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2016 Summer Reading Programs

By Macaroni Kid Nampa June 23, 2016

Local libraries offer summer reading programs that help to encourage kids to read throughout the summer. Participation in these programs are free and help the kids set reading goals and keep track of their reading by providing incentives for reaching their goals with special parties, tickets to venues and free books. In addition, libraries usually schedule special programs throughout the summer to supplement the reading program. Summer Reading Programs will be kicking off soon! Click the links below to your local library to sign up!

Nampa Public Library Summer Reading Program


Program runs June 4-July 30

Summer Reading encourages youth ages 0-18 years to come read over the summer months by providing cool prizes and coupons as incentives for reaching reading goals! *A library card is not required to participate.

Caldwell Public Library Summer Reading Program

Let's Move! Wednesday Programs in June and July
11am - Ages 3-5 / 1pm - Ages 6-11

June 15 Love Those Dogs! Humane Society - 11am & 1pm
June 22 Chris Leebrick, Storyteller - ages 5 and up - 11am only | Sensational Snacks - all ages - 1pm only
June 29 Puppet Show: "Yummy, Yummy!" 11am & 1pm
July 6 Animal Olympics: Deer Flat Refuge 11am & 1pm
July 13 Music & Movement 11am | Bike Rodeo: Caldwell Police Dept. 1pm
July 20 Kinetic Crafts 11am & 1pm
July 27 Harry Potter  Birthday Party - all ages 11am only

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Triathlon 


Each summer Barnes & Noble gives young readers the opportunity to earn a free book by reading three books and completing a journal about the books they’ve read. It’s a great way to encourage kids to make reading a priority during the summer months. Program runs Saturday, June 04, 2016 to September 6, 2016.

Here is how kids in grades 1 through 6 can earn a free book at their local Barnes & Noble

Step 1. Fill out the Summer Reading Triathlon Reading Journal (PDF). En Español (PDF).
Step 2. Bring the completed Reading Journal to your local B&N store. Find a Store.
Step 3. Choose a FREE BOOK from our selection on the Reading Journal list at the store... Enjoy reading!


Meridian Public Library Kids Summer Reading Program

June 1st- August 15th

Read 20 minutes every day, log your time, earn prizes, and uncover fun games. Complete readings lists, book reviews, and missions for a chance in the grand prize drawings! Register for the 2016 Summer Reading Program online, at the Library or at our Kickoff party!

Level 1 Prizes (200 min): Kids' Meal, Snake River Stampede OR Idaho Parks and Rec Day Pass and Treasure Chest Prize

Level 2 Prizes (400 min): Kids' Meal, Boise Hawks Ticket Voucher, Treasure Chest Prize

Level 3 Prizes (600 min): Powell's Sweet Shoppe Coupon, Idaho Ice World Coupon, Free Book

Grand Prize Drawings: Four Roaring Spring Passes, Two Western Idaho Fair Passes, Two Jump Time Passes, A Chance to be in the Winter Parade or Dairy Days Parade with the Meridian Library District Bookmobile. 

Kuna Summer Reading Program

Program runs May 31-July 27

Open to everyone ages 0-99! Simply a contract to read during the summer and receive great prizes. Sign-ups begin May 31st and continue will through July 27th. Those 0-18 years old that sign-up May 31st-June 4th receive a free book of their choice!

Boise Public Library - Summer Fest 2016

Celebrate summer with Boise Public Library’s Summer Fest reading program! Make reading a habit by reading 20 minutes a day – don’t break the chain!  Open to all ages. Check out our Summer Fest Kickoff Parties here! 

How does it work?

  • From June 1—July 31, register online or at any of our locations.
  • After that, just log the number of days you read.  In order to develop and reinforce the habit of reading, we’re encouraging everyone in Boise to Read 20 minutes a day—Don’t break the chain!*
  • Books, graphic novels, fanfiction, reading to others, being read to and listening to audiobooks all count! 

Who can join?

  • Our program is for all ages - kids, teens and adults!
  • It's open to Boise residents with a public library card (or minors whose Boise parent or guardian has a library card).**  

 Are there prizes?

  • Of course!  Lots of generous sponsors means lots of great prizes to keep things interesting.  
  • All ages will get a free book for every 30 days of reading logged; adults will also receive a copy of one of our Short Story Contest winners!
  • kids, teens and adults will be entered in weekly and grand prize drawings for every single day of reading logged! 
  • Grand prizes include $100 gift cards for each age group:  kids (0-12 years old), teens (12-17), and adults (18 and over).  Other prizes include tickets to movies, Roaring Springs and the Western Idaho Fair, and gift certificates to All About Games.  
  • Kids and teens are also encouraged to stop into their library each week to pick up a prize coupon from that week’s featured sponsor.

* If life happens and you do break the chain, keep reading!
**If you don’t have a Boise Public Library card, stop by any of our locations to get one. It’s free and only takes a few minutes! If you’re not a Boise resident, your local library probably has a summer reading program, too.  Find other Treasure Valley libraries here.