| Give to Libraries | Summer Reading 2023: “All Together Now”
Have fun with Summer Reading!
Summer reading programs at public libraries in Georgia offer creative, fun, and FREE ways to build a love for reading. Libraries offer prizes for meeting reading goals, in-person and online activities, and even opportunities to explore Georgia. Programs typically take place from late May until late July or early August. Check your local library for their dates.
Why should families participate in Summer Reading?
Summer reading is a great way for families to bond and develop a love of reading and learning.
When children participate in Summer Reading programs at their local library, they:
- are motivated to read;
- develop positive attitudes about reading, books, and the library;
- maintain or improve their reading skills during summer vacation;
- have access to fun learning experiences;
- can make new friends, and more!
During summer reading, children have access to experiences that further their sense of discovery. Adults can learn new skills and form relationships that enhance their lives, too.
Here are five ways that kids can keep reading, learning, and having fun through your local library this summer.
1. Read on the Go with E-books and Audiobooks, using your library’s digital check out for audio and e-books. You can also explore eRead Kids, a collection of electronic and audio books available through all public libraries in Georgia including fiction and non-fiction picture books, basic readers, graphic novels, and chapter books in English and Spanish for kids in Pre-K to fourth grade.
2. Visit the Aquarium… or a Museum… or the Zoo…Did you know your family can check out library passes for free admission or parking to places like the Georgia Aquarium, various museums, Zoo Atlanta, State Parks, and the Go Fish Education Center? Through partnerships with organizations across the state, Georgia’s public libraries provide families with educational and recreational opportunities to spend time together while saving money.
3. Attend a Show or Activity. Libraries bring in talented performers to offer a variety of activities, such as puppet or magic shows, STEAM activities, gardening, and even cooking demonstrations. Be sure to check your local library’s schedule to join them in their summer kickoff and take advantage of these fun opportunities.
4. Learn a New Skill. Summertime can be a great time for kids to explore a new skill or even learn an instrument. Libraries offer items for checkout beyond books and movies, everything from sewing machines to Snap Circuit kits to ukuleles! No matter your child’s interest, the sky’s the limit at your local library. To look for non-book items in the PINES catalog, do an advanced search by item.
5. Express Your Creativity. Enjoy summer – and year round – programming for every type of kid. Children can express their creativity at one of the many library makerspaces around the state. These activities encourage engagement and critical thinking as they help children learn about robotics, engineering, cooking, electronics and more. Many libraries offer storytimes in multiple languages and early literacy activities for preschoolers. Our libraries are innovating programs to engage youth in everything from gardening to encouraging reluctant readers. If a child has special needs, ask about services the library offers for children with visual or hearing impairments. There’s something at the library for everyone.
Many of our public libraries also serve as meal or snack sites for the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, which makes free healthy meals and snacks available to young people in communities with high rates of poverty.
Get outside
Through our partnership with Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites, patrons can use their library card to borrow Park Passes to visit and enjoy state parks.
Find a Summer Reading Program
Most of Georgia’s public libraries offer summer reading activities for families. Contact your local library to see what they have planned.
Accessible Summer Reading Programs
Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) aims to provide an inclusive program to engage eligible students and adults through independent reading, reading activities and programs during the summer months.
The GLS Summer Reading Program is exclusively for registered GLS patrons. This year’s program runs from June 1 through August 4, 2023.
The GLS Summer Reading Program is divided into four groups:
- Kids birth to age 8,
- Tweens age 9-13,
- Teens age 13-17, and
- Adults age 18 and up.
Everyone involved can earn points by reading, attending programs, and completing activities at home. Patrons who register will receive a welcome packet. Those who participate beyond registration will receive an additional motivation packet, and everyone who hits the point goal for their age group will receive a completion prize packet. The patron in each age group who earns the most points will receive a special grand prize.
The point goals for the 2023 GLS Summer Reading Program are:
- Kids 0-8: 10 points
- Tweens 9-12: 20 points
- Teens 13-17: 30 points
- Adults 18+: 40 points
To register for the GLS Summer Reading Program, patrons should call 1-800-248-6701 or email gls@georgialibraries.org.
GLS patrons are always welcome to participate in their local library’s summer reading program as well.
Summer Reading is all about fun!
Summer reading programs help kids develop and improve reading skills.
Summer reading activities are also opportunities to explore creativity, develop social skills, learn new things and simply have fun! Georgia’s public libraries partner with their communities to provide a diverse selection of programs.
Contact your local library to see what’s planned for the summer.
More for Kids
Find Books and More for Kids
Find children’s books, DVDs, CDs and more in PINES-participating libraries across Georgia.
eRead Kids Digital Library
This free collection of ebooks and audio books is for kids in pre K to fourth grade. It’s a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles that can be downloaded onto computers, tablets and smartphones.
Get Georgia Reading Summer Resources
In addition to summer reading activities, Georgia’s public libraries offer services and resources to help children thrive and become lifelong learners.
Introducing… BEANSTACK!
Use Beanstack to track your reading progress.
What is Beanstack?
Beanstack is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to keep track of your progress during summer reading.
It’s easy as 1… 2… 3!
- Create a Beanstack account.
- Track how much time you spend reading and challenge yourself by earning activity badges for all the things you make, explore, learn, and do.
- Have fun!