guides

2024 Summer Reading Challenges From Local Library And Beyond.

Find a program that fits your child.

By Melissa Shrader Editor/Publisher Loveland Macaroni Kid May 20, 2024



Keeping the summer slide at bay is key for most students.




You can find summer reading programs at the Libraries, Barnes & Noble to keep your reading skills on track and prevent the summer slide. 

Our favorite is summer reading at the library. We also do this with a workbook or two that interests us. 

Local Libraries are KING at summer reading programs and rewards are a free book (sometimes more) for completing the requirements.





Find Your Local Library Reading Challenge!




Clearview Libraries in Windsor/Severance 


Learning and exploration are essential parts of our shared human experience, and they last a lifetime. Summer Adventure Program — our take on the traditional summer reading program — is one way that we provide engaging experiences throughout the summer months to help foster the joy of reading and lifelong learning in all ages.

Get ready for another unforgettable Summer Adventure Program - Adventure Begins at Your Library! Whether you're an avid thrill seeker, a nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the routine, the Clearview Library District has another exciting journey planned for next summer... Information about registration, program, and event details will be shared in spring 2024.

Program will be posted end of May.

Please visit our events website for more programming information.




Loveland reading program

The Loveland Public Library Summer Learning Program (SLP) is designed for people of ALL ages to continue exploring throughout the summer and foster a joy of learning.

Ready to kick off a summer of adventure? Join the Loveland Public Library on Friday, May 31 from 3:30-5:30 on the library lawn for games, fun, a foam machine, and more! (Wear clothing that is able to get wet, and bring towels/change of clothing.) Children, teens, and adults can register for our Summer Learning Program where they can earn prizes for reading books and completing missions. This summer will be full of crafts, activities, juggling, polka, and more so stay tuned to the Loveland Public Library where, this summer, Adventure Begins at Your Library!

Information coming May 31st! There should be a link on the Library Home page.

Keep an eye out for details at http://loveland.readsquared.com/ 




Poudre Libraries reading program 

Poudre River Public Libraries Summer Adventure Program has made a change! There's a new platform. They have moved their reading program, you can either use Beanstack on the web or Beanstack Tracker App. The app is available through Apple App store and Google Play. If you need help signing up with Beanstacker click here

You can still go screen free. There will be printed materials available at your local Poudre River Public Library or you can download from the website starting May 20. 

The name change (from the reading challenge to adventure program) reflects our goal to create lifelong readers and learners. We want participants to experience our summer activities not just as tasks to be checked off, but as adventures all on their own!
Goals and aspirations are certainly important – and many readers love to set a reading goal each
summer (we do!) – but most importantly, we want our participants to experience the joy of a great
book, a brain-tickling discovery, or a new friend.







Berthoud Community Library Dist.


This year's Summer Learning theme is "Adventure At Your Library", and with that we have something for every learner to participate in, no matter the age. Summer Learning officially begins on June 1st.

While reading is very important, we understand that not everyone learns the same way. So instead of only having reading as a choice to earn prizes, your child/teen has the option to do a project instead!

Kids, tweens, and teens can register online and download the Summer Learning booklet, then participate in events, make projects, and have a fun and educational experience this summer! Adults can pick up a punch card at the front desk to track the books they read. When the card is full you can turn it in for a drawing for a chance to win the grand prize. 

Check out all the events we have for kids, tweens, and teens.

If you have any questions feel free to ask the front desk staff members or call (970) 532-2757




Glenn A Jones Johnstown & Milliken

Students may have turned in all of their school books but that doesn’t mean their minds should shut down for the summer!   

The Glenn A. Jones M.D. Memorial Library has created a fun and entertaining summer reading program that will keep kids learning during their break from school.  We will be kicking off our Adventure at your Library reading program May 28th. The programs are open to children —and adults — of all ages. Sign up starts May 20th!

  https://librariesrock.org/, @GlennAJonesFB 



Wellington Public Library

The Summer Reading Program starts June 1st!
Registration begins May 20th!
If your child is too young to read, you can read to them!

Click on this link to sign up for the program, and check our website for up-to-date information on summer programs such as Mad Science, Story Bakers Improv, African Drum and Dance, and all the great prizes we will have available!

Register HERE starting May 20th! All ages welcome to participate.

Download and print bingo card logs for all ages here, or pick them up at the library! Once the Summer Reading Program begins, you can complete these sheets and turn them in for prizes.

https://wellington.colibraries.org/youth/summer-reading-program/




Red Feather Public Library

Starting May 31st, READ, mark the log, then turn your reading logs in for PRIZES.
Reading logs are available at the links below and at the RFL library.
Logs must be turned in by August 17th!
All books read in the month of May count! Download all logs here for all age groups. 

https://redfeather.colibraries.org/summer-reading/




Ault Public Library  (Highplains Library District - all libraries in the district)

Join our Summer Reading Program starting May 20th! How you may ask?

