It can be a challenge to keep kids busy all summer long, and of course, we've all heard about the dreaded "summer slide."

Getting our kids to read during summer break can help prevent boredom and learning loss by keeping up reading skills and keeping kids' minds active.

Thanks to our local libraries and many national companies, not only can we keep kids reading this summer, but kids can also earn rewards!

Delaware Libraries Summer Reading Program

June 1 - August 16

Discover, play, and read with New Castle County Libraries all summer!

Libraries are offering a wide variety of events over the summer for all ages, including storytimes, music, craft activities, teen time, senior activities, book clubs, tech assistance, financial literacy, and more.

Program Benefits:

Promotes learning during summer break in a fun way
Sharpens literacy skills
Encourages reluctant readers
Fosters a passion for reading
It’s FREE!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Print or visit your local library to pick up a 2025 Library Challenge Game Board.

Youth Summer Log (PDF) | Teen Summer Log (PDF) | Adult Summer Log (PDF)

2. Log your reading and activities between June 1 and August 16, 2025.

3. Children and teens will receive a book and a certificate for completing their game board.

SUMMER LIBRARY PROGRAMS + EVENTS

Performers include Ran’d Shine, Eric Energy, lifestyle and Peace Productions, Marshall Steam Museum, Silly Joe, the Extreme Ballon Man, and Tori's Critters. Full Calendar here.

Check out our New Castle County Library Guide.

@mackidnewcastlede Yes, grownups can do #summerreadingchallenges too! 🍕📖 Tell us why you love #DelawareLibraries ♬ Feeling Good - SUPER-Hi

NATIONAL PROGRAMS

Barnes & Noble

Grades: 1st - 6th grade
Prize: Free Book
Challenge: Earn free books over the summer by reading a designated number of books and keeping a reading journal. Once complete, kids will choose a free book from the list on the reading journal and collect their free book from a nearby store.
Date: Starts in early June and book redemption is in July and August.

👉🏽 Find more information here.

Pizza Hut

Grades:

Prize:

Challenge:

An extension of the school-based BOOK IT! program, Camp BOOK IT! lets kids in PreK-6th grade (ages 4-12) read to earn pizzas during the summer too. Parents sign up their kids, decide what materials to read, and set the reading goal. This program usually begins on June 1 and runs through August.

👉🏽 Find more information here.

Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp

Kids can earn rewards by completing reading logs for the Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp. They also offer other summer reading activities you can download and print. This program begins on June 1.

👉🏽 Find more information here.

@mackidnewcastlede Yes, grownups can do #summerreadingchallenges too! 🍕📖 Tell us why you love #DelawareLibraries ♬ Feeling Good - SUPER-Hi

Need some book suggestions? Check out these ideas!

Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese offers a collection of printable awards and rewards in their Parent Resources Center on their website. Parents can print a variety of reward certificates and calendars with special goals, such as reading daily for two weeks, using good manners, potty training, and even not picking their nose! Kids can redeem one award certificate or calendar at a time for 10 free points to use on games, pizza, and more. This program runs year round.

👉🏽 Find more information here.

New York Times

Teens can read The New York Times and answer the prompt "What got your attention the The Times this week?" every week for 10 weeks beginning in June. There will be free teen-friendly content available to anyone without a subscription. Entries will be judged, and winning entries will be published on The Learning Network. There are specific rules to follow, as well as advice for creating a winning entry, so be sure to read them all on their website.

👉🏽 Find more information here.

Books-A-Million

Free backpack just for reading books!

Panda Express

Free kids meal coupon when students read 5 books.

Scholastic

During the summer, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base to start their Reading Streak™, read stories, play games, and join a community of readers. The longer kids keep up their Reading Streak, the more digital experiences they earn. Homebase is monitored for safety 24/7. This program usually begins in late April or early May and runs through early September.

👉🏽 Find more information here.

Make Your Own

None of these a good fit for your family? Make up your own challenges and prizes! Or use our FREE printable with some fun prompts to change up the same-old reading routine.

Click here to download the free printable Kids' Summer Reading Challenge!

Love free printables and other ideas for creative fun for kids?
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