Summer Reading

Join us from June 1 through July 31!

Help Us Reach Our Community Goal of 12 Million Points Earned

12,258,154 Points Logged (102.15% Toward Our Goal)

 
0 points 12,000,000 points

Updated: July 31, 2023

What is the Summer Reading program?

Every summer for more than eighty years, the Metropolitan Library System has offered a Summer Reading program to keep kids and their families reading all summer long. We believe reading is a fundamental skill and a gateway to success in life. Summer Reading is a community tradition that promotes reading for fun and lifelong enrichment. We create a motivational framework for learning for all ages during the summer.


Summer is Coming!

The Summer Slide isn’t a new feature at the local park or splash pad. No, the Summer Slide is what happens between school years when kids do not read or otherwise work to retain what they learned in school.

On average, children lose approximately two months of their reading achievement if they do not read during the summer. They typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of the summer than they did on the same test at the beginning of the summer. And these few months of reading loss accumulate over the years. By the time kids reach middle school, those who haven’t read during the summers may have lost as much as two years worth of achievement!

The good news is the Summer Slide can easily be prevented.

Reading for just 20 minutes a day, helps kids maintain the reading skills they developed during the school year. Not only will it help them stay on track when school starts back, but with reading they can experience a summer of adventure by stimulating their imaginations.

Signing up for the Summer Reading Program is the best way for your child to keep reading over the summer. Summer Reading starts June 1 and continues through July 31.

Have your children pick out their own books and take the books with them everywhere they go: road trips, the doctor’s office, grandma’s house. Listen to audiobooks at night or in the car. Listening to audiobooks or listening to someone read aloud benefits everyone. Reading aloud helps build vocabulary skils while listening builds vocabulary and listening comprehension skills, and also increases our knowledge.

Adults can model lifelong learning by participating in the program with their children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends. Help your children prevent the Summer Slide by reading 20 minutes a day this summer! Sign up, track your reading, and earn incentives.

Whether you visit relatives, enjoy a week at camp, or have a staycation at home, make summer even more fun by reading a little everyday!


More ways to beat the Summer Slide!

  • Read every day. Read non-fiction, fiction, eBooks, poetry, or newspapers or read out loud for at least 20 minutes a day!
  • Cook with your children. This is one of the best ways to integrate math, reading and following directions. Help your child put together their favorite recipes in a cookbook or let your child design the menu for a meal.
  • Plant a garden. Your child will learn responsibility and take pride as they watch their plants grow and thrive.
  • Take a field trip. Head out to a museum, zoo or local park with walking trails. Keep a journal about your travels.
  • Learn a new word each week. Hang it on the fridge and see who can use it the most times throughout the week.
  • Enroll in our summer reading program as it will provide your child with opportunities to build their critical thinking skills.
  • Play quick games with flashcards like Math War or Concentration to keep math skills sharp.
  • Listen to audiobooks during your summer road trip.
  • Take pictures and make a summer scrapbook. Encourage your children to write narratives to accompany the pictures.
  • Make time to read. We can't stress it enough: if your child does nothing else this summer, make sure they read!

Adapted from Stephanie Jefferson, founder of Little Scholars (www.littlescholars.com).


How Do I Participate?

Step 1: Sign In or Register for an Account on Beanstack

By visiting our online summer reading software you can login with your account information from previous years. If you are new to summer reading, you can create a login!

If you would like to be eligible for drawing prizes, please list your library card on your account when you sign up.

Step 2: Register for This Year's Program

After signing in and creating a Beanstack account, you will need to register for this year's Summer Reading program. If you do not register, you cannot log reading, earn badges and prizes, or be eligible for prize drawings. You must register each year to participate in the current Summer Reading program.

Step 3: Log Reading Minutes and Activities to Earn Badges and Prizes

• Receive prizes at 600 points.

• Continue logging to earn more points.

• Scroll down to learn more about this year's prizes

No Internet Access? No Problem
You can keep track of the time spent reading through a paper log or remembering which days they read and for how long. Visit with a library staff member to help enter information into his/her online log.

Get the Beanstack App

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Molecule Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/1 - 3/30
Bethany Library
Library Branch: Bethany Library
Room: Onsite (Bethany)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Science & STEAM
Event Description:
The library is full of molecules! Can you find them all? Knowing a bit about the Dewey Decimal System will help you out.   ...

Disclaimer(s)

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Teen Book Boxes (Signup)

All Day 3/1 - 3/31
Southern Oaks Library
Registration
Library Branch: Southern Oaks Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Southern Oaks)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Books & Reading
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Description:
Do you like books? Are you between 12-18? If the answer to both of those are "yes," we have the thing for you! Sign up for a book box and we will try to find you your new favorite book from the Juvenile or Young Adult reading level! We will con...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

March Creative Writing Chapbook

03/01/2024 @ 9:00am - 03/30/2024 @ 5:00pm
Warr Acres Library
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Onsite (Warr Acres)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Books & Reading, Continuing Education, Cultural Experiences, Take-Home Kit, Writing
Event Description:
Have you always wanted to explore creative writing but never had the chance? Pick up one of our creative writing chapbooks filled with creative writing exercises meant to strengthen your creative muscles! ...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

March Mindfulness Journal

03/01/2024 @ 9:00am - 03/30/2024 @ 5:00pm
Warr Acres Library
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Onsite (Warr Acres)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:
It can be difficult to take a moment to stop, slow down, and focus on something that’s good for our well-being. Pick up one of our monthly mindfulness journals filled with prompts to help you focus on your mental health!  ...
This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

World Puppetry Day Kit!