 
1. Sign Up

Click here to sign up or come into a library and get started starting on May 20th.


2. Log
Get your log when you sign up in the library or print one here starting May 20th.


3. Read
When you read, you can check off, color in, or track your reading using the handprints on your log.
How much reading for each handprint? Depends how old you are!
Age 0-4: Read 5 minutes
Age 5-8: Read 10 minutes
Age 9+: Read 20 minutes


4. Do Fun Stuff
There are activities on your log! Finish one, then cross out, color in, check off, punch a hole through—do WHATEVER to track your activities!


5. Prizes
Each bubble is one point. Each sea creature is one point.
15 points = Prize #1
30 points = Prize #2
45 points = Prize #3, and you finished!
Prizes will be ready starting May 26th, and they’ll be gone August 11th.


Events 

Click here for all the cool events we have set up this year!

https://www.mylibrary.us/sra/



Estes Valley Library - Wander the World

Welcome to Summer Reading! From May 23 through August 3, readers of all ages are celebrating the joy of reading while creating adventures in comparison of books vs. movies, storytimes, creative art, messages in a bottle, creatures, far away lands, cooking, climbing, and games!

Join us by tracking your reading and attending themed programs. Here’s how to get started:

Choose your category above: Adult, Tween/Teen, Middles or Littles.
Download the Beanstack app
Read happily, whatever you choose! Listening to books counts too. Borrow books from our collection, check out the e-books through Hoopla or Libby, and download audio books with your Library card.
Earn prizes as you tally your reading time and complete our fun reading challenges.


DIY Summer Reading Program

You can create your own summer reading incentive and reward program. 

  • I recommend a step program. Create a list of books that can be earned as they achieve a level you desire them to be at by a designated period of time. Begin your program with easy-to-read books with things that interest your child. Something that will make them feel challenged but give them a running start and confidence, then build the next level a bit more challenging, and so on. I usually do only 3 levels with about 2-3 books in each level. Adjust each level to as many books as you think your child can complete within a summer and give bonus points for additional books read beyond that. After reading between 6 (2 per level) through 9 (more if your kid is an avid reader) they will feel proud of what they did and not experience the summer slide with their reading and comprehension. 
  • I start with a book that my daughter has been wanting and build the summer reading with books she has on her list. When she was younger, I made a list of books that I wanted her to read along with fun easy books to help build her reading ability. A mix of slightly challenging books with easy books to help build her confidence. 
  • Use something to track your child's progress. A bar chart, pie chart, box chart anything that makes it fun for everyone. 
  • I give other prizes as she finishes the books like stationary, pencils, etc. Pick out some great incentives as encouragement for prizes as each goal is met. I liked to get a great backpack for my daughter as the final prize at the end of summer just in time to go back to school. 

Other suggestions: 

Prizes: A special night out doing something they truly love. 

Extra time with a friend 

A fun trip to a park, a picnic. 

Think of the things your kids love and reward them with something that will create memories!

This will help instill the love or reading too! 

 You don't want to burn your child out before going back to school, just keep them on track and engaged.





Book Stores

Barnes & Noble

This great program is for all ages. Kid's journals are available for grades 1st to 6th in English and Spanish at Barnes & Noble or online. Information for Educators. Program runs July 1st to August 31st.  Participants must read 8 books, tell what their favorite part is and why. Then they can return the book journal to Barnes & Noble and choose one book from a list of books as a reward! All stores participate, 2 closest ones are The Promenade Shops at Centerra 5835 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland 80537 and South College Ave 4045 S College Fort Collins 80525. For more details visit Barnes & Noble web page










Online Reading Programs:

Books A Million 

Will give you a Diary of a Wimpy Kid backpack when you read any 4 books from this summer reading adventure section. Use their journal.

Scholastic HomeBase

This summer reading challenge runs from May 9th through September 12th. Enjoy some fun things on the Scholastic site for kids and adults. Tips for parents and educators for summer reading. Join Home Base app full of games and reading for your kids. You'll find downloadable information and trackers along with some great reading resources on the Scholastic site. 

Colorado Reading Center

offers a great program for school-age kids. If your child is behind due to dyslexia, comprehension, spelling, writing or just because of this crazy year. They offer online tutoring and support.   http://coloradoreading.com/

Intensive writing summer camp At Colorado Reading Center

If your kids love to write or need a little help in this area the intensive writing summer camp is wonderful.   http://coloradoreading.com/

PBS has wonderful resources for parents.

  From reading to emotions and everything in between, PBS has activities, stories, and games for kids. PBS offers articles and more for parents to help with emotions and more too! If your young reader loves Super Why this is a great program for reading! 

Pressbook offers some great tips for the teachable moments and songs to support the early childhood learning and reading  skills of this summers reading programs Libraries Rock! 

