When school lets out for the summer, it’s easy for reading habits to take a back seat to vacations, video games and outdoor fun. However, research shows that children who don’t read during the summer can lose up to two months of reading progress — a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Library summer reading programs are a fun, free and effective way to help prevent this learning loss while keeping young minds active and engaged.
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 2-August 16
Readers of all ages can track their reading progress and win prizes in the “Color Our World” summer reading challenge. Pick up a paper log at the library or register online using Beanstack. barbertonlibrary.org
Cleveland Public Library
June 9-August 2
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 “100% Curious: Question, Explore, Discover.” clevelandreads.com
Cuyahoga County Public Library
June 2-July 31
In the “Color Our World” 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 23-August 4
All ages are welcome to participate in the summer reading program by reading 20 minutes each day. Log reading minutes and be entered to win weekly prizes, as well as be entered for a chance to win one of several grand prizes at the end of the program. fallslibrary.org
Elyria Public Library System
May 27-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. Visit the Friends of the Elyria Public Library for a free book to start your summer reading. elyrialibrary.org
Fairport Harbor Public Library
May 21-June 30
The “Color Our World” summer reading program includes weekly prize drawings during the month of June for students who register. Students can earn additional tickets for the weekly drawing by checking out books, attending programming, and completing weekly reading challenges. There are also gift bags for the first 100 registrants. Check the website for summer reading opportunities for all age groups. fairportlibrary.com
Geauga County Public Library
June 1-July 31
The “Color Our World” summer reading program is for all ages. Patrons can register online, track their summer reading activity digitally with Beanstack, and earn great prizes. geaugalibrary.net
Heights Libraries (Cleveland Heights-University Heights)
June 1-August 10
Participants of all ages can log reading via Beanstack, earn raffle tickets, and enter prize drawings. heightslibrary.org
Hudson Library & Historical Society
June 9-August 2
All ages can participate in this year’s “Color Our World” online summer reading program. Use Beanstack to log reading and activity challenges. hudsonlibrary.org
Lakewood Public Library
May 9-August 11
This year’s Summer Reading Club theme, “Color Our World,” celebrates the many ways that art enriches our lives. 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 30-August 23
The “Color Our World” 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 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
Mentor Public Library
May 30-July 26
All kids from birth up to sixth grade can join this year’s “Color Our World” summer reading program. Participants track their reading using Beanstack or a paper log to earn rewards and raffle tickets for prizes. mentorpl.org
Rocky River Public Library
May 31-August 2
Kids of all ages can sign up for the “Color Our World” summer reading program in person or through the Beanstack, then track the minutes they read or are read to and earn fun, themed prizes. Stop by the library to check out fun activities like a puzzle mural, chalk obstacle course, estimation game and more. Complete four of the eight activities to earn an extra ticket for summer reading grand prize raffles. rrpl.org
Twinsburg Library
May 31-August 2
The “Color Our World” 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. 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 Summer Library Challenge progress with Beanstack. Complete 15 days of reading and go on one adventure to earn your halfway prize. Complete 30 days of reading and another adventure to earn a completion reward and receive more entries for the grand prize raffle. westlakelibrary.org
Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library
May 28-July 26
Join the “Adventure Begins At Your Library” 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
