| Give to Libraries | Summer Reading 2022: “Ocean of Possibilities”
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.
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 during their Summer Reading Programs, so be sure to check their schedule to take advantage of free puppet or magic shows, STEM activities, gardening, and even cooking demonstrations. For families who want to take a more cautious approach, many libraries offer curbside pickup, craft kits-to-go, STEAM kits, virtual programs, and book clubs. Most libraries also will provide outdoor storytimes and performances. Summer programs will vary based on community guidelines, but across the state you can expect to see the widest array of programs and summer fun offered over the past few years.
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.
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.
Accessible Summer Reading Programs
Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) aims to provide an inclusive program to engage students and adults through independent reading, reading activities and programs during the summer months. The GLS Summer Reading Program is divided into three groups: birth to age 10, ages 11-17, and ages 18 and up. Patrons who register will receive a welcome packet, an incentive packet, and a certificate of completion.
- To complete the GLS Summer Reading Program, individuals must:
- Children: Read at least 16 books or 60 hours
- Young Adults: Read at least 8 books or 64 hours
- Adults: Read at least 12 books or 120 hours there will be more prizes for patrons that read more
- Participate in at least one GLS virtual or in person program or trivia
- Read at least three books from the prepared booklist
To register for the GLS summer reading program, patrons should call 1-800-248-6701 or email gls@georgialibraries.org.
GLS patrons are also 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!