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 August 1, 2024, we have 13,217,239 points and are 110% 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.

Fan Fiction/ Fan Art Gallery

All Day 3/17 - 4/18
All Ages
Southern Oaks Library
Library Branch: Southern Oaks Library
Room: Onsite (Southern Oaks)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Books & Reading, Cultural Experiences, Displays & Exhibits, DIY & Hobbies, Film & Movies, Games & Gaming, Writing
Event Description:

The Southern Oaks Library Fan Fiction and Fan Art contest was founded by John Hilbert. In dedication to John's work, the contest continues to recognize the remarkable talents of people in our community.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Adult Fiction Book Bundles!

All Day 3/24 - 4/7
Adults
Bethany Library
Registration
Library Branch: Bethany Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Bethany)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Books & Reading, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Description:

Sign up for a book bundle containing selected library books. Your books will be ready for pick up at Bethany Library starting March 24th. You must provide a valid library card. Books will be checked out to your account.

 

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per registration.  Please register individually to ensure that kits are appropriately distributed.  Special notes should not be used for additional registrations.

Thank you for your help!

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Honey Bee Take Home Kit

All Day 4/1 - 4/8
Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Dive into the fascinating world of honey bees with this exciting take-home kit! Designed for young learners, this kit lets kids create their own honey bee model while learning about the important role bees play in nature.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Pages to Stages: Elizabethan Rice Pudding Take Home Kit

All Day 4/1 - 4/8
Adults
Downtown Library
Registration
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Onsite (Downtown)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Description:

Celebrate OKC Broadway's performance of &Juliet with Elizabethan Rice Pudding!

Disclaimer(s)

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Food ingredients in this kit have been repackaged by staff.

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Code a Bracelet Take-Home Kit

All Day 4/1 - 4/13
All Ages, Adults
Capitol Hill Library
Library Branch: Capitol Hill Library
Room: Onsite (Capitol Hill)
Age Group: All Ages, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Use binary code to make an awesome piece of jewelry with a hidden meaning. 

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.

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 "All Ages" group.

Fairy House Take-Home Kit

All Day 4/1 - 4/18
All Ages
Capitol Hill Library
Library Branch: Capitol Hill Library
Room: Onsite (Capitol Hill)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programs, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Instructions on how to assemble the house will be included with this super fun kit. 

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

National Library Month Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/1 - 4/19
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading
Event Description:

Learn about how to use all the sections of the library while exploring Ralph Ellison on a Scavenger Hunt

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Pages & Prose Parcel

04/01/2025 @ 9:00am - 04/15/2025 @ 9:00pm
Kids
Warr Acres Library
Registration
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Online+ Curbside (Warr Acres)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Books & Reading, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Description:

Pages & Prose Parcel is a five-month library book box subscription service geared toward children ages 8 – 12.

Disclaimer(s)

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Food ingredients in this kit have been repackaged by staff.

We can only guarantee one kit per registration.  Please register individually to ensure that kits are appropriately distributed.  Special notes should not be used for additional registrations.

Thank you for your help!


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.