May 16, 2022
CONTACT: Deborah Hakes, [email protected]

ATLANTA…Summer reading programs at public libraries offer creative, fun, and free ways to build a love for reading for all ages and abilities. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” and most libraries will offer a variety of beloved in-person traditions such as puppet shows, storytimes, and more. Libraries also offer prizes for meeting reading goals, in-person and online activities, and even opportunities to explore Georgia. 

“For Georgia’s families, the public library is an incomparable community space for creative and fun summer outings as they enjoy free educational and cultural enrichment activities,” said State Librarian and Associate Vice Chancellor for Libraries Julie Walker. “Georgia’s public libraries have a robust summer reading program in every county.”

Every summer, libraries across Georgia bring in talented performers to offer a variety of activities, such as free puppet or magic shows, STEAM activities, gardening, and even cooking demonstrations. Be sure to check your local library’s schedule to take advantage of these fun opportunities.

For families who want to take a more cautious approach, many libraries offer curbside pickup, craft kits-to-go, virtual programs, and book clubs. Most libraries also will provide outdoor storytimes and performances. 

In addition to traditional paper reading logs, all families now have access to Beanstack, a digital platform that not only helps kids keep track of their reading, but also allows them to earn badges by engaging in a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities.

If a child has special needs, ask about services the library offers for children with visual or hearing impairments. 

The Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) also will have an inclusive summer reading program for its patrons, which will engage students and adults through independent 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 be mailed a welcome packet, an incentive packet, and a certificate of completion. 

To register for the GLS summer program, call 1-800-248-6701 or email [email protected]. GLS patrons are also welcome to participate in their local library’s summer reading program. 

Additionally, 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.

Summer reading programs typically take place from late May until late July or early August. Check your local library for their dates. Learn more about summer reading at the library at www.georgialibraries.org/summer-reading. 

About the Georgia Public Library Service
The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. GPLS is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. https://georgialibraries.org

About Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS)
Georgia Library Service for the Blind & Print Disabled (GLS) supports accessible library services in Georgia by promoting the use of assistive technology and by providing accessible reading materials to those who, due to a disability, are unable to read standard print. The GLS network cooperates with all of the state’s library systems to give Georgians ready access to materials from the free national library program administered by the Library of Congress and the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (NLS). https://gls.georgialibraries.org