Join a 2023 Summer Reading Program and Let Your Kid Earn Prizes for Reading

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Looking for a summer reading program to keep your children motivated to read? Summer is a great time to get outside and soak up some sun, but it’s also the perfect time to relax with a good book. Whether you’re reading bedtime stories or your child is spending the drive to the beach with their nose in a book, reading is a great summer activity for babies, kids, teens, and parents. Here are a few of the summer reading programs in the Upstate that offer prizes for being a bookworm.

summer reading programs

First of all, your child’s school likely has a summer reading incentive program of some sort. Each school is different, so call the media center before school gets out to be sure your child has the log/paper to be able to record their books/hours. Most schools will even allow your child to double-dip on the books, so fill out this one alongside the ones listed below and double your child’s rewards. 

Summer Reading Programs :
Greenville County Library System
Spartanburg County Public Library
Anderson County Library System
Laurens County Public Library
Oconee County Library
Pickens County Library System
Clemson University Summer Reading Program
National Summer Reading Programs

Greenville Library Summer Reading Program 2023

The Greenville County Library System’s 2023 Summer Reading Program registration will open on May 17th! The reading challenge begins on June 1, 2023. To participate, you register your young readers online. Then, print out or pick up a summer reading log from your library. Kids complete the challenge anytime between June 1 and July 29 and pick up prizes at the library.

This year’s reading program includes challenges for babes (0-35 months old), kids (ages 3-12), and teens (ages 13-17). Each age group earns different prizes when they complete their challenges. Prizes are as follows:

  • Babies: Greenville Drive prize voucher and a board book (One board book is available per household.)
  • Kids: Greenville Drive prize voucher, Swamp Rabbit CafĂ© & Grocery coupon for a free pastry, choice of slap bracelet or mini bean bag ball, and a reading medal.
  • Teens: Greenville Drive prize voucher, Swamp Rabbit CafĂ© & Grocery coupon for a free pastry, and a stress reliever ball.

Summer Reading Kickoff at the Greenville Library begins June 2 – June 6 at various library locations throughout Greenville County.

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Spartanburg County Library Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading with the Spartanburg County Public Library begins June 1st, 2023! If you live in Spartanburg County, you can join the fun by completing your summer reading card (which you can pick up at a library, print at home, or request one be mailed to you). Participants of all ages are invited to read, and prizes are awarded to participants. Participants can download a complete Summer Reading 2023 Booklet to see summer reading program activities scheduled throughout the summer at various branches throughout Spartanburg County.

Readers must complete a combination of 10 challenges this summer and return their card to a Spartanburg County Public Library Branch to exchange it for a prize. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a ticket to the Greenville Drive Summer Reading All-Stars Game! Additional Prizes are as follows:

  • Children (Birth – 12 years old): book and medal or baby toy
  • Teens (12 – 18 years old): Light up mason jar mug
  • Adults (18+): Pen, journal, and bag

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Anderson County Library Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Programs at the Anderson County Library System are offered for all ages (including adults) with chances to win prizes based on the amount of reading. This summer reading program runs from June through July, with Summer Reading Kickoff parties on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023. This summer’s theme is All Together Now! Readers can register and track their reading online or pick up tracking sheets at their library. Every child who completes the challenge will receive a certificate of completion in addition to fun goodies! Teens and adults will be entered into a drawing for grand prizes for their age groups.

Keep your eyes on the Anderson County Library System event calendar for free summer reading events, too!

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Laurens County Library Summer Reading Program

The Laurens County Library Summer Reading Program will begin June 1, 2023! To participate, readers can swing by either the Laurens or Clinton Library branch for a summer reading packet. Readers complete 12 books or 12 hours of reading, then return their completed summer reading card to a local library branch.

