Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and help kids rediscover the joy of reading – without school assignments attached. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a total bookworm, a little incentive (like a cool prize or fun event) can go a long way in keeping them turning pages all summer long.
This guide includes FREE summer reading programs where kids can earn rewards just for reading, along with links to local library storytimes, summer events, and even places to score free or cheap books in Lakeland and Polk County.
So grab a library card, find a Little Free Library, and let’s make reading a fun part of your family’s summer routine!
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.
Success By 6 Summer Read-A-Thon Challenge
United Way of Central Florida is celebrating 30 years of its Success By 6 program with 30 days of summer reading during the month of June. Join in the fun and help support programs aimed at providing children in our community with the learning resources they need to thrive!
The first 100 participants to register will receive a free pizza courtesy of Little Caesars, and the first 500 will receive a free Tadpole Mini Treat courtesy of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice! Each participant will also be entered for a chance to win additional prizes.
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!
Click here for more info on Reading with the Rays.
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge
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 Summer Reading Adventure list on their website. Bring your completed log back to Books-A-Million and receive a free drawstring backpack (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
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 Summer Reading Journal link).
- Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 – August 31. 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!