Junie B Jones Book Club 

is a great way to get your kids reading! This site offers games, activities, virtual books, insight into characters and author, kids club, reviews, and something for parents and teachers too! Register any time.

Pizza Hut Camp Book It

Register and read for a variety of programs sponsored by Pizza Hut. They offer summer reading, The Literacy Project, National Young Readers Week, Give Me 20 for early childhood readers, and Book It! Read more about Book it here. 

Summer Camp Reading Program

REGIS University -  https://readingprograms.org/Regis - Based in Denver for kids from preschool to 12th grade. This is a proven curriculum from the Regis University and taught by professional instructors from the Institute of Reading Development. Each grade level has a camp set for them. Flexible schedules, weekly one-hour classes, and short structured assignments make it simple for your child to grow as a reader and student over the summer.  https://www.regis.edu/About-Regis-University/Campus-Locations.aspx

Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese will give 10 free Play Points (with food purchase) for 2 weeks of reading every day! Use their calendars to track progress for reading and other goal oriented tasks year round. Being a super student, Super Sport, Great Listener, doing homework and chores too! 25 calendars and awards for your kids on their webpage. Greeley location is currently the closest to us. 

AudioFile SYNC Summer Audiobook program 13+

What is SYNC? It's a free summer audiobook program specifically for teens 14+.
How does it work? SYNC offers kids two thematically paired audiobooks each week. The titles drop every Thursday at midnight Eastern time through the summer.





More Online

Star Fall -  http://www.starfall.com/ is geared to early reading K-2nd grade. Math is also available and there is an option for Educators and Homeschool. There are Free downloads and paid subscriptions.

Speakaboos -  https://www.speakaboos.com/ For Grades K to 2nd. Has Free trial and monthly or yearly memberships. Educator, school district, and Parent options.

Spelling City -  https://www.spellingcity.com/ For Grades K-12. Has options for Parents, Educators, School district, & Homeschool with memberships. This program expands vocabulary through games, & reading. This site offers resources such as tutorials for parents, teachers, homeschool, etc.

Reading Eggs –  https://readingeggs.com/ For kids 2-13. Reading and math. This site does assessments to see where your child is in his or her reading and math journey and helps them grow to the next level filling in gaps and helping them grow confident. 

Book Adventure- https://bookadventure.com/ helps with comprehension not just reading. They have quizzes similar to AR book tests. They have text to speech quizzes for young readers and EEL students. They have an accelerated reader for home and school use. They are also a certified Lexile partner. Unique to this program is a writing lesson. Built in rewards for kids to keep them motivated. 

Scholar Within is a reading program for kids K-8. They offer Homeschool a Summer reading program and so much more. Help Your Kids Become Strong, Confident Readers, Improve reading speed with their research-Proven reading fluency training. Learn effective reading comprehension strategies. Read fun and engaging reading passages. Learn how to easily take notes. Learn to spell accurately and confidently with spelling patterns. Improve planning and time-management skills with their program. 






Ways to get free books:

Check them out at your library: It’s a great way to have access to thousands of great books and you don’t have to keep them. If you really like a book you can always buy it but most of us who love to read would have thousands of books at home if we kept everything we’ve ever read. If you do this during the summer reading programs many of the prizes are free books! 

Little Libraries around town! This is an amazing way to borrow a book and maybe find something truly unique and unavailable any other way. Some little libraries take donations and this opens up a whole lot of opportunity for a wide variety of titles, subjects, types of books. Biographies, science, story and other kinds of books can be found in a little library. Check out where to find them around town here. 

Book Crossing  http://www.bookcrossing.com/ is a great web page that connects readers with books that have been “released into the wild”, so to speak. It’s free to join and the potential is endless. It covers over 132 countries so you can get books in other languages from other cultures. The cool part is that it is simple. Have a book you want to release? Easy, Get a Kit, Register the ID# (they will give you) then list it and let it go. There are different levels to participate in but the basic is free.

We all know about Kindle and this article explains how to access free books through different sources.

Not to Be left out. Nook offers a free e-book app.

Borrowing or trading with friends is always popular but as we get a bit older we forget about this one.

Audiobooks can be downloaded for free also. This article gives several to check into.

Ok We all Know Dolly Parton no matter your age. From country music to philanthropy she has done it all. You can get books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She offers books to kids 0-5 and has a tremendous selection of books. Visit her site for free registration

Craig’s list offers tons of stuff and if you are looking for books there is a category for that too. Local Craigs lists can be found via google search. 

There are always books for all ages and likes at Garage sales and I’ve found that most will give you a book or two if you ask rather than take them to good will etc. If you ask and especially for kids books most people will just give them to you. I know I’m a softie and just say yes even if I have them labeled.

PaperBack Swap offers another free book option similar to BookCrossing but without the expense of tracking the book. Website for PaperBack Swap.