Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs in Columbus

Summer reading programs are a great incentive to keep kids reading during the Summer months. Students who read over the summer break tend to avoid the “Summer Slide”, or Summer learning loss.

Students should be reading at least 10-20 minutes each day, and adults should be reading to non-readers for the same amount of time (or more!).

The good news is that kids tend to respond well to incentives, so reluctant readers may be willing to read to earn rewards gift cards, free food, prizes, and more! Most of the programs require a similar amount of reading, so they can qualify for multiple program rewards.

Check out our list of Summer Reading Programs below! 

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

Download and print a Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program Reading Journal from the website for each child in grades 1-6.  Kids are encouraged to read any 8 books and fill out their Reading Journals about each book.

Once completed, bring the journals to any B&N store between July 1 – August 31, 2024. Kids can choose a FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the reading journal.

Free book: Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp

Half Price Books hosts Summer Reading Camp each summer. Kids can submit their reading minutes and books each month to earn prizes and discounts. Pick up reading logs in store!

Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp

Pizza Hut Camp Book-IT

Encourage love for reading with Pizza Hut Camp Book-It summer program! Set reading goals, track progress, to earn a Personal Pan Pizza. The program is parent-led and valid for June, July, and August.

See full details about Pizza Hut Camp Book-IT.

Pizza Hut Camp Book-IT: Combining Pizza and Reading Fun!

Rusty Bucket Bucketeer Bookworms

Rusty Bucket Bucketeer Bookworms program encourages elementary school students in grades K-6 to read. Families can now pick a Bookmark Tracker at any Rusty Bucket Ohio location and start reading.

Young readers track their books on the back of the bookmark. After every five books read, kids receive a complimentary kid’s meal with an adult entrée purchase (dine-in only). Note: This program runs year round, not just through the summer! 

The Scholastic Summer Reading on Home Base Reading Challenge 

The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free program to help prevent the effects of the summer slide—the learning losses that can occur during the summer months.

Over the course of 18 weeks, kids can enter their summer reading minutes online, unlocking digital rewards as they complete weekly reading challenges; and access book excerpts, videos, and other summer-exclusive content.

Kids can enter minutes from May 9 – September 12. Printable resources such at book lists, reading pledges, and minute trackers are available online.

By keeping Reading Streaks™ in Home Base, kids will help unlock a donation of 25,000 books from Scholastic to Save the Children. The books will go to kids in rural America with limited or no access to books.

Library Reading Programs

Columbus Metropolitan Library Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge with Columbus Metropolitan Library starts June 1, to encourage people of all ages to read to earn prizes!

The program is divided into four age categories, each with different rewards and prize opportunities for 25 days of reading (15 minutes per day). Summer Reading Challenge reading minutes and activities must be completed by July 31.

See more details here.

Summer Reading Challenge at Columbus Metropolitan Library

Pickerington Public Library Summer Reading

The Pickerington Public Library Summer Reading Program runs June 1 – July 31, 2024. Participants can earn toy sets, coupons, and free books as well as raffle tickets for grand prize packages. 

Check out other summer fun with Pickerington Public Library on their Facebook page or the website. They have TONS of fun activities all summer.

Delaware County District Library Summer Reading Club

Summer Reading Club 2024 runs through July 27 for all ages.

Youth readers ages 0 – 12 are challenged to read 12 hours over the summer and track their progress on their reading log. Kids will earn prizes at the 6- and 12-hour milestones. They’ll earn coupons, entries for prizes, and a cool color-changing cup after 6 hours. After 12, they’ll get to pick out a book to keep.  

Teens ages 13-17 can earn a book of their choice, plus entries into the prize basket drawing.

For Adults, any combination of four books read or programs attended will earn participants a water bottle. Adults who turn in at least one completed Summer Reading Club bookmark will be entered into the prize basket drawing, too.

Check the Events page for events created for the age groups and interests in your household.

Pataskala Public Library Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is May 28 and goes through June 24. There are separate programs for 3 age groups.

Kids can pick up their reading program packets, while Teens and Adults can start submitting entry forms for completed books!

See website for fun events such as Read to a Dog, Magic Show, and more.

Westerville Public Library Summer Reading Program

Join the Summer Reading Program with the Westerville Public Library. Register and log your progress between May 24 and July 31, 2024. Set your own reading goal and try to reach it!

Prizes include free books, coupons, prize entries, gift cards, and more.

Worthington Libraries Summer Reading Club

Join the Summer Reading Club through July 28, 2024. Register online or in person at any Worthington Libraries location.

Earn prizes based on the amount of time you spend reading and/or completing activities, including an entry into the grand prize.

Ages 5 and under must read in 15-minute increments
6 to 11 must read in 20-minute increments
Ages 12 and up must read in 30-minute increments

Everyone will receive coupons for local businesses upon signup, and a free book after the completion of the program.

Upper Arlington Public Library Summer Library Club

The Summer Reading Club is from June 1 – July 31. Summer Reading Club is for everyone!

There is no age limit. Just stop by any Upper Arlington Public Library location to pick up a reading log. 

Complete your first sheet to receive a coupon packet (7 days of reading).
Complete your second sheet to earn a free book (14 days of reading).

Check out the fun themed activities during the Reading Program.

Bexley Public Library Summer Community Read

The Summer Community Read runs from May 30 – August 1, 2024. 

Registration details, tracker, booklists, and prize info are on the website.

Marysville Public Library Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Program is May 20 through July 26, 2024.

Visit the Library to get a Reading Log. See website for featured activities and suggested reading, take and make crafts, and more. Earn prizes for your halfway mark and for completing the program!

Grandview Heights Public Library Summer Reading Club

Join the Summer Reading Club and read through May 28 – August 4, 2024, and you could win prizes for reading this summer! 

Download the Summer Reading Club app to get started, or register online. All participants who enter and complete the program will receive prizes and raffle entries.

Licking County Library System Summer Library Program

The Summer Library Program runs from May 28 – July 20, 2024

Pick-up a Reading tracker LCL locations and log the books you read or listen to. Earn raffle tickets with your tracker for grand prizes at every tourist stop throughout your trip. Plus, receive a free book at the half-way mark and on completion!

Granville Public Library Summer Reading Program

Summer Library Program runs from June 3 – July 27, 2024. Granville and Licking County residents are invited to sign up for the Summer Library Program.

Children’s, Teen, and Adult Summer Library programs will all be online. Earn raffle tickets for reading and attending programs.  Special events are found on the library website’s event calendar. 

 

Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards Calendar

Chuck E. Cheese offers reward calendars and behavior charts to encourage kids to reach specific goals, Track progress on these printable incentive charts by marking the days off with a pen or sticker as your kids accomplish their goals.

Bring in a completed calendar or behavior chart to Chuck E. Cheese’s and receive 10 free play points as a reward.

Among many options, they offer a Reading Rewards Calendar (English and Spanish).