New York State Library
Summer Reading at New York Libraries

10 Easy Ways to Get Children to Read this Summer

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Children who read do better in school—so make sure your child is a reader!

Parent and child penguins reading a book together
  1. Get your child a library card at your local public library. It’s free!
  2. Sign your child up for Summer Reading at the local public library and enjoy free programs with fun activities, storytelling, reading contests, crafts and more.
  3. Read with your child every day. Take advantage of “waiting” time to share books: on trips, at the doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store.
  4. Take a basket of books for reading breaks from the sun, water, and sand at the beach, lake, or pool.
  5. Read on your own and talk to your child about what you’re reading. Families who share reading experiences raise children who love books and read well.
  6. Visit the library every week and bring the whole family.
  7. Need books in languages other than English? Ask a librarian!
  8. Use the closed captioning during TV shows so children see the words as they hear them.
  9. Keep a list on the refrigerator of books everyone has read AND wants to read during the summer.
  10. Discover the world by reading books from your local public library. Choose a subject of interest for the entire family, so that every family member can share what they have learned and share ideas. Discover the world by reading books from your local public library. Choose a subject of interest for the entire family, so that every family member can share what they have learned and share ideas.

For more information visit www.SummerReadingNYS.orgexternal link

Parents: Help your kids succeed in school!

Oceans of Possibilities

2022 Summer Reading at New York Libraries

When children read what they enjoy, they learn to love reading and become better readers. The free summer programs at your public library will help your child keep reading and having fun all summer long.

For more information

  • Talk to your local public librarian about their Summer Reading Program
  • Need books in languages other than English? Ask the librarian!
  • Visit www.summerreadingnys.org for resources and summer reading news.
  • Speak with your child’s school librarian about local summer reading programs


Summer Reading at New York Libraries is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department and is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services

Last Updated: May 25, 2022