Summer Library Program Kickoff

Mid-Continent Public Library is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its annual Summer Library Program. The program encourages children to stay mentally active and avoid the “summer slide” while they are out of the classroom. From May 31 through August 23, participating kids and teens can earn free books and win great prizes by reading every day. This year’s theme invites participants to explore the “Oceans of Possibilities” that exist when you read.

“Reading over the summer months is a great way to ensure kiddos head back to class ready to learn in the fall, and our goal with the Summer Library Program is to make it as fun as possible!” said MCPL Youth Services Manager Katie McDonald. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to join us this summer and ‘dive in’ to a good book.”

Kids who read 20 minutes each day will be eligible to earn free books to keep (up to three) and win prizes, including a Kindle eReader or tickets (or family memberships) to a local attraction, such as the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City Royals, SEA LIFE Kansas City, and Science City. Adults who participate can earn a commemorative Summer Library Program beach glass, plus a chance to win tickets from the Library’s Community Partners.

In addition to reading, Summer Library Program participants can enjoy a variety of free entertaining and educational ocean-related programs that the Library will host at its branches and online—from magic shows that reveal the importance of underwater ecosystems to sea monster escape rooms.

Find a full list of Summer Library Program events, get additional program information, and sign up to participate at mymcpl.org/Splash. Customers can also stop by any of MCPL’s 30+ locations to get a paper log to sign up and track their reading.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story