Registration now open for Summer Reading program

CHARLESTON, SC - Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and Charleston County School District (CCSD) are working together to help students and children read more than ever this summer. This joint initiative is part of the library’s annual Summer Reading program, which provides incentives for reading during the summer months.

The programs for children, teens and adults run between June 8 and Aug. 17 and feature hundreds of free events and fun prizes provided by our generous community sponsors. This is the second year that CCSD and CCPL have partnered to implement the programs, and as part of the collaboration, every student has been automatically registered for the program that corresponds to their age. Students who choose to participate can begin logging their reading on June 8. It is as simple as this: Read. Log. Win.

“Studies show that students who don’t read during the summer will be less prepared when school resumes,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “The school district and CCPL are proud to work together to keep children engaged and fight the summer slide.”

"We strongly encourage our students to continue their reading during the summer break, and the Summer Reading Program offers our young students a way to enjoy fun activities while they read," added CCSD Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait. "We are fortunate to have an excellent public library system in Charleston County, and this program gives us an opportunity to partner to improve literacy and the love of reading among our young students."

New this year, CCPL is also working with CARTA, who recently launched their Free Student Fare pilot program. This program allows students (ages 6 and older) in the system’s service area to ride CARTA for free, making it easier than ever for students to get to their local library and participate in Summer Reading. Kids 5 and under already ride for free. For more information on the program, visitridecarta.com/studentsridefree.

This year’s theme for Summer Reading is a Universe of Stories, and there are exciting prizes and programs for children, teens and adults.

Children: Kids ages 11 and younger earn prizes for reading or listening to stories. Rewards are distributed to kids who complete five, 15 and 30 hours of reading, and prizes include the S.C. Reading Medal, a RiverDogs game pass, vouchers for local attractions, and more. Enjoy nearly 700 programs that feature live animals, storytellers, concerts and other exciting performances. Summer Reading for Babies is for pre-readers, and activity sheets are designed for caregivers and babies. Participants who complete the activities receive a board book and a free tote bag.

Visit ccpl.org/summeronline to view the children’s Summer Reading program guide, which lists all the free and fun events scheduled throughout the summer or pick one up at our local branch. 

Teens: Students entering grades 6-12 win cool prizes for reading whatever they like. Teens are rewarded for reaching a reading goal through weekly prize drawings and branch grand prize drawings. Prizes include free food, passes to local attractions, and gift cards.

Adults: Participants ages 18 and older are eligible for bi-monthly gift card prizes and a grand prize drawing.

Non-CCSD students who would like to sign up for Summer Reading may register online or in person at any CCPL branch. Registration is now open and they may start logging their reading on June 8. For more information on programs, prizes, reading lists and registration, visit ccpl.org/summeronline.