Free Summer Reading Programs 2013

Check Out the 2014 Summer Reading Programs List!

We love participating in Free Summer Reading Programs.  The great incentives keep my kids in the book all summer long.  Check out the list below of programs being offered for 2013. Here’s a tip- print out all the record sheets for the programs you are participating in and keep them all on one folder.  Then you can recored your child’s reading all at one time.

National Free Summer Reading Program Offers

Scholastic’s Summer Challenge: Kids can keep track of their reading minutes by logging in. In return, they can win digital prizes. Plus, they will be able to enter a sweepstakes for great prize packs and other fun rewards. Mom and Dad can also register in conjunction with their children to track progress and win prizes too. This program starts on May 6th. (teachers can register now, parents have to wait until 5/6 to register)

Half Price Books: Kids should read (or be read to) for at least 15 minutes a day during June and July. Once they read 300 minutes, they can turn in their log and earn $5 in Half Price Books Bookworm bucks. They will also award one reader in each age group a $20 Half Price Books giftcard.

Pottery Barn Kids’ Summer Reading Challenge: Kids 10 and under will need to read the books listed on an age-appropriate list. Once they finish the list, they take their reading list to a PBK store and will get a free book. This event kicks off on May 16th and runs through August 26th. and more details will be available at that time.

Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading: This one requires kids to read eight books an then make a short recommendation on each one. They can then turn in their completed Summer Reading form at a store and choose a free book from this list! This even starts May 21st and runs through September 3rd.

Pizza Hut Book-It Program. This program is offered to schools – including home schooling parents. Starting this Wednesday, March 1st, homeschoolers can sign up to get in on the program. You can watch their Facebook page for more details.

Chuck E Cheese: Your child can keep track of their reading through one of the rewards calendars. Once they have completed two weeks of reading he or she can submit the completed Chuck E Cheese calendar for 10 free tokens!

Sylvan’s Book Adventure Program: This program is for children in grades K-8. The search online for books and then find them in the library (or bookstore) and read them. Then, they come back and take quiz about the book and are rewarded with prizes for their reading success!

H.E.B. Summer Reading Club: When your kids read 10 or more books, they can submit a form and end up getting a cool prize (which includes a T-Shirt). Just fill out the form including the books your child has read (if your kids can’t read, you can just list the books you read to them) and mail to the address on the form! The form must be postmarked by October 1, 2013.

Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays (select locations): Each Wednesday from July 10 – August 7, kids can bring in a book report (unless you are six and under and then admission will be free) – which will be cost of admission! The films in include:

• July 10th – Yogi Bear
  
• July 17th – Ice Age: Continental Drift
• July 24th – Madagascar 3
• July 31st – The Lorax
• August 7th – Hotel Transylvania

Bob Jones University: Children ages 4 – 17 can participate in this fun program. First, you will want to find the reading requirements and even review the suggested reading lists. Then, print out a log for your child’s age group. You will determine the goal which can be to read for a select number of minutes or number of pages on a daily basis. As your child reaches his/her goal, the log is updated. At the end of 40 days, Once they have completed the log, your will submit the completion form and mail it in (prior to August 15, 20130). Prizes are awarded for completing the program while supplies last.

Your child will also be entered to win one of nine Summer Reading Tote bags filled with JourneyForth Books (3 for each age group). They might also win the grand prize – a Kindle Fire!! (Thanks Surviving a Teacher’s Salary!)

Local Libraries: Be sure to check with your local library to see what sort of summer reading program is offered.

Central Ohio Library Offers

Columbus Metro Library: Rock Out! Visit any Columbus Metropolitan Library or Southwest Public Libraries location between June 8 and August 3 to sign up. At registration, you will receive a Reading Record and a calendar of events. You can also pre-register online beginning May 29. (Babies- Adults!)

Worthington Libraries: June 1- Aug 3, kids who complete 12 hrs of reading will earn tickets to a Columbus Clippers game.  Kids will be eligible to receive one ticket for themselves and one for a parent/guardian.  They will also be entered in a raffle for a new bike.  Online and in library registration begins June 1st.  Also, don’t miss the Kick Off Party with face painting, parachute games, crafts and vist from storybook characters.  Event takes place on 5/31 at 6pm at Worthington Park Library.

Upper Arlington Public Library: Register your whole family beginning June 4, then read all summer long for a chance at great prizes from the Friends of the UAPL. Start the summer off with a BASH on 6/8 at 11 am! All ages are welcome to come enjoy live music, activities, and Summer Reading Club sign-ups! Local food vendors will also be available on premises.

Delaware County District Library: Come to a Delaware County Library starting June 8, where you will register and pick up a Reading Log.  Prizes for appropriate age groups.

Grandview Heights Public Library:Kids’ Summer Reading Club May 30—August 3! Keep track of the time you spend reading and earn prizes from the treasure chest, coupons from local businesses, and even a t-shirt if you complete 20 hours! For kids, birth—6th grade.

Westerville Public Library: Kids, Teens and Adults can log hours to earn prizes.

Thanks to Penny Pinchin Mom for the National list!