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Summer Reading

Adventure Begins at Your Library. Summer Reading 2024. June 1 - July 31.

Join us from June 1 through July 31!

Help Us Reach Our Community Goal of 12 Million Points Earned!

 
0 12,000,000

As of July 4, 2024, we have 7,037,485 points and are 59% of the way to our community goal!

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).

Did you know that your reading for Metro Library's Summer Reading Program also counts for other Summer Reading programs in the area?

If you'd like to participate in the OKC Baseball Club's Reading Challenge, please visit the OKC Baseball Club's website by clicking here.
Participants in the OKC Baseball Club's Reading Challenge receive two complimentary tickets to a game night (July 13 or September 14) and early access for Catch on the Field with your family. You can submit your reading log, at or email your reading log to reading@okcbaseball.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 "All Ages" group.

"Adventure Begins" Art Contest

All Day 7/5 - 7/31
Midwest City Library
Library Branch: Midwest City Library
Room: Onsite (Midwest City)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Have an Adventure at the Midwest City library and vote on your favorite art piece.  Art will be on display from July 1st- July 31st, voting will begin on July 8th! 

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Mothman Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/5 - 7/31
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Onsite (Downtown)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Help Mothman find his friends at the library! Visit the children's department to complete a fun scavenger hunt and win a prize if you can unscramble the secret word. One prize per person.

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

July Creative Writing Chapbook

07/05/2024 @ 9:00am - 07/31/2024 @ 9:00pm
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.

July Mindfulness Journal

07/05/2024 @ 9:00am - 07/31/2024 @ 9:00pm
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.

Take-Home Backyard Search and Find

All Day 7/6 - 7/19
Almonte Library
Library Branch: Almonte Library
Room: Onsite (Almonte)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

Get your family outside this summer to explore the great outdoors! Come and grab a Backyard Search and Find sheet from Almonte Library. Your mission?

Disclaimer(s)

Be Advised:  This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.

By Attending, you consent:  To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.

For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Learn the Royal Game of Ur

All Day 7/8 - 7/21
Downtown Library
Registration
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Downtown)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 5
Event Description:

The Royal Game of Ur is related to the modern game of backgammon and was played in ancient Mesopotamia. The rules were translated by Irving Finkel of the British Museum from a cuneiform tablet written in 177 BCE.

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.

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Geode Geologist Take-Home Kit

All Day 7/15 - 7/19
Capitol Hill Library
Library Branch: Capitol Hill Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Capitol Hill)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Continuing Education, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

What’s inside a geode? How do they form? Most importantly, how do you split them open? This take home kit will teach basic geode geology, then lets children explore various types of rocks. No registration required.

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.

The library is not liable for injuries to people, damage to their property or loss of property belonging to individuals or groups, using the meeting rooms.

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

This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Summer Reading Creations - DIY Compass

All Day 7/15 - 7/19
Luther Library
Library Branch: Luther Library
Room: Passive Program (Luther)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:

Come by the Luther Library every week of Summer Reading for a unique adventure themed craft or demonstration! This week you can see how to make a compass out of simple materials.


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

For registering, each person will receive a coupon* for a free short stack of pancakes from IHOP!

  • 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 13, 2024. 

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, 2024
  • 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, 2024
Number of Winners 19 57
Drawing Date Monday, August 5, 2024 Monday, August 5, 2024


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, 2024
  • 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, 2024
Number of Winners 1 3
Drawing Date Monday, August 5, 2024 Monday, August 5, 2024

Downloads & Printables

Please click on the images to download.

Time Log

Time Log. Color in each circle for every 20 minutes read.

Time Log - Spanish

Registro del tiempo. Colorea cada círculo por cada 20 minutos leídos.

Please click on the images to download.

English

Early Childhood
Ages: Birth - 5

Summer Reading 2024 Activity Log - Early Childhood

Children
Ages: 6 - 12

Summer Reading 2024 Activity Log - Children

Teen
Ages: 13 - 18

Summer Reading 2024 Activity Log - Teen

Adult
Ages: 19+

Summer Reading 2024 Activity Log - Adult

Spanish

Primera infancia

Lectura de verano 2024 Registro de actividades - Primera infancia

Niños

Lectura de verano 2024 Registro de actividades - Niños

Adolescentes

Lectura de verano 2024 Registro de actividades - Adolescentes

Adultos

Lectura de verano 2024 Registro de actividad - Adultos.

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.

Individual Participation Images

I'm logging my reading to help the library reach a community goal of 12 million points! I'm participating in Summer Reading 2024!

General Social Media Images

Adventure Begins at Your Library. Summer Reading 2024 Facebook Graphic

Facebook and Instagram Story Templates

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


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 Latino Community Development Agency.