CLP’s Summer Reading Program is here! We’ve got the details.

Photo above by Suad Kamardeen via Unsplash.

Our friends at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) tell us that research has shown something remarkable: Reading during the summer can prevent summer learning loss. Students who read five books over summer vacation are better prepared to start school in the fall.

Summer Reading season kicked off this week at all CLP branches and runs through Sunday, Aug. 6. The program encourages kids to read at least five books this summer, then celebrate in August during CLP’s popular Extravaganza event. 

To participate, kids and teens can log the books they’ve read through the Beanstack platform on a computer or via the Beanstack Tracker app. Kids can also get a paper book log at CLP locations or ask library staff to log their reading for them.

All Summer Reading participants, whether they participate by paper, by visiting a library, or online, will be considered to have “completed” Summer Reading when they have read and logged five books – although reading more is always encouraged. They’re also eligible for prizes and giveaways: 

• Giveaway books: CLP will make giveaway books available to kids and teens at each branch location (while supplies last)! Patrons don’t have to log any summer reading to pick up one of these books.
• Bags: All readers who sign up will be given a reusable CLP bag. There are three bag designs – one for kids, one for teens and one for adults. Bags are available while supplies last.
• Gift cards: Each branch will give away four gift cards each month – one for early learners, kids, teens and adults. All readers who log at least one book per month in June, July and August will be entered into the drawing for one $25 gift card.
• Drawing: All readers who log at least five books will be entered into the end-of-summer drawing for an age-based prize bracket. Each branch will have four prize brackets – one for early learners, kids, teens and adults.
• Experiential Prizes: The Summer Reading participants who log the most books, one from each age group – early learners, school age kids, teens and adults – will be invited to design their dream day at CLP.  

“Here at the library, we look forward to summer reading all year long because it’s an opportunity to connect with families and individuals of all ages through the love of reading and stories, and to instill healthy goal-setting habits that encourage everyone to continue learning and exposing themselves to new things,” said Lisa Dennis, CLP’s coordinator of children’s and teens collections.

CLP will end the Summer Reading season with its annual Extravaganza on August 13 from 12-5 p.m. outside (and inside) of CLP – Main. Extravaganza is a family-friendly outdoor festival for all ages with music, crafts, games, activities, storytelling, food trucks and more. It’s a great event for celebrating that kids have found their voice through choosing books for summer reading.

Visitors at Extravaganza will have an opportunity to guess the total number of books Pittsburghers read this summer and win prizes.

“Extravaganza is always an exciting time for families, community members, library staff and educators to come together to celebrate the summer reading season and all the learning, literacy and fun that happens at the Library,” said CLP’s president  and director Andrew Medlar. “Unlike previous years, where Extravaganza has served as the kickoff event, we’ll be wrapping up the season with an end-of-summer Extravaganza full of activities for everyone to look forward to and enjoy after completing their summer reading.”  

Learn more here about sparking summer creativity. And check out our Maker Monday monster bookmark project!