Summer reading is a favorite tradition for many families, a way to have fun and prevent the “summer slide” during the break from school. Even though area libraries may still have reduced services or limited hours, many are finding ways to keep this summer staple an option.
Check out the following summer reading programs offered by libraries in the Greater Cleveland/Akron area:
Barberton Library
Through August 11
Readers of all ages are invited to read and rock out at the Barberton Public Library this summer as part of the Libraries Rock! summer reading program. Highlights of the program include a presentation from Ironwood Wolves on the lives of wolves, a West African drum performance from Sogbety Diomande, magic and humor from Michael Mage, and an amazing juggling performance from Matt Jergens. Requirements and prizes vary by age. barbertonlibrary.org
Cleveland Public Library
Through July 31
Join Cleveland Public Library in the Summer Lit League and read to earn a chance to win prizes. Participants are divided into two age groups: kids ages 0-11 and young adults ages 12-18. The theme for 2021, “A World of What-Ifs,” is a nod to the work of author and artist Kameelah Janan Rasheed. Summer Lit League virtual themed sessions will focus on STEM, creative writing, visual art and more. cpl.beanstack.org
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Through August 15
The “Tales and Tails” summer reading program lets participants log their reading minutes, earn prizes and badges, and enjoy reading books and eBooks throughout the summer. The library also will offer weekly STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) video challenges that can be enjoyed from home. cuyahogalibrary.org
Cuyahoga Falls Library
Through August 7
The “Imagine Your Story” summer reading program offers plenty of opportunities to win fun prizes and read together as a family. Log reading minutes and enter to win weekly prizes, including a grand prize at the end of the program. cuyahogafallslibrary.org
Geauga County Public Library
Through July 31
The “Tails and Tales” online summer reading program is for all ages. Patrons can register online, track their summer reading activity digitally with Beanstack, and earn great prizes. geaugalibrary.beanstack.org
Heights Libraries (Cleveland Heights-University Heights)
Through August 31
The “Tails and Tales” online summer reading program for ages 0-18 uses Beanstack software to log time spent reading. As participants read books and engage in the activities, they will become eligible to win prizes like free books, ice cream vouchers, gift cards and more. heightslibrary.beanstack.org
Hudson Library & Historical Society
June 14-August 7
The “Tails and Tales” program offers kids in preschool through 12th grade the opportunity to read books and earn prizes. It also includes optional reading and activity challenges, virtual and in-person programs, and a mascot map featuring Boky the ring-tailed lemur. hudsonlibraryysblog.org
Lakewood Public Library
Through August 16
The Summer Reading Club for children and students from birth through 12th grade promotes children choosing their own reading materials and reading at their own pace. Throughout the program, the Library provides encouragement and support to both parents and students to foster a love of reading, build reading skills, and encourage children to read for pleasure and become lifelong library users. Upon completion of the program, children receive a prize. lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/tails-and-tales
Medina County District Library
Through August 31
The “Tails and Tales” summer reading game offers kids and teens the opportunity to log their reading and earn prizes. Children birth to fifth grade who log their reading for 30 days will win a prize. Kids and teens entering sixth through 12th grade in the fall who read for 20 hours over the summer will be entered to win one of eight grand prizes. mcdl.info/summerreading
Mentor Public Library
Through August 1
In the “Imagine Your Story” summer reading program, kids can log their hours of reading, or being read to, for great incentives. Each hour of reading earns one raffle ticket for prize drawings. Extra prizes are awarded for 5, 10, 15 and 20 hours of reading. Complete the Hero’s Journey Bingo activities on the back of the reading game sheet to win an additional prize. mentorpl.org
Reed Memorial Library
Through August 9
Indulge your wild side this summer with the “Tails and Tales Children’s Summer Reading Challenge” for kids ages 0-12. This year’s challenge is to complete eight themed kits. (Reserve kits early, as quantities are limited. Reservations for new kits will open each Wednesday starting June 9.) The Inchworms track is for children ages 0-5; Bookworms track for ages 6-12; and there is a separate program for teens and adults. reedlibrary.org/summer
Rocky River Public Library
June 12-July 31
The “Tails and Tales” summer reading program offers fun for anyone 0-12 years old. Register on Beanstack and pick up a goodie bag with everything you need to begin reading this summer, then read books and win prizes. Stop by the Library Lawn on June 12 for the Summer Reading Kickoff. Pick up a craft to make at home, enjoy Animal Mini-Oympics, check out Chalk the Walk with local artists, or enjoy the library’s Storybook Walk. rrpl.org
Westlake Porter Public Library
Through August 1
Participating families can track Summer Library Challenge progress with Beanstack. Log progress to earn fun badges, in addition to prizes. For Youth Challenges, contact the library to register and for options to pick up materials. You can also print reading logs (as PDFs) from the library’s website. westlakelibrary.org/summer
Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library
Through July 24
In the “Tails and Tales” program, track reading online with Beanstack. Children, teens and adults can earn raffle tickets and badges. Additional prize entries can be earned by completing special challenges. we247.org/summer-reading-2021
For more summer reading programs, look to your local library for their offerings.