All Day 3/11 - 3/21
Bethany Library
Library Branch: Bethany Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Bethany)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
Come by and pick up a Take-Home Kit to create your very own Puppets to celebrate World Puppetry Day on March 21st! Kits are limited. Available while supplies last. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Traveling Tales: Portugal & Spain

All Day 3/11 - 3/22
Luther Library
Library Branch: Luther Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Luther)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Experiences, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
Fables, legends, and myths, oh my! Explore a new country each month through local tales and themed crafts. Don't forget to get your Traveling Tales Passport stamped once you finish your kit! This take home kit is available on a first come-first serve...
This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Tangram Take Home Kit​​

All Day 3/11 - 3/30
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
You'll get a bag with seven tangram tiles. A tangram is a puzzle consisting of a square cut into pieces that can be arranged to make other shapes. Make your own puzzle.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Flowers For My Neighbor Take-Home Kit

All Day 3/13 - 3/20
Warr Acres Library
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Online+ Curbside (Warr Acres)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Community & Civics, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
Supplies Needed: Scissors, Glue or Glue Stick, Crayons (optional) Celebrate Mr. Fred Rogers' birthday and "Won't You Be My Neighbor" day by creating a vase of crafty flowers to give to a neighbor or friend. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.

We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.


Summer Reading Prizes

Log reading minutes and learning activities to earn badges and prizes.

  • 5 Minutes = 5 Points
  • 1 Reading Activity = 5 points

Receive prizes and badges when you earn 600 points.

Prizes for All Ages

  • 600-point badge
  • Completion certificate
  • Your choice between:
    • 2 children's books*
    • 2 teen books*
    • 1 adult book*
    • or Metro Library tote bag*
  • Entry in random gift drawing if library card is on Summer Reading account

Prize pickup begins in June. Visit your neighborhood library to learn how to select and redeem your prizes. The last day to pick up prizes is Tuesday, August 15, 2023. 

Note: prize selection and availability vary by location.
*While supplies and selection last

July Prize Drawings

  Early Childhood Children, Teens, & Adults
Prize

Early Literacy Play Set

Wireless Headphones

Qualification Criteria
  • Metropolitan Library System library card holder in good standing (must list library card number on Summer Reading account)
  • Earned a 600 Point Badge by July 31, 2023
  • Metropolitan Library System library card holder in good standing (must list library card number on Summer Reading account)
  • Earned a 600 Point Badge by July 31, 2023
Number of Winners 19 57
Drawing Date Thursday, August 3, 2023 Thursday, August 3, 2023


Grand Prize Drawing

  Early Childhood Children, Teens & Adults
Prize

Prize Pack including Play Set

Apple iPad or iPad Pro with Apple Pencil

Qualification Criteria
  • Metropolitan Library System library card holder in good standing (must list library card number on Summer Reading account)
  • Earned a 600 Point Badge by July 31, 2023
  • Metropolitan Library System library card holder in good standing (must list library card number on Summer Reading account)
  • Earned a 600 Point Badge by July 31, 2023
Number of Winners 1 3
Drawing Date Thursday, August 3, 2023 Thursday, August 3, 2023

Downloads & Printables

Please click on the images to download.

Time Log

Read in Circle Time Log

Time Log - Spanish

Read in Circle Time Log - Spanish

Please click on the images to download.

English

Early Childhood
Ages: Birth - 5

2023 Summer Reading Early Childhood Activity Guide

Children
Ages: 6 - 12

2023 Summer Reading Children Activity Guide

Teen
Ages: 13 - 18

2023 Summer Reading Teen Activity Guide

Adult Activity Guide
Ages: 19+

2023 Summer Reading Adult Activity Guide

Spanish

Early Childhood
Ages: Birth - 5

2023 Summer Reading Early Childhood Activity Guide - Spanish

Children
Ages: 6 - 12

2023 Summer Reading Children Activity Guide - Spanish

Teen
Ages: 13 - 18

2023 Summer Reading Teen Activity Guide - Spanish

Adult Activity Guide
Ages: 19+

2023 Summer Reading Adult Activity Guide - Spanish

Let us Know You're Participating In Summer Reading

Use these images on social media to let us know you're participating. Please be sure to tag @metrolibraryok on Instagram and Twitter or Metropolitan Library System on Facebook.
To download, click on the images.

Family, Group, or Team Images

2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 1 2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 2
2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 3 2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 4

Individual Participation Images

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2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 7 2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 8

General Social Media Images

2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 9 2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 10
2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 11 2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 12
2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 13 2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 14
2023 Summer Reading Social Media Graphic 15

Facebook and Instagram Story Templates

Be sure to tag @metrolibraryok so we can see your progress

2023 Summer Reading Instagram Story Graphic 1 2023 Summer Reading Instagram Story Graphic 2
2023 Summer Reading Instagram Story Graphic 3

Read It Forward

We believe the library is the community's hub for critical thinking, creativity, and learning-- and reaching all members of our community is important to us.

This year, we have established a community goal of 12 million points. You help us reach our goal by reading and learning this summer and logging online or through a paper log! This year’s Read It Forward recipient is the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.