The Park Ridge Library’s annual Summer Reading program for kids, teens and adults will kick off June 2 with reading challenges and prizes for all ages. The program ends Saturday, August 16, with the second annual Summer Sendoff event on the Library lawn.
Beginning May 27, patrons can sign up at the service desks in the Children’s department, The Teen Loft or, for adults, in Reader Services and take home a paper log to track your progress. Or, sign up online at parkridgelib.beanstack.org. Beginning June 2, participants can track their reading through the Beanstack website or on the paper log. Assistance with Beanstack is also available at the service desks.
“Summer is the perfect time to explore new interests, go on adventures through stories, and connect with your community,” said Library Director Joanna Bertucci. “We invite everyone to make the most of summer and discover all the library has to offer—reading challenges, exciting programs, and a welcoming space for all ages.”
Summer Reading for Kids
Children can earn tickets and choose which prize drawing they would like to enter at a display in the Children’s department. Readers from sixth grade through high school can earn a virtual prize drawing ticket in Beanstack for every 10 days they read. Anyone who reads at least 30 days by Saturday, August 10, will earn a free book. They can earn more chances to win by reading more days.
Children can also participate by keeping an eye out for this year’s Summer Reading mascot, Mango, around town from June 11 to August 6. Stop by the Children’s Services department for clues about where Mango is located each week. Return to the Library to fill out a form and stop at Children’s Services to let the desk staff know where Mango was spotted to get entered for a chance to win a Mango T-shirt. In addition, all forms submitted throughout Mango’s travels will be entered into a final drawing and the winner will receive their very own Mango.
Summer Reading for Teens
For every 10 days logged or for every activity completed, teens can earn a virtual raffle ticket. Each virtual raffle ticket also comes with a physical vinyl sticker that you can choose from our sticker stash in the Teen Loft.
After 30 days of reading logged, teens can earn a prize book. There are book selections for 6th-7th grade, 7th-9th grade, and 9th grade and up.
Teens who log at least one day or activity every two weeks will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a gift card to Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard.
Summer Reading for Adults
Adults are challenged to finish four books in the following categories will be entered to win a gift card to a local restaurant: a book with a color name in the title; a book with an eye-catching cover; a book set in another country; and a book featuring an artist or artwork.
Those who continue reading or complete special activities can earn more tickets for the drawing. Anyone who signs up in person will receive a free paperback book, while supplies last. And, everyone who participates will be entered for a chance to win tickets to a Ravinia performance. Click below to learn more about the reading challenges and activities.
Sign up for Summer Reading online or in person at the Children’s Services, Reader Services or Teen Loft desk. Prizes are generously donated by the Friends of the Library.
Save the Date for the Summer Sendoff
Celebrate the end of a great season of reading this August at the second annual Summer Sendoff. On Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, Summer Reading participants can join the staff on the Library Lawn for live music, ice cream from Triple Scoop’d, a balloon artist and fun and games. Follow the Library on Facebook and Instagram or visit parkridgelibrary.org for details.
