Story Time & Summer Reading

Help kids 12 and younger beat the summer slide with the STEM-based summer reading club Fizz, Boom, Read! through Aug. Programs vary among the branches, but readers are divided into age groups and are encouraged to listen to and read books and attend science-related programs, storytimes, crafts and performances to earn medals, raffle tickets and prizes. 

Participating area libraries include:

Bucks County Public Libraries (PA)

Burlington County Public Libraries (NJ)

Camden County Public Libraries (NJ)

Chester County Public Libraries (PA)

Delaware County Public Libraries (PA)

Free Library of Philadelphia (PA)

Gloucester County Public Libraries (NJ)

Kent County Public Libraries (DE)

Montgomery County Public Libraries (PA)

New Castle County Public Libraries (DE)

Sussex County Public Libraries (DE)

Also available at the county public libraries, the Spark a Reaction! summer reading program encourages tweens and teens to read more and visit the library for movies, science labs, game days, writing workshops and hands-on activities that bring out the scientist in every student. To incentivize involvement, the more kids read, the more chances they’ll earn to win prizes 

Because 20 million was apparently too small a number, this year the Free Library of Philadelphia has upped the ante on the 2013 season with the Summer Reading 30-Million-Minute Challenge. Calling upon kids, teens and adults to read as much as possible through Aug. 8, the library will host related programs & activities and give away prizes to readers who help accomplish the feat.

Whether you’re looking for a cool spot or a good book, you’ll find both at your local Barnes & Noble. Most locations offer weekly or biweekly themed storytimes, and some host readings with special guests. The chain is also hosting a summer reading program, where kids can record what they’ve read this summer in a downloadable Reading Journal (find it at  Bn.com) and bring it in for a FREE book.