Want to help prevent the summer slide in your kids? Participating in a summer reading program can help do that and more!
Participating in summer reading programs can help spark a love of reading and improve literacy skills. Our family had participated in our local library summer reading programs a couple of times and I've seen firsthand how it has ignited a love for reading and has helped them develop new interest in different genres and potential career choices. Many summer reading programs offer some really cool incentives that makes the experience even more exciting, encouraging readers to set and reach personal goals.
Here’s a selection of local and national summer reading programs that families can enjoy:
Richmond
Summer Reading Program 2025
June 7th – August 2nd
Summer Reading Kickoff Events
Saturday, 6/7
We’re kicking off our Summer Reading Program with games, art, food, prizes, and more! Each of our locations is hosting a kickoff event.
Summer Reading Program Details
- Pick up a reading log at your local library or print one from our website.
- Read 15 minutes a day. For each day you read, color in a circle on the reading log. When you reach any of the stars, come into the library and get your Level Up Prize.
- Complete all the days on your log to finish, then come into your local library to claim your last Level Up Prize (while supplies last).
Summer Reading Finale
Saturday, 8/2 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
We’ll say goodbye to summer at our annual Summer Reading Program finale on Saturday. Enjoy cool activities, a game truck for playing video games, dancing, and FREE scoops of ice cream from Ruby Scoops (while supplies last). Create some summer crafts or just play—fun for all ages!
Humphrey Calder Park
414 N. Thompson St., Richmond, VA 23221
More information: Summer Reading Program 2025 June 7th - August 2nd - Richmond Public Library
Henrico
2025 Summer Reading
June 1–August 1
Youth and adults get the opportunity to read & review books, earn prizes!
Patrons must sign up with Beanstack
More information: HCPL - Summer Reading 2025
Details
- Sign Up for Summer Reading at local Henrico County Library and get a FREE pencil, bookmark & hardcopy of the reading log
- Log in your reading time
- Earn prizes:
500 minutes =
Pre-readers (Pre-K): FREE book
Kids (Grades K-5): FREE book
Teens (Grades 6-12) FREE sketchbook or book
Adults: FREE Sketchbook or book from book sale
Hanover & Goochland
Hanover and Goochland are part of the Pamunkey Regional Library System. Many of the libraries are hosting a Summer Reading Program Kick Off Events.
Upcoming Summer Reading Events:
June 4
Summer Reading Kickoff on the Patio! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Atlee Branch)
June 5
Summer Reading Kickoff on the rear back porch! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Ashland Branch)
Summer Reading Celebration! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Montpelier Branch)
June 6
Color Our World Kick Off Party - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Mechanicsville)
June 7
Ice Cream Party - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Hanover Branch)
June 10
Summer Reading Kickoff Party! - LibCal - Pamunkey Regional Library (Goochland Branch)
Other Summer Reading Programs
BBGB: youth can participate in their summer reading book bingo and win prizes and enter raffles for 1st Bingo, 2nd & 3rd Bingo or filling up the entire Bingo card!
Barnes & Noble: Students in grades 1-6 can receive a FREE book for reading books and writing about them in their reading journal
Books-A-Million & 2nd & Charles: Pick out 4 books from our Summer Reading List, fill out a Reading Journal, turn it in and get a FREE DOGMAN bag!
Chuck E. Cheese: 10 FREE play points for reading and filling out the Reading Rewards Calendar.
Panda Express: FREE kids meal coupon when students read 5 books!
Pizza Hut Book It Summer Program: Kids in grades pre-k through sixth grade can earn FREE personal-sized pizza and more!
Mensa for Kids' Excellence in Reading: Youth ages 18 and under can earn a commemorative certificate in recognition of outstanding achievement and get an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!
Scholastic Summer Challenge: Kids ages 4-14 log minutes spent reading online in the Home Base app. The more they read and track, the more digital rewards and prizes they unlock.
