As a former teacher, I spent a lot of time encouraging families to read over the summer even if just for 20 minutes a day over the summer.  There are so many really amazing and FREE programs out there that help make reading accessible.  Public libraries are a great place to start also some bookstores do fun reading programs as well.  Here are the reading programs happening in and around Seattle.  Happy Reading!

King County Library 

• Starts June 1st and ends August 31st
• Head to your local library to get all the documents you need to sign your petites and yourself up
• Or you can download and print all documents from home and get started reading right away
  • Printable Reading Log for Preschoolers
  • Printable Reading Log for school age children
  • Click this link to sign yourself up for the adult program and once you complete the summer reading challenge your name will be entered to win a $200 visa gift card!  Amazing, right?

Seattle Public Library

Astounding Tales of Nature! 

• Starts June 27
• Get your free Explorer’s Handbook filled with fun activities
• Place your name on the Wall of Astounding Explorers by:
  • Completing 5 activities in the Explorer’s Handbook
  • Reading 30 or more days over the summer
  • Solving the Super, Secret Mystery Challenge
• Attend free programs (one-offs and series) all summer long
  • Some programs will require pre-registration. Registration will open 2 weeks before the start of each workshop or series.

Barnes and Noble

Summer Reading Triathlon starts this weekend at all Barnes and Nobles’ nationwide.

• Saturday June 4th at 11
  • The Opening Ceremony will feature such engaging activities as puzzles, code breaking, and other fun inspired by Chris Grabenstein’s Mr. Lemoncello series
  • along with giveaways (including stickers and bookmarks) based on beloved children’s books, while supplies last.
• Pick up your reading journal
• Read three books over the summer and earn a book from B&N for grades one – six
• Here is the link for more information
• ends on August 27th

University Bookstore

• Its already started and goes through August
• Pre -K to Grade 8
• Get started by picking up your Summer Explorers reading log at our U District, Bellevue, Mill Creek, or Tacomastore.
• Stock up on summer reading with a coupon for 20% off your next kids books purchase.
• After you read five books, bring your reading log back in to pick out a fun prize.
• Read ten books and bring your completed reading log back to get a FREE book, cool button, and a coupon for $5 off your next kids books purchase.
• Share your favorite books with others by writing your own reviews in your log or on our Young Readers’ Review cards.