Nothing keeps kids learning like reading! Instill a love of reading in your child by participating in a summer reading program. If you are looking for one near you, consider the highly-anticipated program at the King County Library System! Each year, they challenge King County residents of all ages — that means you too, Mom! — to track minutes spent reading during the summer. Visit kcls.org/summer for more information, and to find reading recommendations and fun events to attend.
This post is sponsored by The King County Library System
Reading is important for all ages. Research shows that children and teens grow their reading skills when they choose their own books and read for enjoyment. It is especially important to keep children’s minds active and engaged during the summer to prevent learning loss while students are out of school. Reading for pleasure also benefits adults. It improves brain health, reduces stress, and offers opportunities for learning and growth.
Here’s how to participate!
• Visit your KCLS library to pick up a Reading Challenge log or sign up online.
• Read anything you like for 20 minutes a day, through Aug. 31. This includes reading to someone else or listening to an audiobook.
• Track your time to earn prizes.
Each time you meet your daily goal, you mark a shape on your reading log. When you mark 25 shapes, you may receive a Halfway Prize; when you mark 50 shapes, you may receive a Finisher Prize.
Halfway Prize
• A KCLS Reader patch, with artwork from local artist Jenna Riggs.
• The patron’s name posted on the Community Board at their library.
Finisher Prize
• A journal that celebrates being a KCLS Reader, with artwork from local artist Jenna Riggs.
• A sticker next to the patron’s name on the Community Board at their library.
Prizes are available while supplies last and are made possible by the King County Library System Foundation. Prizes may be picked up beginning July 1.
You can also participate in fun and educational events and activities all summer long, including arts and crafts workshops, music and magic programs, outdoor StoryWalks, STEM learning opportunities and more!
If you need an easy way to track your reading, consider the Beanstack app!
In the app you can:
- Track titles or minutes read. Record your time spent reading using the built-in timer. You can even track time or titles for two or more readers at once if you’re reading together!
- Earn badges for the whole family.
- Scan ISBN barcodes to quickly add titles to your reading log.
- View the total time spent reading, average pages per hour, average time spent reading, and more.
- Manage family reading logs and view each participant’s statistics.
Reading can be a great way to spend shoulder to shoulder time with your kids, engaging in their interests and learning more about their favorite authors and subjects. Spend time talking about the books your kids are reading, help them discover new authors, or read the same book and discuss it together. You could even try creating your own home book club for a fun way to read the same thing and bond with your child through time spent on something they love.
If your kid struggles with reading, consider trying an audiobook. They can listen while they read, which can be a great way to engage while also building their reading skills. When they discover their love of stories it may inspire them to read more! Play to your child’s strengths.
Whether you download a bunch of eBooks and audiobooks for your road trip or grab a handful of books for a lazy day at the park, the King County Library System is here to get the whole family reading!
