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Looking for a fun reading program to keep your kids on track this summer? Or maybe you want to keep yourself on top of new releases and try different genres. Portland libraries and national companies offer summer reading programs for kids, teens and adults. Best of all, you can win prizes for participating in these free reading programs.
Find the right summer reading program for you and your kids.
Local Free Summer Reading Programs
Multnomah County Library
The Multnomah County Library’s summer reading program begins June 16 and runs through August 31. This program is open to all kids, from babies to high school seniors.
Students earn prizes on specific days throughout the summer. All prizes are available while supplies last. Youth can enter a raffle drawing instead of claiming a prize at each level.
Starting on June 16, pick up a summer reading guidebook at your closest Multnomah County Library location or sign up online.
Here’s how to play:
- Mark a space for each day you read, listen to a book or do a summer learning activity.
- After marking 15 spaces, visit the library and choose a prize. Level 1 prizes are available beginning June 30.
- After marking 30 spaces, visit the library and choose a prize. Level 2 prizes are available beginning July 15.
- After marking 45 spaces, visit the library to fill out the finisher form. You can pick up a t-shirt or onesie, and a prize. The first day to claim the finisher prize is July 30.
- Complete 45 days and turn in a completed finisher form to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. There are drawings for specific age groups.
- The last day to turn in forms to the library is August 31.
Adult Reading Program
There is also an adult summer reading program called Read 4 Life beginning June 16. Complete a gameboard and, starting July 15, turn in your finished gameboard to claim one finisher prize, while supplies last. Prize options include a hat, bag or sticker. Prizes must be claimed by August 31.
Washington County Library
Kids can participate in summer reading programs with the Washington County Library network starting June 1.
The student summer reading program is open to prereaders, early readers and teens. Some of the libraries also open the program to adults. Participants, up to age 18, will get a free book for completing the reading program.
Clackamas County Library
Kids and teens are invited to keep a reading log and win prizes. Summer reading program is hosted by the Gladstone and Oak Lodge Public Libraries.
You can register in person at either library starting June 1. Youth age 0-18 will receive a reading log along with a free book of their choice, a pin button and a $5 library fine voucher just for signing up. The log is completed when they have a total of 30 days of reading.
Once you’re done, bring the reading log to the library from July 1-August 31 to get a prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library and Vancouver Community Library
Kids, teens and adults can register online or at the library for the program taking place June 15-August 15. Participants will need to read or attend a virtual library program for 30 days; make at least one creation; discover something in their world; and try at least one new thing. There are also additional optional challenges announced each week that will get them entered into a special drawing.
Bring the completed activity log to the library to redeem a prize. Kids and teens (ages 0–18) will be entered into the grand prize drawing.
National Summer Reading Programs
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading
Kids in grades 1st to 6th get a free book when they read 8 books and record them in the summer reading journal. Bring the completed journal to a local Barnes & Noble from July 1 through August 31 and your child will pick a free book from the selection listed on the reading journal.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
Have your kid fill out the reading reward calendar and bring it to a local Chuck E. Cheese location for 10 free play points. A food purchase is required to redeem this prize. Limit 1 calendar offer per child, per day. The reading reward is valid through December 31, 2025.
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