Champaign-Urbana loves summer reading programs
Encouraging a love for reading is a beautiful thing, and we are fortunate to have so many reading programs to check out this summer in the Champaign-Urbana area
Keep your kids’ minds in motion during the hotter months with some great Champaign-Urbana area summer reading programs. We put together a list of as many of them as we could find, and please, if we’ve forgotten one, let us know.
Summer reading has no age limit. There are programs for kids of all ages, as well as grown-ups. In fact, what a great way to model to your children the importance of reading!
Chambanamoms thanks Champaign Public Library for presenting this list of summer reading opportunities.
Looking for free activities, books, and movies? The Champaign Public Library and Douglass Branch offer remarkable resources for families, including the “Read for the Stars” Summer Reading Challenge!
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
Champaign Public Library
Sign up begins May 15. Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 15. Visit champaign.org/read for details.
Ready to read and win prizes? Sign up to be part of the Summer Reading Challenge for all ages. Everyone is welcome — infants, kids and teens!
For Kids (infants to fourth grade graduates)
Each time you read, log the number of minutes on the Beanstack app or a paper reading log (download soon).
For Teens (middle and high school students)
Log the hours you read on the Beanstack app or a paper reading log (download soon).
For Adults
Why should kids have all the fun? Track the hours you read on the Beanstack app and complete the online challenge to be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Urbana Free Library
Sign up begins May 13. Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 31.
This summer, make time to read the books you love and win prizes just for reading. The program begins in tandem with the Library’s 150th Anniversary Reading Challenge, which runs from May 13 – June 30. Library patrons can sign up for reading programs and track their progress through the Beanstack app.
For Kids (up to entering sixth grade)
Track reading online with the Beanstack app or a paper reading log (available at the library). For every 600 minutes they read or are read to, children win a free book. Up to two books during the summer. For completed summer activities, children earn a fun prize from the treasure box.
For Teens (grades 6-12)
Track reading online with Beanstack or a paper reading log (available at the library). For every 600 minutes read, teens win a free book. Up to two books during the summer. For completed summer activities, teens earn a vinyl water bottle sticker.
For Adults (post high school and up)
Track reading online with Beanstack. For every four books read, adults win a free book. Up to two books during the summer. For completed summer activities, adults earn a vinyl water bottle sticker.
Mahomet Public Library
Sign up begins May 21. Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 1.
This year there are two reading programs – kids, teens and adults!
For Kids (through 5th grade)
Use your reading log to track your minutes read and earn beads for your brag tag. Finish your whole log and receive a free book, Monicals coupon, and star to put up on the wall in the children’s area. Earn stickers for your badge book full of bonus reading challenges. Complete all the challenges and get a water bottle or tote bag.
For Teens (6th-9th grade)
Use your reading log to track your minutes read and earn beads for your brag tag. Finish your whole log and receive a free book and Monicals coupon.
For Adults (10th grade and up)
For every 10 hours you read, fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift card from a local business.
Make sure to ask how you can help the library earn community prizes, too.
St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library
Sign up begins June 3. Summer Reading Program runs through July 6.
This is a five-week program for everyone ages 3 and up. More details coming soon.
Rantoul Public Library
Summer Reading Program sign up coming soon
Visit its website for more information coming soon.
Allerton Public Library in Monticello
Summer Reading Program Begins June 1
Register to be an Allerton Public Library Summer Reader.
The Literary
Swing by The Literary and pick up your challenge (there are challenges for kids AND for adults). Complete all the reading challenges on the sheet this summer. Turn the challenge in and get a certificate for a FREE personal pizza from The Literary!
Turn in your challenge sheet before August 26! Pizza certificate redeemable until the end of September.
Barnes & Noble
Kids in first through sixth grades can complete a reading journal and bring it into Barnes & Noble for a free book, redeemable July 1 through August 31.
Summer Book Club
To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Paul Faraci is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.
The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Faraci’s office by Aug. 16. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Faraci. Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorFaraci.com/SBC. People with questions can reach out to Faraci’s office at (217) 355-5252 or (217) 442-5252.
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
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- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
- Celebrate the Fourth of July in Champaign-Urbana
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- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
- Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Farmers Markets in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Swim Teams in Champaign-Urbana
- Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
- Outdoor Concerts in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
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