drawings. All ages will enter Grand Prize Drawings for special prizes like gift cards, tickets, and more. fallslibrary.org
Elyria Public Library System
May 26-July 31
Participants in four age groups — littles, kids, teens and adults — can earn entries for a grand prize based on how much they read (or are read to) this summer as part of the “Unearth a Story” program. Sign ups begin May 26, the same date as the library’s Summer Reading Kick-Off Celebration at the West River Branch. elyrialibrary.org
Geauga County Public Library
June 1-July 31
The “Stars & Stories” summer reading program is for all ages. Children can earn weekly prizes and entries into the grand prize drawing by completing five activities in their weekly activity log. Teens and adults can earn entries into the weekly and grand prize drawings for each book they read. Completed activity and reading logs can be entered online or submitted at each branch. geaugalibrary.net
Heights Libraries (Cleveland Heights-University Heights)
May 31-August 10
In the “Unearth a Story” program, participants of all ages can log reading via Beanstack, earn raffle tickets, and enter prize drawings. Boost your chances of winning by attending library programs, leaving book reviews, and completing other activities. Pre-registration begins May 26. heightslibrary.org
Hudson Library & Historical Society
June 8-August 1
All ages can participate in this year’s “Unearth a Story” online summer reading program. Use Beanstack to log reading and activity challenges. Each completed activity automatically enters participants into that week’s gift card drawing and earns one point toward grand prize tickets. hudsonlibrary.org
Lakewood Public Library
May 8-August 10
In this year’s Summer Reading Club, “Unearth a Story,” participants of all ages can track their reading online or in-person and be entered into weekly drawings for prizes and gift cards. Readers also check in halfway through the program for a reward, and receive a new book to keep upon completion. lakewoodpubliclibrary.org
Medina County District Library
May 29-August 22
The “Unearth a Story” reading game offers kids and teens the opportunity to log their reading and earn prizes. Children ages birth to fifth grade who log their reading for 30 days will win prizes; kids and teens entering grades sixth through 12th grades in the fall who read for 20 hours over the course of the summer will be entered to win one of eight grand prizes. mcdl.info
Rocky River Public Library
May 30-August 1
Kids of all ages can sign up for the “Unearth a Story” summer reading program in person or through the Beanstack, then track the minutes they read or are read to and earn fun, themed prizes. The annual Summer Reading Kickoff Party will take place on May 30 on the library’s lawn. rrpl.org
Twinsburg Library
May 26-August 8
The “Unearth a Story” program lets participants of all ages track progress using Beanstack; there also is an activity board for children ages birth to entering fifth grade and one for students entering grades sixth through 12th. The program begins with a kick-off event on May 30 that features a petting zoo, music, live entertainment and more. twinsburglibrary.org
Westlake Porter Public Library
June 1-August 1
Westlake Porter Public Library is challenging all ages to read or listen to books each day this summer. Participating families can track “Stars & Stories” Summer Library Challenge progress with Beanstack or a paper log. Complete 15 days of reading and earn a halfway prize; complete 30 days of reading and earn a completion reward. For every five days of reading, earn tickets for the grand prize raffle. Complete activities to earn additional grand prize tickets through August 1. westlakelibrary.org
Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library
June 1-July 25
Join the “Unearth a Story” reading challenge this summer through Beanstack or at the library, and you will have the chance to win prizes including gift cards, brand-new books, and much more. Earn raffle tickets and prizes by tracking your reading, attending library events, writing reviews and completing other special activities. we247.org
