The Louisville Free Public Library’s annual 10-week Summer Reading Program, presented by the Library Foundation, encourages children and teens to read for fun over the summer and helps them avoid summer learning loss. Summer Reading runs May 28–August 2 and is FREE to all area youth, newborn–12th grade.
You can pre-register now for both programs online or by downloading the Beanstack Tracker app (for iOS or Android). Cultural Passes will be available for pickup May 28th.
If you have participated in Summer Reading before, sign in and start logging books (May 28-August 2).
Summer Reading & Cultural Pass Kickoff
Saturday, May 31st, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Main Library (301 York Street)
Kick off this year's Summer Reading and Cultural Pass programs with a day full of fun, hands-on activities at the Library!
Explore this year's theme “The Great Summer Reading Caper" with mystery-themed stations, scavenger hunt, and fun crafts. All this plus Jasper the rabbit from Creepy Carrots and special live performances from Louisville Leopards Percussionists and Ambo Dance Theatre!
While you’re here, download the new Cultural Pass app and start your summer adventures to discover new experiences throughout Greater Louisville.
How to participate:
To complete the program:
- School-aged children (K–5th grade) read 10 books.
- Preschool-aged children (newborn–preK) read, or have read to them, 20 books.
- Teens (6–12th grade) read 6 books.
Simply read the required number of books, log them online or on a Summer Reading form, and then stop by any library branch by August 2 to receive great prizes!
What are the prizes?
- A glow-in-the-dark backpack
- Passes to:
- Fazoli’s Lemon Ice
- Ehrler’s Ice Cream
All kids who complete summer reading will also be entered to win Grand prizes from Carmichael's Bookstore, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Kentucky Kingdom, KMAC, StageOne, Texas Roadhouse, and YMCA. Drawings take place at the end of Summer Reading.
Teen Summer Reading Challenge
Teens ages 12-19 only need to read 6 books to complete Summer Reading. Read and log your books between May 28 – August 2 to earn a glow-in-the-dark backpack, along with sweet treats and passes to area attractions.
All teens who complete Summer Reading will also have a chance to win Grand prizes from Breakout Games, Legend at Pope Lick, Sandbox VR, and more in teens-only prize drawings.
Babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children are also eligible for the Summer Reading Program. Preschool-age children and younger need to read (or have read to them) 20 books to complete the Summer Reading program. Reading to preschool-aged children builds vocabulary, language skills, and helps prepare them with the skills they need for kindergarten.
These books also count towards the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, a Library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten. In as little as 15 minutes a day, families can build the skills for future school and life success.