Summer reading programs can help to keep kids learning and growing through the summer. And without the pressure of school assignments, they have the freedom to explore their own interests through literature.
Here are several reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading, and some even offer prizes and rewards.
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Wake County Public Libraries
Wake County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program is for all ages. Visit one of the libraries and pick up a tracker. Receive buttons or stickers for reading and get a chance to win a raffle.There’s a list of recommended books for each age group. The program runs from May 31 to August 23, 2025.
Durham County Library
Durham County’s summer reading program, Color Our World, takes place from June 14 to August 2, 2025. Pick up a reading log and a free book or pin. This program is for all ages. Complete the reading log and pick up a prize at any Durham County Library.
Chatham County Public Library
Chatham County Public Library is presenting a summer reading program, Color Our World, from June 7 to August 2, 2025. Pick up a reading log and a free book (while supplies last) at one of the library branches. Read for 10 hours, or complete 10 activities and you’ll be entered into a Grand Prize drawing. to earn a free book, up to three books per participant. Chatham County Public Library has branches in Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston.
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield is presenting a summer reading program, Color Our World, for all ages, including adults. The program includes a reading and activity log, with incentives and prizes for participation. The program runs from June 2 to July 31, 2025.
Orange County Public Library
Check Orange County Public Library to see about their summer reading program for 2025. At the time of this post it wasn’t yet announced. Locations at 137 W Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC and 203 S Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC.
Chapel Hill Public Library
Check on the details about Chapel Hill Public Library’s summer reading program when they’re announced on chapelhillpubliclibrary.org.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading Program encourages kids to keep reading by offering a downloadable and printable Summer Reading Journal, in both English and Spanish. Kids read any eight books, write down the titles and their favorite part of each book.
Then they bring the journal back to Barnes & Noble and choose one free book as a reward. There are about 10 free books to choose from for each age group. The program is for kids in grades 1-6. The journals must be turned in between July 1st and August 31st, 2025, for a free book.
Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Kids can read any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure list, which you can find online or in-store. Then fill out the log, which just asks for the title of each book, your favorite character, and the best part of the story. Bring in the log to the store and get a free Dav Pilkey Dog Man backpack.
More information about Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure.
The Camp Book It Program with Pizza Hut
Parents of kids in PreK-6th grade can enroll in Camp Book It. In June, July, and August, parents use digital tools to track their kids’ reading. When kids meet their reading goals, they are rewarded with a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut.
Scholastic Summer Reading Program
Scholastic runs its Summer Reading Program from May 9 to September 12, 2024. Kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base and create an account, allow them to join a community of readers, attend author events, play book-based games and more. As kids keep up their reading streak they can earn more digital experiences.
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More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
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