June 10, 2023

Mid-Continent Public Library’s 2023 Summer Library Program will begin June 1 and run through August 24. The annual program helps kids stay intellectually engaged over the summer months by encouraging them to read for at least 20 minutes a day.

“Whether you’re reading a recipe together while cooking, or sitting down for a traditional storytime, there lots of ways for kids to get those 20 minutes of reading time in each day,” said MCPL Youth Services Manager Katie McDonald. “The most important thing is that reading becomes a daily practice because that’s what helps build those foundational early literacy skills. Summer Library Program is great because it helps make this easy and fun, and kids are ready to learn when they head back to class in the fall!”

Kids who read 20 minutes a day will earn a free book at 20, 40, and 60 days of reading, and those who complete 60 days (and log their reading online) will also qualify for a grand prize from the Library’s Community Partners, including the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Zoo, B&B Theatres, and SEA LIFE Kansas City. Adults can also get in on the fun by modeling good reading behaviors, and those who read for 60 days will earn a commemorative Summer Library Program glass.

The theme of this year’s Summer Library Program is “All Together Now” in celebration of kindness and friendship. In addition to encouraging reading, MCPL branches will host a variety of Summer Library Program events for all ages related to this year’s theme, such as Kansas City Zoo: Jungle Harmony (for ages 4 and up), during which kids will learn how animals and plants of the rainforest work together to create a harmonious ecosystem.

Find a full list of Summer Library Program events, get additional program information, and sign up to participate at mymcpl.org/SLP. Paper logs are also available at MCPL’s 30+ locations to sign up and track reading.