We’re Halfway Through Summer Reading! 

Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library 

Over 15,000 kids and teens signed up for Summer Reading in the first week of June alone. Now, that number is up to 26,268. That's a 3% increase from last year. Amazing! We're so glad you joined us this season. 

If you’ve yet to climb aboard, there’s still time to sign up – Summer Reading runs through July 31. This year's theme, Reading on the River, is all about Cincinnati’s wildlife, rich steamboat and water transportation history, and other Queen City fun. Learn more at chpl.org/summer.   

Library staff shared stories reflecting on highlights from Summer Reading. For example, the Pleasant Ridge Branch was gifted with a “kindness bucket” filled with a thank you note, Great Bookish Quotes: Words from Authors, Libraries, and Books, and slips of paper with words of encouragement.  

"A family came to sign up for Summer Reading and was excited to learn that they would get prize books just for signing up,” recalled Anderson Branch Supervisor Megan. “The little girl said, ‘You mean I get to keep this book FOREVER?!’ and gasped with joy when she was told yes. She was seen hugging her book as they all left the building.” 

Youth Librarian James recalled that five families were waiting at the door of the Norwood Branch ahead of Summer Reading Kickoff. “As soon as they came in the kids ran to find the Summer Reading books and spin the wheel," James said. "Several parents mentioned they had plans to go to Kings Island, and another said they were headed to the Zoo, but the kids wanted to do Summer Reading first!” 

Keep Filling Out Your 25-Day or Bingo Challenge Sheets!  

It's not too late to sign up for Summer Reading! Just head to any of the Library’s 41 branches to get started. Upon joining, kids and teens will receive a Summer Reading challenge sheet, a book to keep, and a Cincinnati Reds voucher for two view-level tickets (while supplies last).   

Kids and teens can turn in their 25-Day Challenge (kids) or Bingo Challenge (teens) sheet between June 24-July 31 to win one of the following prizes: a pop-it ball, vinyl sticker sheet, sunglasses, or sidewalk chalk.   

Finished? Pick Up a Bonus Challenge! 

If you turned in the initial sheet and want to keep going, pick up a bonus challenge by July 16 at any branch. Complete it for another prize!   

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