Reading is an important skill for all ages, and keeping up with it over the summer can be hard. Thankfully, many businesses around Wichita are happy to provide incentives and summer reading programs to keep your child reading until the school bells start ringing again in August.
Summer Reading Programs and Incentives in Wichita
Wichita Public Library
Wichita Public Library has a summer reading program for your child, from birth to grade 12, running from June 1-July 29. We have participated in this program for the past 6 summers, and it has gotten better each year. You can sign up online, and download the app to track your child’s progress and earn prizes. For more info, click here.
Wichita Metro Area Libraries
Many local libraries also have their own summer reading programs: the Andover Public Library, Derby Public Library, Goddard Public Library, Valley Center Public Library, and the El Dorado Public Library for starters.
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Programs
Kids can earn a free book by reading and keeping track of it in their printable journals.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books offers a summer reading program called Summer Reading Camp, as well as printables and reading lists.
Pizza Hut Book It!
Book It is coming back! Join Camp Book It for their summer reading program, and then enroll in the traditional program in the fall – earn free pizza for reading!
Storytimes in Wichita
With social distancing in full effect and many libraries not currently open to the public in the same ways as they used to be, check your local library. Many are offering storytimes through Facebook live or other online offerings.
Even if you don’t sign up for anything formal, there are many ways to get your kids reading all summer long. You can make your own book bingo cards, and the first to get bingo wins a prize. Make a rule that there is no screen time until 20 minutes of reading have been completed. Let your kids catch YOU reading!