Summer Reading
Summer Reading Adventures for the Whole Family at Your Local Library
Your public library is the place to be during the summer. Public libraries offer activities, books, and programs that center around the annual Summer Reading theme. Libraries host a variety of activities during the summer, including educational programs, reading challenges, craft projects, storytimes, performances, and more.
Many libraries sponsor reading contests and award prizes to participants who meet their designated reading goals. Children—and in many communities, teens and preschoolers—may join any time during the program dates and participate by reading books and checking out other library resources. Some libraries have special summer reading programs for adults, as well!
Look for these opportunities and adventures next summer at your local public library or tribal library.
Summer Reading Prevents the Summer Slide
For young people, Summer Reading is more than just fun. It actually helps prevent the summer learning slide. Children who do not read and do not continue learning during their summer vacations can lose two months of achievement and fall behind in school. Keeping young people reading and learning during their summer vacation is key to the future success of students.
Besides taking part in your library's Summer Reading programs, here are some resources that parents can use to help their children keep learning during their summer vacations:
Free Admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens!
ODL and local libraries have partnered with the OKC Zoo and OG&E on the Read for Adventure promotion. When a family checks out the book Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, they will receive a voucher redeemable for FREE admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo for four people (child, adult, or senior). The voucher is good through June 30, 2024. Almost all public libraries and some tribal libraries are participating in this promotion. Check to see if your library is offering this opportunity!
For Libraries and Library Staff
View the Summer Reading Resources for ideas and find entertainers available for performances at your library.
Local librarians use materials and program ideas developed by the Collaborative Summer Library Program to help keep thousands of Oklahoma children reading and discovering during their summer vacation months. Programming and promotional items may include reading logs, bookmarks, certificates and a variety of reading incentives. ODL's Youth Services assists in getting these materials to libraries across the state.
Oklahoma’s Statewide Summer Reading Program is sponsored by local libraries, local partners, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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