Best Summer Reading Programs for Kids in New York City

Summer Reading Programs for New York City Children

There are plenty of reading options and programs for kids to keep them occupied this summer. Now that the school year is over, it is absolutely essential that kids keep reading!

Summer literacy loss is real. Summer reading programs offer readers an excellent opportunity to be encouraged and stay on track through activities, peer discussions, and awards.

These programs provide hours of entertainment, productivity, education and fun. Check out our favorites!

Psst… Check out our summer reading list for kids of all ages!

Barnes and Noble

Receive a free book this summer when you read one of eight books from their collection Summer Reading Diary list. Choose eight exciting books and fill out the diary explaining what your favorite part of each book is and why.

Then return the log to any Barnes and Noble store from July 1st through August 31st and receive your free book from the book list. For grades 1 through 6.

Brooklyn Public Library

The Brooklyn Public Library offers a children’s book list full of reading options for the entire summer. Most titles are available in eBook and eAudio formats, making this list perfect for reading on the go.

There are plenty of activities for children throughout the summer, including storytelling, crafts, performances and games.

Plus, explore all of the Brooklyn Public Library’s diverse locations this summer with the Browse the Branches Passport and win prizes.

When you fill out half of your passport, you win a bookmark and 25% off an item in the Brooklyn Public Library webshop. And you get a special bag when you fill out the entire passport!

Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base

Scholastic is providing a community for kids who love to read while improving access to books this summer. Through September 12, kids can visit the Summer Zone at Scholastic Home Base, a completely free online space for stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Best of all, Home Base is moderated 24/7.

Scholastic Home Base also encourages children to have a “Reading Streak” throughout the summer. The longer your child extends their reading streak, the more digital experiences they will have. This option is perfect for encouraging a summer routine.

Queens Public Library

Queens Public Library offers summer content for kids and teens. With storytelling, singing, coding, and more, there’s never a dull moment on the program’s calendar. If you’re looking for a new summer read, check out their curated book lists for all reading levels!

Kids and families can sign up for the library’s Summer Reading Challenge on READSquared . Every minute you read is a point toward unlocking games and badges. Once you earn enough points, you can unlock a printable and shareable certificate of completion!

Summer in the Library

The New York Public Library is hosting a summer program, featuring ways to keep your child engaged in reading and free activities. Kids can keep track of their reading and activities to become a Summer Star at the library!

Join the Library’s 60-day reading challenge, read for at least 20 minutes every day and do activities in your neighborhood.

Visit your local branch to pick up an activity and reading tracker, or to download and print them out at home!

New York State Senate Summer Reading Program

Your children can receive a Certificate of Achievement from their New York State Senator to commemorate their reading accomplishments this summer. Simply fill out the online form with your child’s information and what they’ve read. Just make sure you submit the form by September 1st!