Summer Reading is Back! Wichita Public Library Offers Programs for Kids, Teens, and Adults

This article is sponsored by the Wichita Public Library.

Every year, youth librarians at Wichita Public Library coordinate the annual Summer Reading Program, a months-long celebration of reading and learning during the summer months. It’s designed to combat the summer slide, or learning loss during time away from school.

This year, the Library is shaking things up.

The Library will offer the traditional reading programs — pre-readers for birth-preschoolers, Kids Read for kindergarten-fifth graders, and Teens Read for sixth-twelfth graders. And this year, parents can participate in the fun with the NEW Adult Summer Reading Program! Think “Book It” but better!

Here’s the scoop:

Pre-Readers (Birth-Preschool)

Families can include their youngest in the reading fun! Pick up a timed reading record with tracking stickers from the Library and see how often you can read together. Once you meet your goal, come in from June 27-August 1 to collect special prizes!

Kids Read (K-5th Grade)

Set your own reading goals this summer and use our new badge books to track your progress. Once you meet your goal, come in from June 27-August 1 to collect your prize pack and be entered into a grand prize drawing!

Teens Read (6-12 Grade)

Set your own reading goals and track them with a customizable journal. Need inspiration? Attend one of our programs this summer to decorate your journal and swap ideas with other teens. Once you meet your goal, come in from June 27-August 1 to collect your prize pack and be entered into a grand prize drawing!

Adult Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading isn’t just for the kids anymore! Adults can get in on the fun and participate in our new summer challenge. Complete activities that include reading, using new library services, and getting out into our Wichita community. 

Using the Beanstack app, earn badges in a single column, row, or diagonally. You will earn a coupon for a free slice of pizza (or other food) from a local restaurant while supplies last. Block out ALL of the spots and you’ll be entered into a grand prize drawing — two free dinner/show tickets to Mosley Street Melodrama! 

Here are some important dates:

  • May 1: Pre-registration for the Pre-Readers, Kids Read and Teens Read programs begins
  • May 25: Summer Reading begins! Pick up materials (badge books, reading logs) at your favorite Library location!
  • June 27: First day to pick up prizes
  • August 1: Last day of Summer Reading

Free Shows & Concerts This Summer

Don’t forget! The Library is for everyone this summer. Aside from the traditional reading portion of the program, there is a full schedule of fun and educational activities for kids and teens, including a series of musicians and performers FREE for families!

Little Miss Ann
Thursday, June 8
11:30 a.m. at the Walters Branch (4195 E. Harry St.)
2:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Branch (5939 E. 9th St.)

Lucky Diaz
Tuesday, June 13
10:30 a.m. at the Alford Branch (3447 S. Meridian)
2:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Branch (2601 N. Arkansas)

STEMusic Concert
Thursday, June 22
2:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Branch (5939 E. 9th St.)
Saturday, June 24
10:30 a.m. at the Advanced Learning Library (711 W. 2nd St.)

The Uncle Devin Show
Tuesday, June 27
10:30 a.m. at the Alford Branch (3447 S. Meridian)
2:30 p.m. at the Angelou Branch (3051 E. 21st St.)

For a complete schedule of activities and more information about the program, visit www.wichitalibrary.org/summerreading

**Note: The Westlink Branch Library will operate out of a temporary location for 12-14 months beginning May 22 due to construction at the branch. If you use the Westlink Branch, visit us at 7011 W. Central, Suite 205 (Central and Ridge). More information about this project is at www.wichitalibrary.org/westlinkremodel.


You can browse the Library’s full collection of books, movies and more online at catalog.wichitalibrary.org. You can also download the Libby app to access eBooks and audiobooks 24/7. 

Wichita Mom
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