Summer Reading
The 2023 Summer Reading theme is All Together Now : Todos Juntos Ahora – Kindness/Friendship/Unity (with artwork by Frank Morrison).
This summer you will see activities, books, and programs that center around the 2023 theme, All Together Now : Todos Juntos Ahora – Kindness / Friendship / Unity at public libraries across Oklahoma. Libraries will be hosting a variety of activities during the summer, including educational programs, reading challenges, craft projects, storytimes, and more. Most libraries incorporate the theme with fun and entertainment for the whole family! Many of Oklahoma’s tribal libraries participate in the program as well.
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 this summer at your local public library or tribal 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. ODL's Youth Services assist is getting these materials to libraries across the state.
Programming and promotional items may include reading logs, bookmarks, certificates and a variety of reading incentives.
The video below shows a promotion from the 2022 Summer Reading theme, Oceans of Possibilities.
Summer Reading Prevents the Summer Slide
Keeping young people reading and learning during their summer vacation is key to the future success of students. Young people can lose two months of reading achievement during the summer, meaning they could be two grade levels behind by the time they reach sixth grade.
In addition to participating in your local summer reading program, there are other ways parents can help their children keep learning during their summer vacations:
Free Admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens!
ODL and local libraries are once again partnering with the OKC Zoo and OG&E on the Read for Adventure summer reading 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 of 2023. 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 performers for your library.
Oklahoma's Summer Reading Program is coordinated each year by ODL's Youth Services.
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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