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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 for reading daily. Starting on June 16, pick up a game board at your closest Multnomah County Library location or sign up online.
Here’s how to play:
- Starting June 16, come to the library and pick up a game board or sign up online.
- Mark one space for each day you read or listen to a book, or do any of the fun activities, between June 16 and August 31, 2022.
- Each time you mark at least 15 days (they don’t have to be in a row!), come to the library to receive a prize. If you play on paper, fill out one of the cards on your game board and bring it with you.
- Once you have read 45 days total, you have completed the game. Come to the library (if you play on paper, bring your last card) on or after July 30 to receive a t-shirt and prizes (while supplies last), and an entry in the grand prize drawing for your age level.
- Prizes must be claimed by August 31, 2022.
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. All participants, up to age 18, will get a free book for completely the reading program.
Clackamas County Library
Kids, teens and adults 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 between June 1 and July 31. Youth age 0-17 will receive a reading log. The log is completed when they have a total of 20 days of reading. Adults age 18+ will receive a bingo card. Complete one or more rows of reading recommendations on the bingo card. Each row completed earns an entry into the prize drawing.
Once you’re done, bring the reading log or bingo card to the library in August to get a prize and be entered into prize drawings held in early September.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library and Vancouver Community Library
Kids and teens 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.
Bring the completed activity log to the library to redeem a prize. Kids and teens (ages 0–18) will receive a library tote bag and entry 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’s 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, 2021.
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You may also like:
Free Cultural Passes at Portland Libraries
Free Bowling for Kids at Alleys in and around Portland
Enjoy $1 Family Flicks at Regal Cinemas’ Summer Movie Express
Oaks Park Roller Rink: Go Skating for $10
Top 5 Multnomah County Library Card Perks You Need to Know About
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