Awesome Summer Reading Program at Mid-Continent Public Library (Kids & Teens)
Now that summer is officially underway, the Mid-Continent Public Library has launched its annual summer reading program. This summer reading program for kids (and adults) encourages them to read for at least 20 minutes daily.
Summer reading programs are like secret agents, armed with invisible capes and superpowers, swooping in to save the day! These programs can transform the sweltering heat of summer into an adventure-filled journey through the boundless realms of imagination. As kids embark on thrilling quests between the pages of books, they unlock a treasure trove of knowledge, ignite their creativity, and cultivate an insatiable love for reading. With each turn of the page, they become time travelers, space explorers, and daring detectives, unraveling mysteries and solving puzzles with the finesse of Sherlock Holmes. These programs are the sizzling grill that barbecues boredom and transforms it into a feast of literary delight. So, let’s join forces and equip our young heroes with books, unleash their inner bookworms, and ensure that their summer is a blockbuster of imagination, learning, and unforgettable fun!
If your kiddo loves to read, dive in and explore this excellent program for them to join. Learn more about it below:
**Prevent the Summer Slide: Studies have shown that children participating in educational activities and reading during the summer can reduce the Summer Slide when your children are out of school. Keep your kids engaged with MCPL’s Summer Reading Program!
MCPL Summer Reading Program
The MCPL’s summer reading program is a fun way to get your children (& yourself) reading more by completing different reading tasks. Plus, you can earn free books & prizes just for reading.
This year, the Mid-Continent Summer Reading program is running from June 1st to August 24th, 2025 with programs and challenges for kids/teens & adults.
How Does it Work?
After you register, you will track the number of books read from June 1st to August 24th, 2025. You can begin logging books as soon as you register and all the books you read before creating your account. MCPL utilizes the app Beanstalk to track the books you read, as well as provide updates and messages to participants. There are also activities and challenges to complete as well. (Multiple children can be registered under one account).
The program will focus on reading for 20 minutes per day, counting the number of days children 0-19 are able to read 20+ minutes in a day. Be sure to log each day you complete it! When you reach 20, 40 or 60 days, readers will earn a prize book from their local branch.
What Can I Earn?
By participating and reading books, there are a few different community prizes you can earn in addition to a free book. You can also log each time you attend a program at the Library this summer and it will count as well!
According to MCPL, “Every reader (age 0-19) who reads for 20 minutes a day for 20 days will receive a free book and will be entered into a branch drawing to win prizes from one of the Library’s Community partners.
Register for the Summer Reading Program Now!
Summer reading is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a well-rounded, intellectually vibrant childhood. It is a gateway to knowledge, a catalyst for creativity, and a passport to countless worlds waiting to be explored. Regardless of age, summer reading programs nurture a love for books, expand horizons, and fuel the imagination. They offer respite from the summer heat while igniting a fire within young minds, sparking intellectual growth and curiosity. So, let us embrace the power of summer reading and empower our children to embark on incredible literary adventures that will shape their lives for years to come. Together, we can ensure that every summer is a season of wonder, discovery, and the joy of getting lost in the pages of a good book. Plus, summer reading programs are a lot of fun!
Here is a reworded version that keeps every fact exactly the same while improving readability and flow:
Greater Kansas City, MO – Mid-Continent Public Library is once again launching its annual Summer Reading Challenge for all ages, running from June 1 to August 24. As in years past, kids, teens, and adults can take part by reading 20 minutes a day and tracking their progress either online or using a paper log available at any MCPL branch.
“For many kids, summer is a time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a break from school—but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop, and reading certainly doesn’t have to be dull!” said LynnDee Wathen, MCPL’s Reading Initiatives & Display Manager. “We aim to make the Summer Reading Challenge engaging and enjoyable, so kids return to school ready to learn in the fall—and so all participants feel they’ve had a rewarding and meaningful experience.”
In addition to keeping young readers engaged outside the classroom, the Library’s summer program also includes exciting rewards and prizes. Kids and teens (ages 0–19) can earn a free book for every 20 days they read for at least 20 minutes. Those who register and log their reading using the Beanstack app (the Library’s online tracking platform) will be entered into prize drawings throughout the summer.
Library staff also stress that the 20 minutes of reading per day can be done in whatever way works best—split into shorter segments or through non-traditional reading activities like following a recipe while cooking, reading game instructions, or checking out signs at the grocery store or along the road. Audiobooks count too, and free eAudiobooks are available for download to a phone or tablet via the Library.
“We understand that not every child enjoys sitting down with a book for long stretches,” said Wathen. “But literacy can grow in everyday moments—like reading a menu at a restaurant—and those minutes count just as much!”
Library programs also count toward participation, and MCPL branches will offer a wide variety of programs, including:
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium’s Animal Art Safari
Blue Ridge Branch Wednesday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. Explore how animals of all shapes and sizes are celebrated in art worldwide with the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. This interactive program will feature a story, live ambassador animals, activities, and animal artifacts to help us see what an amazing inspiration nature can be.
Stone Lion Puppets Presents: Art Outside of the Box
Buckner Branch Thursday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. Stone Lion Puppets’ Inspiration Instigator has found himself in a real pickle–someone is replacing famous artwork with pickles. Who could ‘produce’ such a nefarious scheme? Help solve the mystery, and discover where your art can come from, in this interactive production of puppets, pickles, and perspective.
Summer Reading Challenge Celebration: Blank Canvas
Antioch Branch Friday, June 20, at 3:00 p.m. Summer and reading go together! Come celebrate your favorite summer reading activities at the Library. Play games, make crafts, and peruse the prize book selection! Please register participating children only.
Find a full list of Summer Library Program events, get additional program information, and sign up to participate at mymcpl.org/Summer. Paper logs are also available at MCPL’s 34 branches to sign up and track reading.
Learn more about the summer reading program on the MCPL website.
We hope your family enjoys reading this summer!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