For 2023, your child can also collect stickers from designated events and locations throughout Laurens, Gray Court, Cross Hill, and Clinton. Stickers count as 1 story or hour read. Locations your child can receive a sticker include:

  • Courthouse Coffee
  • Tacos & Blablabla
  • Southern Twist & Trade
  • Laurens County Museum
  • Leake Family Pharmacy
  • Pelicans
  • Arbitrary Art
  • Mayberry Diner
  • Vestibule
  • Scoops Ice Cream

Prizes are awarded to kids between the ages of 0-11, teens ages 12-18, and adults ages 19 and over. Teens and adults will also be eligible for prize drawings. As part of the program, there are several in-person outdoor activities, as well as virtual programming.

2023 Prizes include:

  • Children (0-10): Summer reading shirt, certificate, medal, tickets for free items, a chance to win 1 of 3 grand prizes (bike, Lego Duplo set, or Lego set).
  • Teens (11-17): medal, certificate, tickets for free items, a chance to win 1 of 3 grand prizes ( foreign snacks kit, an art supply kit, or a self-care kit).
  • Adults (18+): LCPL tote, tickets for free items, change to win 1 of the grand prizes ($50 gift certificate to Rootimentary, or Amazon Fire Tablet).

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Children reading

Oconee County Library Summer Reading

From June 1 to July 28, the Oconee County Public Library encourages readers of all ages to complete at least 600 minutes of reading as part of its All Together Now Summer Reading Program. Readers can register on the program web page through the Beanstack app, or at their library. Also, be sure to keep your eyes on the library’s event calendar for summer reading virtual and in-person events. (Note: Some in-person events require pre-registration.) All participants under the age of 17 will receive a certificate and a medal and a ticket voucher for a Greenville Drive game. Also, for each completed reading log submitted, readers will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Prizes are awarded by age groups:

  • Emergent Readers – Ages 0-5
  • ​Independent Readers – Ages 6-11
  • Teen Readers – Ages 12-18
  • Adults – Ages 18+

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Pickens County Library Summer Reading Program

Pickens County Library’s All Together Now Summer Reading Program kicks off on June 5th – July 31st, 2023. Summer reading participants in Pickens County can read 10 books of their choice, complete 10 activities listed on the reading log, or a combination of both to total 10. Reading log postcards will be mailed to area residents and are also available at all branches throughout May. Participants ages 18 and under will receive an All Together Now prize pack, as well as have their names entered into a drawing for more prizes. Adults who complete the program will receive sunglasses (while supplies last) and will also have their names entered into a drawing for more prizes. Prize details will be announced toward the end of May.

Summer reading kick-off parties will be held on June 2nd, 2023 from 12 pm to 3 pm at all four branches, including the Easley Branch, Central Clemson Branch, Liberty Branch, and Pickens branch. There will be food trucks, outdoor games, face painting, and more!

The library will also host several All Together Now programs throughout the summer for kids to enjoy. Each program will be a different theme, with most located at the Pickens County Library System branches. Some of the events will be virtual programs. These programs include:

  • Critter Keeper
    • June 5th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • June 6th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and Central-Clemson Branch (2:30 pm)
  • South Carolina Aquarium
    • June 12th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • June 13th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and the Central- Clemson Branch (2:30 pm).
  • Gravity Check Juggling
    • June 19th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • June 20th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and Central-Clemson Branch (2:30 pm).
  • Author Cara Zara
    • June 26th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • June 27th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and Central-Clemson Branch (2:30 pm).
  • South Carolina Children’s Theatre
    • July 10th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • July 11th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and Central-Clemson Branch (2:30 pm).
  • Yasu Ishida Magic Story Artist
    • July 17th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • July 18th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and Central-Clemson Branch (2:30 pm).
  • The Wildlife Geeks
    • July 24th, 2023 at the Easley Branch (10:30 am, 6:30 pm) and the Liberty Branch (2:30 pm).
    • July 25th, 2023 at the Pickens Branch (10:30 am) and Central-Clemson Branch (2:30 pm).

