Get Ready for Summer Reading – Camp Read 

Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library

Camp Read is almost in session; Summer Reading returns on May 30 to all 41 Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) locations. Running through July 31, kids and teens can earn prizes by reading and having fun all summer long.  

Summer Reading Kickoff Events 

Branches across CHPL are celebrating Summer Reading with cool kickoff events! Head to your favorite branch for an afternoon of family-friendly fun and get started with Camp Read while you’re there.  

View a full list of kickoff events. 

How to Get Started  

You can begin your Summer Reading adventure at any of CHPL’s 41 locations through July 31. Kids and teens receive these free items when they join:  

• Summer Reading challenge sheet 
• Book of their choice to keep 
• Cincinnati Reds voucher for two view-level tickets (while supplies last) 
• Their first Camp Badge 

View the Kids 25-Day Challenge and Teen 15-Day Challenge at CHPL.org/summer.  

Read to Collect Prizes 

Every kid or teen who signs up for Summer Reading receives a free book. Books in Spanish for young kids are also available by request. Kids can turn in completed 25-Day Challenge sheets starting June 23 for a prize. Teens can turn in their completed 15-Day Challenge sheets starting June 13.  

Prize options include: 

• Drawstring bag 
• Literary trading cards 
• Wrist disc flyer 
• Pop-it ball 
• Doodle journal 

If you want to keep going, return the initial 25-Day Challenge sheet or 15-Day Challenge sheet to any Library location by July 16 to receive a bonus challenge sheet. Complete the bonus challenge to earn an additional prize. Limit one bonus challenge per participant. 

Camp Badges 

If you’re looking for additional fun, stop by any location to ask about Camp Badges. Can you collect them all?  

• Camp Read – Sign up for Summer Reading! 
• Bookworm – Read for a total of 1 hour. 
• Adventurer – Attend a Library program. 
• Campfire Stories – Tell a friend your favorite story. 
• Creature Researcher – Learn about a new creature by exploring the outdoors or reading a book. 
• Artist – Draw your favorite Library memory and show it off to Library staff. 
• Historian – Celebrate 250 years of American history! Learn about an influential figure of American history who inspires you. 
• Helper – Help a friend, family member, or Library staff complete a task. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors  

Summer Reading - Camp Read! is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Public Library, The Library Foundation, Scripps Howard Fund, and Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation, with in-kind support from Cincinnati Reds and Gold Star.