The Summer Reading Program is Back!

Two years ago, his first Summer Reading Program!

Our world has been through so many disruptions and changes in the last four months, even the youngest ones among us feel the stress of change. Our routines have been altered, events postponed or canceled, and there is always uncertainty about the future. One of the constants in this time has been my love of reading. With less on my schedule, I’ve increased my time spent escaping into books. I’ve mostly focused on light reading, what I call “brain candy” books. They are a welcome retreat from reality.

Reading to children and grandchildren has been an activity that has provided consistency to many during the quarantine period. There have been so many changes to my grandson’s world, and it can be hard for a three-year-old to understand what is happening. But when he hears the familiar words of “Little Blue Truck” or “Llama, Llama Red Pajama,” there seems to be a sense of comfort and security. Books provide that for us. They are a balm to an aching soul, a mental security blanket, and an adventure waiting to happen all at the same time.

The Tulsa library has done an excellent job helping people receive books through curbside pickup with Covid-19 safety measures in place. Plans to reopen have been delayed until July 6th at the time of this writing. However, the summer reading program is still on schedule. Yes, it looks a little different this year with mostly online activities, but if your child or grandchild is anything like mine, the summer reading program is as much a part of summer as watermelon on the back porch. It just isn’t summer without it!

Categories for All Ages

The Tulsa City-County Library has a category for everyone (English and Spanish) in the Summer Reading Program. The program is divided into four age groups, ranging from birth to adults. The program, with a theme of “Imagine Your Story,” begins June 22nd and continues to July 31st.

Birth to pre-k – The youngest group must read, or have eight books read to them, to receive a medal. All those who achieve the eight-book goal will also be entered into a drawing for gift cards.

Kindergarten through fifth graders also have a requirement of reading eight books to receive a medal and be entered in prize drawings.

Teens and Tweens, which means sixth through twelfth grade, have the opportunity to enter a drawing for some great prizes if they register early and read four books by July 31st. If teens and tweens register by July 3rd and complete the goal of four books, they will be entered into a prize drawing for an iPad. Read or listen to four books by July 31st to be entered for the grand prize drawing for one of these items: iPad, Nintendo Switch console, laptop, $100 Target gift card, $100 Barnes & Noble gift card, or Beats wireless headphones.

Adults – No one is too old to participate in the summer reading program. This grandmother takes part every summer! The adult category is for readers ages 16 and up and has a goal of three books. There is special incentive to register early for the program. If readers register for the program by July 3rd and complete the goal, they will be entered into a drawing to win one of 15 $50 Amazon gift cards. Other readers who meet the goal of reading three books by July 31st will be entered into a drawing to win one of three Amazon Kindle Fire devices. For a full list of virtual events go to www.tulsalibrary.org/events

How to Register

There are three ways to register for the summer reading program:

• Online: https://tulsalibrary.beanstack.org
• In Person: Fill out the registration form and drop it off at any Tulsa City-County Library location.
• By Mail: Fill out the registration form and mail it to Tulsa City-County Library, Youth Services Department, 400 Civic Center, Tulsa OK 74103.

Helping a child develop a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts that will impact their entire life. Get registered and enjoy the summer reading program! There is no better time to escape into books and “Imagine Your Story!”

We love books, and we love the library!

CLICK HERE for Tulsa City-County Library’s 2020 Summer Reading Program Virtual Event Guide