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Clemson University Summer Reading Program

Clemson University is offering several summer reading programs for both children and adults. You simply choose the grade level your child will be entering in Summer 2023 and can sign up for specific days near your area. For more information or to enroll, call 1-800-964-8888 or visit their website.

**I graduated from Clemson with a Master’s Degree in Literacy. During my program, I was able to see these summer programs in action and they are top-notch! Your child will definitely be ready for the next year’s reading challenges after a summer with Clemson!**

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2023 National Summer Reading Programs

The Scholastic Summer Read-A-Palooza Challenge

The Scholastic Summer Reading Promise is a FREE online reading program for kids that runs all summer long from April 26th, 2023 to September 3rd, 2023. Kids are encouraged to track their reading streaks to unlock prizes.

Pizza Hut Book It! Program

This one is probably tugging at your nostalgic heartstrings: Pizza Hut’s Book It! program is back for 2023! This program is for kids in PreK – 6th grade. Your kids can enroll now for the summer reading program called Camp BOOK IT! By logging the reading they complete in June, July, and August, kids earn a free one-topping personal pan pizza. Also, if you’re a homeschool teacher or teacher, you can enroll in a Book It! program that runs from October to March. This way your students can also earn that coveted pizza prize during the academic year!

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

The Barnes & Noble 2023 summer reading program is popular amongst parents. For kids in grades 1-6, this program asks kids to keep a log of at least 8 books and describe their favorite part of each book. Kids fill in their reading journal, bring it to the store between July 1 and August 31, 2023, and they can choose a book from a curated list of titles.

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Program

Don’t forget about Chuck E Cheese — read 14 books or for 14 days and get 10 free tokens via their Chuck E. Cheese Rewards program. Bonus: Their rewards program is not limited to summer!

If your child needs help or extra practice reading this summer I recommend:

How are you planning to incorporate reading into your summer plans?

This article was originally written by Erica McCall and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.

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About the Author
How does Kidding Around® bring readers high-quality and up-to-date content month after month and season after season? We have a dedicated team of writers and editors who regularly update our fabulous content to keep it current and relevant for our readers. This team combs lists of events, heads out into the community to experience new Upstate offerings, and communicates with local businesses. Many of our updated articles and event lists, like this one, reflect the contributions and hard work of multiple Kidding Around® team members.

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JDaniel4's Mom
9 years ago

I am so looking forward to this summer!

Dalila
9 years ago

Our favorite free summer activities is going to the library. I teach, so I can’t participate in the classes during the year.

Admin
9 years ago
Reply to  Dalila

We love the summer programs too. This year seems like an especially great schedule!

Joy
8 years ago

TD bank also offers a reading program for K-5. $10 for reading 10 books within the time limit

http://www.tdbank.com/summerreading/

Erin F
8 years ago

There is no date attached with the summer kickoff event, just times. Do you know the date– we love going!

Admin
8 years ago
Reply to  Erin F

June 5. Thanks for pointing that out. I didn’t realize it was missing!

Erin F
8 years ago

Thanks so much!

Susannah Hogan
7 years ago

The Barnes and Noble program is a little different this year — students get to complete three reading activities in the “triathlon” for a free book! And don’t forget about Chuck E Cheese — read 14 books or for 14 days and get 10 free tokens — http://www.chuckecheese.com/activities/rewards-calendars (scroll down to print in English or Spanish). Also Sylvan Learning Center’s Book Adventure allows students to read books, take quizzes, and earn prizes at http://www.bookadventure.com/home.aspx . Another resource is Reading Rockets (readingrockets.org) which offers helpful tips, book lists, and “meet the author” videos as well as suggested activities and school-curriculum tie-ins… Read more »

A. H.
9 months ago

JourneyForth launched a nation-wide summer reading program today. Participants are challenged to read 15 minutes a day for 40 days. It’s ok if the days aren’t consecutive.
http://www.bjupress.com/books/summer-reading