Summer is here and one of the best ways to help your kids prevent the summer slide in their reading skills is by participating in a summer reading program at your public library. In the Kansas City Metro we have five major library systems, who this year are collaborating on a metro-wide summer reading theme: Read, Score, Roar!
Summer Reading Program Tips
Try to sign up in person at your favorite library branch. Many have kick-off events and will
hand out free books, stickers, and prizes for those that attend. You can pick up a paper reading log and start tracking minutes and books read right away. While you’re there, sign your child up for their own library card if you haven’t already, they’ll be so proud!
Remember that all kinds of reading count, whether it’s reading aloud, listening to audio books, or reading things like comics and graphic novels. There are many ways to get lost in a great book!
Depending on your family’s schedule, try to carve out time each week to read together. Whether it’s on a lazy Sunday afternoon or at bedtime.
If you’re having trouble finding books your child or teen enjoy, talk to your librarian for recommendations. They can make recommendations based on subjects your child enjoys or books they have enjoyed in the past.
Johnson County Public Library
Dates
June 1-July 31
Reading Log
This year’s reading log has an option for kids to color in a soccer ball for each book they read or write down the title on the lines below. Print off a copy here or pick one up at a library branch. There are no rules for how many books to read or how to read them (audio, read aloud, etc.) You can figure out what works best for your family.
Events
With events like Faberge-Inspired Dinosaur Eggs, Baby FIFA World Cup 2026™️and The What If Puppets Present: T-Rex Stole My Toothbrush, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Additional events can be found here.
Prizes
The Johnson County Library hands out free books at the beginning of the summer reading program. You can pick up one book per family member at any branch during the month of June.
Adult Program
While there is no summer reading program for adults, there are many events hosted at the library throughout the summer for adults. Find the complete list here.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
Dates
June 1 – July 31
Reading Log
Register for the program starting on May 15! Register online via Beanstack or pick up a paper log at your local library branch.
Events
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with a FREE showing of Jurassic Park! Join Kansas City, Kansas Public Library at Boulevard Drive-In to kick-off our Summer Reading Program on the evening of May 28. Gates will open at 7 p.m., and the movie will start at 9:15 p.m.
Pre-show entertainment will include book giveaways, bubbles, face painting, a dinosaur dig station, soccer skills with Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation, KCKPD’s Mobile Gaming Trailer and summer reading sign-up. Food will be available to purchase from local food trucks.
Prizes
For every 100 minutes you read up to 500 minutes, you’ll earn a free book.
- 100 minutes = 1 free book
- 200 minutes = 1 free book
- 300 minutes = prize pack and a grand prize entry
- 400 minutes = 1 free book and a grand prize entry
- 500 minutes = 1 free book and a grand prize entry
Adult Programs
Log 10 hours, 5 books OR 2,000 pages total during June and July to complete the program and win your prize, a lunch cooler and color changing water bottle. Plus, you’ll also get a $5 coupon to our book sales and will be entered in our grand prize drawings!
Read an additional 2 hours, 2 books, or 800 pages to get an extra entry into our grand prize drawing.
Kansas City Public Library
Dates
June 1 – August 15.
Reading Log
Check back for info on this webpage for all the details. Reading recommendations by age are available online along with a color by numbers activity.
Events
Most branches are hosting their own kick-off parties so check out the library calendar for more details. The library will be hosting story times and Friday Night Family Fun events.
Prizes
Everyone who registers for the program gets a free book.
Adult Programs
Read five books between June 1 and August 15 to earn a prize – a pint glass for adults.
Mid-Continent Public Library
Dates
June 1 – August 24
Reading Log
Books can be logged on the Beanstack App.
Events
There will be kick-off events, story times in the park, magic shows, and book clubs. Check out all of the events here.
Prizes
Adult Program
Log your daily reading to earn Daily Reading Badges! Once you hit 60 days of reading, you will earn a Limited Edition tote bag.
Olathe Public Library
Dates
May 18 – August 2
Reading Log
You can register your reading online here or pick up a paper log at your local library branch.
Events
Join the Olathe Public Library Summer Reading Challenge 2026 Kick-Off at Indian Creek Park/ Shelter on May 26 form 10-11:30 a.m. Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with games, crafts, and more.
Check back for more details and prizes as they are announced.
