School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean kids should forget about their books until September. Several area libraries are hosting summer reading programs that encourage kids (and adults) to stay reading all season long.
Reading is important for kids and adults to maintain literacy skills and prevent summer learning loss. By engaging in summer reading, kids can avoid the “summer slide,” where they lose some of the information they learned during the school year.
This summer, the Washington Nationals are partnering with local libraries in Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. Fans who can complete the summer reading program at their local library are eligible to get two free Upper Gallery tickets for a 2025 regular season game at Nationals Park. The Nationals are also hosting story times before games on July 6, August 3, and September 14.
All library programs require registration before beginning the summer reading challenge. Find your local library to learn how to win Nats tickets and other fun prizes.
Alexandria Library
From now until August 31, Alexandria Library is offering its SummerQuest to groups of all ages with different goals for each group. The library encourages children, teens, and families to make reading a part of their daily lives. Alexandria Library will host youth and adult SummerQuest events and activities throughout the summer including Storytime in the Reading Garden, Squeals on Wheels: Petting Zoo, and a summer film series.
Fairfax County Public Library
To help prevent the summer slump, Fairfax County Public Library is offering its summer reading program from June 11 to August 17. There are themed events throughout the summer, reading challenges for both adults and kids, and a summer reading passport to stamp when you visit different libraries.
Plus, Sherwood Regional Library is hosting a Children’s Summer Reading Festival on June 14. This event will include games and crafts, face painting, a bounce house, a photo booth, and food trucks.
Arlington Public Library
From now until September 1, the Arlington Public Library is offering a 30-day summer reading challenge to support the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. The program offers readers a chance to earn prizes by reading for 30 days in a row. Plus, it has an additional challenge to read an extra 10 days to become a Super Reader and earn even more prizes.
Arlington Public Library will also host events for kids and adults throughout the summer as part of its reading challenge. These include the Books on Tap series, Short Story Social Club, and a Juneteenth book discussion.
Loudoun Public Library
The summer reading program offered at Loudoun County Public Library is from June 14 to August 16; registration is open now. People who pre-register get free entry to the Purcellville Cannons baseball game on June 14. The Loudoun program is open to all ages and reading levels. It offers 10 challenges (catered to each age group) to encourage reading and library use in a fun and engaging way. Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win grand prizes.
Prince William Public Library
Prince William Public Library’s annual summer reading program runs from June 16 to August 17. The program combines reading challenges, programs, and incentives for all ages. The engaging programs include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) elements, music, puppetry, theater, story times, and crafts. After you’ve tracked 500 minutes of reading — that’s 20 minutes a day for 25 days — you can earn a free book.
Feature image courtesy Przemek Klos/stock.adobe.com
