In these turbulent times of quarantines and lockdowns, the partial reopening of local libraries are giving us the distractions we need, both as adults and kids. The Kansas City area libraries are partnering with the theme of “Imagine Your Story” for their 2020 summer reading programs. Below is a list of the details for various branches across the Metro.
The Johnson County Library System
Join the Johnson County Library for the virtual launch of their summer reading program “Imagine Your Story” June 1-5. They have many fun and interactive programs, workshops and special events planned. The program wraps up on August 8 with the End-of -Summer celebration. Click here for all the information.
Olathe Public Libraries
All ages can track their reading online this summer to win prizes with Olathe’s Virtual Summer Reading Program. Simply create an account and begin logging titles. Curbside pickup is now available for books placed on hold.
Mid-Continent Public Libraries
The 2020 Summer Library Program begins on May 26. Kids (ages 0-12) and teens (ages 13-19) can participate in at-home activities, virtual programs and reading books to accumulate points to earn prizes. There is also an adult reading program so parents can model good reading habits for their kids. The program runs through July 31.
Cass County Libraries
Kids, teens and adults can earn books and other prizes by logging their reading progress online. Click here to see the completion goals for each age group. The program runs from June 1-August 1.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
Registration and participation is all online this summer for the Kansas City Kansas Public Library. Participants can log reading minutes and complete online activities to be eligible to win a prize pack. The program runs June 1 – July 31.
Kansas City, Missouri Public Library
This year’s summer reading program invites readers to “Live the Fantastic” and experience the power of storytelling. Readers earn a free book just for signing up! Log your books online to earn prizes. The program runs June 1-July 31.
North Kansas City Public Libraries
The children’s summer reading program has slightly changed this summer due to COVID-19. Ten hours of reading and/or listening to a book will complete the program and earn prizes. They are asking for a mailing address to mail the rewards. There are also prizes for young adult and adult programs.
Kansas City area businesses are also encouraging reading this summer. Kids can earn prizes and incentives when they complete the goals at the following businesses:
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
This free program unites communities in a nationwide campaign to celebrate reading for fun. This program uses Scholastic Home Base, which is a free online destination for kids to interact with Scholastic characters, play games and read books. This site is monitored 24/7. By keeping track of their reading streaks, they can help unlock book donations given to locations around the country where access to books desperately needed.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
This calendar can be printed and filled out by a parent to earn 10 free play points at local restaurants. Calendars can be redeemed every two weeks.
Barnes and Noble
Download and print a reading journal. After reading eight books, fill out the book log and take it to your local Barnes and Noble store to get a free book! Their site also has excellent lists of books for all reading levels.
Half-Price Books
Download their Feed Your Brain reading log and record 15 minutes of reading each day. Once you’ve read 300 minutes, take the completed log to your local HPB store and earn $5 Half-Price Books Bucks.
