Every summer I start out determined to plan out our summer days, do lots of hands-on educational activities, and be sure the kids spend lots of time reading. And then as soon as the carefree, relaxed days of summer set in, my resolve melts faster than ice cream on a hot summer day.
Don’t get me wrong, we still do plenty of activities at home and out of the house, I just know we could be doing more, especially being consistent about reading every day. This year’s plan? A Library Card, Little Free Libraries, and SUMMER READING PROGRAMS!
If you’re looking for new ways to keep your kids excited about reading during the summer months, we’ve got a list of resources for you including FREE summer reading programs for kids that allow your kids to earn prizes! To go along with these programs, we have a separate article with places to find free and inexpensive books in Lakeland + Polk County.
Library programs are also planned throughout Summer – check out our list of summer programs and storytimes at local libraries in Lakeland and Polk County.
FREE Summer Reading Programs {with prizes!}
Your Local Public Library
Make this your first stop for summer reading programs! All of the libraries in the Polk County Library Cooperative have summer reading incentives. Programs vary by library, check with your local library to pick up a reading log and find out about prizes for summer reading. If you are looking for a free summer reading program near you, the library is a fantastic option.
Click here to see a full list of library locations in Polk County.
Reading with the Rays
Kids can track their reading to earn a prize from the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Visit the Reading with the Rays website or your local library in early June for your game card.
- As you read, track your hours by rounding the bases on your game card. Ask your parent or guardian to initial your card as you reach each base. Bring it to your local library and the librarian will sign your card and give you a reading reward.
- Hit a reading home run by reading for 24 hours and you can receive Reading with the Rays prizes!
- Turn in your completed game card to your librarian and receive a voucher for two (2) free Lower Reserved tickets, to a future Rays game (subject to availability).
Click here for more info on Reading with the Rays.
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge – 2024
Read 4 books from the Summer Reading Adventure Section in-stores and record them in your log (click here to print – look for the Summer Reading Adventure banner at the top). For a list of books visit the store or see the 2024 Summer Reading Adventure list on their website. Bring your completed log back to Books-A-Million and receive a free hat (while supplies last). Books-A-Million is located in Lakeside Village in Lakeland.
Click here for more details on the BAM Summer Reading Challenge
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program – 2024
Kids in grades 1 – 6 can earn a FREE book, simply by following these three easy steps:
- Read any eight books this summer and record them in your Summer Reading Journal (Click here to print – look for the 2024 Summer Reading Journal link).
- Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 – August 31, 2024. Find a Store. (Our closest stores are in Brandon, Wesley Chapel, & Tampa)
- Choose your FREE reading adventure from the books list in the journal.
More Free Reading Resources
- 15 places to get FREE BOOKS – Need new books to read for the summer? Check out our list of places for free low price books
- Fun things to do at home with kids – Use our list to create a summer schedule where everyone (mom included) has at least 15 minutes of quiet time to read books
- Summer Reading Camps + Academic Camps – Check out our Summer Camp Guide for options to improve reading skills and other academic enrichment
- Summer programs and storytimes – Make plans to attend events at local libraries in Lakeland and Polk County
- Find a Free Online Summer Camp focused on books
Summer Fun Guide
Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun for Summer Camps, Things to Do Around Lakeland, Things to Do at Home, Open Playgrounds, Places to Play Outdoors, FREE Bowling, Swim Lessons, 4th of July Events, Reading programs, Online Camps, and much more!