Looking for an easy, fun way to keep your kids reading and engaged all summer long? Your Library’s Summer Reading Program is designed for busy families, with flexible options, motivating rewards, and something for every age.
Our Summer Library Program is more than just a reading challenge. It’s a simple, proven way to help kids maintain and build reading skills while school is out. By combining reading with activities, incentives, and community experiences, they help prevent learning loss and keep young minds active, confident, and curious.
Getting started is simple. Kids (and grown-ups!) work through six steps at their own pace, building confidence and celebrating progress along the way. Want to go the extra mile? Bonus steps offer even more opportunities for fun—and more chances to win prizes.
Oh, and parents? Reading to your kids also counts towards your summer reading challenge!
Reading Challenges
Reading goals are tailored by age so everyone can succeed:
- Ages 0–3:
- Earn one prize drawing ticket for every 20 books read
- Read 60 books to earn a free book and a set of coupons
- Read 120 books to complete the reading challenge and earn another free book and set of coupons
- Ages 4–12:
- Earn one prize drawing ticket for every 20 books read
- Read 60 books to earn a free book and a set of coupons
- Read 120 books to complete the reading challenge and earn another free book and set of coupons
- Teens & adults
- Earn one prize drawing ticket for every four hours of reading
- Read 12 hours to earn a free book and a set of coupons
- Read 24 hours to complete the reading challenge and earn another free book and set of coupons
Keep reading after completing the reading challenge to earn bonus prize drawing tickets, and complete activities to earn even more tickets!
Sign up online starting Monday, June 1, and stop by the Summer Reading Room beginning Monday, June 8 to pick up your Reading Logs.
Make reading part of your family’s summer routine—easy, rewarding, and fun for everyone.
Summer Reading Room Hours
Sign up, log your reading challenge progress, enter prize drawings, and pick up your prizes in the Summer Reading Room!
- Monday–Thursday: 10 am–6 pm
- Friday: 10 am–4 pm
- Saturday: 9 am–1 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Big Summer Events
Don’t miss out on any of our big summer events! View our entire event calendar.
Summer Kick-Off Party!
Friday, June 12 • 2–4 pm
School is out, and summer is here, so come celebrate at the Library and get signed up for the reading program! Bring the whole family for some Kona Ice, fun lawn games, and more great activities!
Mark Hayward Yo-Yo Guy
Thursday, June 18 • 2–3 pm
Mark delivers a playful mix of comedy and object manipulation, using yo-yos, tops, juggling gear, and unusual props like a mousetrap. His witty, family-friendly show is popular at corporate events, festivals, fairs, and special occasions worldwide.
Steve Girman Juggler
Thursday, June 25 • 2–3 pm
Steve Girman brings 30+ years of experience to his lively programs, blending juggling, magic, storytelling, and sing-alongs to keep audiences engaged and involved.
Wildlife in Need Center
Thursday, July 9 • 2–3 pm
Come by the Oconomowoc Public Library to learn about how the Wildlife in Need Center works to rehabilitate local Wisconsin wildlife! You’ll have the chance to meet one of WINC’s “Animal Ambassadors” – from our gray tree frog “Fergus,” to our striped skunk “Chase!”
Storytime with Jesse!
Thursday, July 16 • 2–3 pm
YEE-HAW! Join us for a special wild west storytime to celebrate the new Toy Story movie!
Bollywood Groove
Thursday, July 23 • 2–3 pm
Join a magical journey of the dances and stories of India. Explore an Indian farm in the state of Punjab to discover the fascinating tales and learn the very popular Bhangra Harvest Dance!
Magician Zack Percell!
Thursday, July 30 • 2–3 pm
Zack is a full-time professional entertainer that uses visual magic, comedy, family friendly mentalism, escape artistry and sleight-of-hand to create memories that will last a long time to come!
Ryan Meisel’s World Sound Explorations
Thursday, August 6 • 2–3 pm
Ryan will perform and demonstrate a collection of Native American and other indigenous flutes and woodwinds while facilitating World drum circle activities with the audience. Participants will learn about world music, how to play music creatively, and share and build relationships with members of their library community.
Tracks in the Stacks Bigfoot Hunt
Monday, June 1–Friday, August 21
Can you find all the friendly bigfoots hidden in libraries all over Bridges Library System? Learn something unique about each library for a chance to win awesome prizes!
