In collaboration with @colgawithkids
Summer reading programs in Columbus, Georgia, are giving children exciting opportunities to stay engaged with books while earning fun rewards throughout the summer. Local libraries and national businesses are encouraging kids to read more by offering prizes, free meals, and even free books.
The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries Summer Reading Program is one of the most popular options for local families. Children can register in person at any library branch or through the Beanstack app. After signing up, participants receive a free book and can track their reading by logging books or reading minutes on Beanstack. Kids earn a prize every time they read 10 books or complete 100 minutes of reading. At the end of the summer, additional prizes and raffle drawings will reward dedicated readers.
Barnes & Noble also offers a summer reading challenge for students in grades 1–6. Children complete reading matchups in a journal by reading two books at a time. After each matchup, they visit a local store to receive an exclusive summer reading sticker and submit a recommendation slip about their favorite book. Once all four matchups are complete, participants earn a Champion sticker and can select a free book from the store’s summer reading list.
Restaurants are also joining the effort to encourage literacy. Panda Express sponsors the “Read With Me” program, where teachers enroll their classes and students work toward reading five books to earn a free kids’ meal coupon. Homeschool students may also participate.
Meanwhile, Pizza Hut’s “Summer of Stories” program allows children to earn free Personal Pan Pizzas by meeting monthly reading goals through the BOOK IT app. Kids can earn one free pizza each month during June, July, and August.
Students entering kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challengeby reading 12 books between June 1 and September 4. Participants track their reading using an online log and submit it to receive a personalized certificate, a commemorative bookmark, and a special prize. Readers are also entered into a drawing for a chance to visit Washington, D.C., and the White House.
These programs help children build strong reading habits while making summer learning fun and rewarding.
