Benefits of Summer Reading, According to Librarians

Photo:

courtesy Sno-Isle Libraries

Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Sno-Isle Libraries.

Summertime is almost here. As we look forward to longer days of sunshine and fun, many parents also find themselves concerned about how their children are spending all that free time. Some parents are worried about the “summer slide” — the academic backslide that can happen when children spend months away from classroom learning. Others are hoping to find an activity that provides some screen-free entertainment.

One way to keep kids engaged over the summer is to encourage reading. Summer reading doesn’t have to look like worksheets or required book lists. In fact, it shouldn’t! One great way to help kids unlock the joy of reading for fun is the Summer Reading Program at Sno-Isle Libraries.

Why summer reading matters

Keeping kids engaged with reading over the summer months is important “because we are seeing fewer and fewer kids decide to read for fun,” says Jen Sullivan, the student success coordinator for Sno-Isle Libraries. Often referred to as the “decline by 9,” it reflects a significant drop in children’s excitement for reading by age 9, generally around third grade.

“Summer is a perfect time to read for fun without the constraints of school, often with fewer activities on their calendar and they get to choose whatever topic, format or genre they are interested in,” says Katie Leone, Sno-Isle Libraries’ marketing and communications manager.

Sno-Isle Summer Reading Program

What better way to inspire kids and families to read than with a fun, engaging summer reading program? Sno-Isle’s Summer Reading Program runs from June 1–Aug. 31, 2026. Kids, teens and adults who read for 10 hours or more will get a prize — a cool sticker and special book for kids and teens, and a tote bag for adults.

“I’m excited that adults are able to join summer reading this year,” says Jen Sullivan, the student success coordinator for Sno-Isle Libraries. “Our community has been asking for that, so it’s super fun to be able to bring them into the mix. The whole family can participate now.”

All types of reading can help your Summer Reading Program participant reach their 10-hour goal: comics, novels, audiobooks, magazines, reading to a sibling or friend; it all counts! After your child hits their 10 hours and collects their prize, they are encouraged to complete five activities to earn another sticker. Activities include reading for 20 minutes, reading outside, listening to their favorite music, writing six words that describe their life, and more. Starting on June 1, you can download a reading log online or visit one of the 23 Sno-Isle community libraries to pick one up.

Your kid doesn’t have to love novels to be a reader

While you can’t pry a book out of some kids’ hands, others are less enthusiastic about the prospect of reading. What can parents of reluctant readers do to help their kids discover the magic of reading?

kids doing an activity at a sno-isle library — *Photo: courtesy Sno-Isle Libraries*

Look beyond fiction and novels

“Graphic novels or comics can be a great entry into reading. There is so much out there beyond just superheroes,” says Sullivan. “Nonfiction is great too. Some kids aren’t fiction readers but they will read about their favorite animal or car, and there is so much nonfiction to connect kids to. Something that ties into their favorite show or game is also great. If it’s all about ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ that’s great, they are still reading.”

As the mom of a reluctant reader, I second their advice. The bookshelves in my son’s bedroom are packed with every single “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” graphic novel and several by Raina Telgemeier, so many Minecraft novellas, and many books from the “Who Would Win” series. His most prized purchase from the school Scholastic book fair each year was always the “Guinness World Records.”

Sullivan recommends giving audiobooks a try too. You can check them out on CD from the library or access them online.

Be a reading example

Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. If you want to encourage your kids to be readers, parents should embrace reading themselves. When they see you put down your phone and pick up a book or magazine, or listen to a book while you do household chores or relax in a hammock, they are watching you live out your value that reading is a worthwhile activity. Families can even participate in the Summer Reading program together this year.

Respect your kids’ interests

One thing to avoid: pushing your favorite childhood books on your kids (guilty as charged). Sometimes your kids will love the same books that you read, but not always. That novel you read on repeat might not hit the same way today, or it just might not be the genre your kid loves.

Another misstep some parents make is making reading feel too rigid. You might want to make sure your kid is reading, but creating rules or making it feel too much like homework is not going to have the effect you are hoping for. Sullivan says that parents should try and make reading “a super fun, relaxing activity that we are all doing together.”

Clever ways to motivate summer reading

Encouraging your child (and the whole family) to be a part of the Summer Reading Program can bring a little structure and fun to your summer. It gives you a goal, a fun way to track your progress and helps connect you to the community.

“I love seeing the joy in the library. Kids are excited to pick up their prize book and put their sticker on the wall,” says Leone. “The whole wall fills up with stickers, kids are so excited to share what they have been reading and the energy around summer reading is just amazing.”

parent and kids reading by the window of a library — *Photo: courtesy Sno-Isle Libraries*

Involve the whole family

Sullivan says that a key to summer reading success is finding a way for everyone in the family to read together. Maybe everyone settles in to listen to an audiobook during a road trip or for an afternoon break, or pick a weeknight to build a living room tent, grab some snacks and read together in your new cozy fort. Get creative and try a few new things till you find what works for your family and makes reading fun for everyone.

And don’t forget, says Leone, about reading activities that are a little out of the box! Print out a scavenger hunt and have your kids read the clues; let your kids read you the instructions for your next craft project; or check out a nature guide before you head out on your next hike. Anything that gets kids reading is a win, it doesn’t have to be the sole focus of the activity.

Ask an expert

If you are unsure where to start, or don’t know what to say when your kid says “I finished all my ‘Warrior Cats’ books, what should I read next?”, never fear, your local librarian is here! Sullivan says library staff are happy to help and are trained and ready to match kids with books. Or fill out a custom reading list form online and a librarian will email you with four to six titles just for you (they can suggest titles for any age in any genre, in any format you enjoy).

More ways to engage with the library

Sno-Isle Libraries are, of course, a great place to find your new favorite book. But they offer so much more, especially during the summer months.

girl picking a book to read — *Photo: Knecht Creative, Amber Knech*

Activities and events for all ages

All 23 community libraries offer free family activities for kids of all ages, from Storytime to art journaling workshops to board game swaps and so much more. Check out the calendar on the Sno-Isle website to find activities in your area for any age range.

Cooling center

And when the weather starts to heat up, don’t forget that the library has air conditioning and can act as a cooling center. It’s the perfect place to relax with some books and games during the dog days of summer, with no pressure to purchase anything or leave.

Bookmobile

Sno-Isle also has a bookmobile that travels around the community (the schedule can be found online). You can get a library card, pick up holds, return materials, browse the collection and connect with Sno-Isle Libraries’ staff and resources. The bookmobile is a fun way for the library to come to you.

Printing credit

Every Sno-Isle library card holder has a $7 print credit, every week. Many parents take advantage of this service to print coloring sheets and other activities for their kids, ensuring they always have something on hand to keep their kids happily engaged at a moment’s notice. Brilliant!

Summer reading is about helping kids discover what sparks their curiosity and showing them that reading can be a source of joy and discovery. Whether your child devours graphic novels, listens to audiobooks or reads novels late into the night, every page and story (if your child is being read to) counts. And with free programs and activities, welcoming spaces and librarians ready to help, Sno-Isle Libraries makes it easy for families to build a summer filled with stories and connection.