Libraries throughout the area have started their themed summer reading programs, which encourage children to continue reading while school is out.
The Northlake Public Library celebrated the kickoff of its program on June 10 with a bounce house, temporary tattoo station, raffle baskets and food.
The Northlake program will run through July 22 and is aimed toward children of all ages. The theme for the summer is “Camp Curiosity.”
Kids up to fifth grade have the goal to read (or be read to) for 10 hours this summer, and middle-school students have the goal of 12 hours. Those who complete this, along with five activities from the activity log, will receive a free paperback book, a drawstring bag and a Brookfield Zoo pass.
For each time readers complete the challenge, they will also be entered to win the raffle for one of the grand prizes such a Skyzone Birthday Party for 12, a Brookfield Zoo family pass, a camera or a $50 gift card for GameStop.
Here what some of the other libraries in the area are doing:
Elmwood Park
The summer reading program theme will be “Reading by Design” based on architecture. Participants can earn a basket full of architecture-themed prizes at the end of the summer.
The program will run through Aug. 5. Three-year-olds through kindergartners have the goal of 300 minutes for the summer, first- through third-graders will have a goal of 600 minutes, fourth- through sixth-graders will do 1,200 minutes, and sixth- through 12th-graders receive a bingo card with a mix of reading and activities.
The program will have an ending party on Aug. 5, noon-3 p.m. at Central Park. There will be outdoor activities and snacks as well as artist Antonia Ruppert, who will make a community painting for the library.
River Grove
The program will run through July 31.
The library will also offer story time for ages 2-4 where kids can listen to a short story and enjoy snacks provided. The library will hold a celebration for the end of the program on July 26 with activities outside, pizza and prizes to hand out.
Those who finish the reading logs can turn them in on July 20 to win completion prizes and be entered for the raffle prizes. Kids, young adults and adults can sign up for the program online.
Eisenhower library
The summer reading program will run through July 31.For every three books that teens and adults read, they will be entered to win raffle prizes such as memberships to the Chicago Architecture Museum or the Chicago History Museum to go along with the theme “Build a Better World.” Kids can win similar prizes if they read more than 500 minutes for the summer.
The library will throw a celebration for the end of the program at the end of August. The celebration will include games, snacks, and the annual big water balloon fight.
Franklin Park
The program will run through July 22 for all ages, and the theme will be “Build a Better World.” Kids up to sixth grade will be challenged to read (or be read to) 10 hours in total this summer. The library will have an ending party on July 29 from 1-3 p.m. with ice cream, outdoor games and more.
Kids can register for the program at the kids crossing desk. Teens and adults can register at the info desk. Those who register do not have to be residents of Franklin Park. Each age group has different goals but if the whole program reaches a total of more than 500,000 minutes, the Friends of the Library group will make a donation to Leyden Family Services’ Food Pantry.
