Summer reading programs are a great way to support your child’s love of books and provide them with the tools to become a skilled reader. See below for a list of the best local summer reading programs in the DMV.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal
Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August. For more information, visit barnesandnobleinc.com.
Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Kids choose any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section in-store or online and write about the books they’ve read in their Log Book. They can then show the completed Log Book to a store associate to receive a free “Because of Winn-Dixie Notepad and Pen.” For more information, visit booksamillion.com.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar
Kids can earn 10 free play points for Chuck E. Cheese when parents help them mark off two weeks of reading days on their Reading Rewards Calendar. For more information, visit chuckecheese.com.
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
Between April 26th and September 3rd, kids can enter their summer reading minutes online, unlocking digital rewards as they complete weekly reading challenges. Creating a Home Base account also grants access to book excerpts, videos, author events and other summer-exclusive content. For more information, visit scholastic.com.
Washington, D.C.
DC Public Library’s Summer Challenge
Did you know that reading just 20 minutes each day keeps your child’s mind active and engaged over the summer? Participating in the DC Public Library’s Summer Challenge is as easy as reading a book, magazine, blog or website. Your child can earn prizes each month while supplies last by tracking their progress online through the Beanstack mobile app. For more information, visit dclibrary.org.
Maryland
Howard County Library Summer Reading Program
Between June 1st and August 31st, kids can return their completed reading log (online or paper) to any library branch when they’ve completed 10 Mission activities and receive one free book while supplies last. For more information, visit hclibrary.org.
Montgomery County Public Libraries Summer Reading
MCPL’s Summer Read and Learn program offers kids and teens a chance to fill their summer with great books and fun activities. Read books, do fun learning activities and attend virtual events all summer long. They’ll earn badges and prizes and enjoy fun raffles! For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov.
Virginia
Arlington Public Library’s 2021 Summer Reading Challenge
The theme for this year’s 30-day Summer Reading Challenge is Food for Thought; support the Arlington Food Assistance Center while your kids read, zest up their summer with a menu of refreshing programs, and qualify to win tasty prizes! For more information, visit library.arlingtonva.us.
Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading
Recently, the library introduced staff and patrons to Beanstack to host FCPL’s summer reading program. Beanstack allows patrons to participate in a variety of different reading programs or challenges and earn virtual badges when they complete certain tasks (like reading a book for 20 minutes or doing other activities). For more information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov.
