Challenge yourself to a summer of reading...
The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge has ended. Winners of prize drawings will be notified via phone or email.
This year:
- 4,899 people signed up for the reading challenge
- 3,161 people met their goal
Thank you for participating, and happy reading!
Grand Prizes
Earn a chance at grand prize drawings when you meet your goal. Grand prize drawings will be held after July 31. Winners will be contacted by phone or email.Â
- $100 VISA gift card
- Axolotl stuffie basket
- "Blast From the Past" basket - includes Polaroid camera, LEGO set (retro roller skate), and jellyfish lava lamp
- Columbus Zoo family membership
- Highlands pool pass for 2025 (7 resident family/2 non-resident family)
- Local experiences package - includes Ohio History Connection (4 tickets), Westerville Golf (free mini golf coupons), $50 Star Lanes Polaris gift card, and Lilylimes (adventure pack)
- Megan Lee Designs basket
- Uptown restaurants gift card bundle
- Uptown Arts & Clay + Blend Candle Co. + Friends of the Library shop gift card bundle
FAQs
- Can I join? Yes! All ages are welcome.
- When do I start? Register between May 24 and July 31.
- What should I read? Read anything. Read everything. Read aloud to others or to yourself. Books, ebooks, magazines...it all counts. Want some suggestions? Request a personalized recommendation (ages 18+) or subscription bundle (ages 0-18).
- Why should I participate? Fight summer boredom or reconnect with your favorite pastime. Reading can reduce stress, increase empathy for others and keep your mind sharp. And it's fun!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
What to Read This Summer 2024
There will be no shortage of great picks in this list curated by PBS and the American Library Association!
Sports: For Ages 9-11
Take yourself to the court, field, diamond, track, pool, or dance floor with these sports fiction books for kids.
Science Fiction: For Ages 9-11
Explore other planets and worlds from the comfort of these juvenile fiction books!
Realistic: For Ages 9-11
These books have stories with kids just like you, dealing with friendship, school, and drama.
Staff Picks: Greg - "Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains"
This story is accompanied by a string quartet. If you close your eyes while listening it feels like you've been transported into a folktale.
Staff Picks: Tamara - "The Light Pirate"
Maybe the first book I've read that clearly imagines what the world might look like as climate change progresses.
Staff Picks: Catie W. - "In the Dream House"
Each chapter embodies a different genre of writing while guiding you through the story of a relationship gone wrong. Beautifully written.
Staff Picks: Becky - "The Anthropocene Reviewed"
This essay collection began as a podcast. This is his first title for adult readers & it’s a treat to hear him bring his own words to life.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
Annamarie C
Annamarie loves all things Disney! When she's not planning her next storytime, she's likely traveling or volunteering at the Columbus Zoo.
Katie R.
Katie knows all of the tricks to start your baby on the path to lifelong reading.
