It’s Here! Prince William Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program (2024)

FAQs

How many books do you need to read for the summer reading challenge? ›

The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge is to read at least six library books, but it's also up to your local library service to decide how to give out the stickers. The best thing to do is ask at your local library, as they will be able to let you know how many stickers you will get for each book or library visit.

As you read and engage with different texts, you'll practice recalling and connecting information, setting you up for success in school and beyond. Research shows us that summer reading programs really do improve kids' reading skills and increase their desire to read.

Children choose the books they want to read, recording what they have read along the way. Library staff and volunteers are on hand to chat to children about books they have read. Every child who completes the challenge, by reading 6 library books, receives a medal and certificate.

Read aloud together with your child every day.

Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps, patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship between words and sounds.

You can use any books you like to complete your Challenge: fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books, audio books and comics all count! You might have books at home you'd like to read.

SUMMER READING TRENDS TO WATCH AMONG KIDS

Thirty-two percent of kids ages 15–17 said the number of books they read over the summer was zero, up sharply since 2016 (22%). The trend line among kids ages 9–11 also needs to be watched: the percentage who read zero books over the summer has doubled since 2016 (7% to 14%).

Join us as we get into reading, get creative and fire up our imaginations to enjoy a whole new Summer Reading Challenge. This year the theme is “Marvellous Makers”. For more information visit the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge website.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a FREE holiday activity for children. It's all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children's reading skills and confidence. The Challenge runs every year throughout the summer holidays, and all children aged 4-11 are welcome to take part.

A librarian will give you a special collector's pack and help you find books to read for your Challenge. You'll collect stickers and other rewards along the way! Alternatively, take part in the Challenge online by signing up here! Set a reading goal and log your books on your profile.

Research shows that children who don't read over the course of the summer typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do at the beginning. It's easy to minimize the impact of a few months off.

How many books should you read in the summer? ›

According to research cited by the National Education Association, giving kids 12 books to read over the summer is as effective as summer school in raising the students' reading scores!

Example Goals: Find time to read every day ● Read at least 140 minutes a week ● Read 10 books ● Choose all your books from a specific genre or a mix of genres: (historical fiction, adventure, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, memoir, biography, history, informational, poetry, etc.)

You'll collect special stickers and rewards for your reading. You can take part online by signing up here, on the official Challenge website. You'll set up a profile with a reading goal and log your books. When you reach your goal, you will unlock a virtual badge and certificate.

Reading five books put you in the top 33 percent, while reading 10 books put you in the top 21 percent. Those of us who read more than 50 books are the true one-percenters: people who read more books than 99 percent of their fellow Americans.