These kid-friendly Charlotte-area reading programs are available throughout the summer
Summer vacation is often a dream time for kids, but parents and guardians can be left scrambling to find activities to keep their kids entertained without breaking the bank, especially when weather takes outside fun off the table.
Reading programs at public libraries, which often include events and prizes, can be wallet-friendly options that also help kids keep up learning progress they made during the school year.
And they’re not just for elementary and middle school-age children — many area libraries also have summer reading programs for toddlers, teens and adults and offer book recommendations for readers of all ages.
Here are some summer reading programs in and around Charlotte to check out:
Cabarrus County Library
What to know: The Cabarrus County Library’s summer reading program runs through August 1. Readers of all ages can track their reading using the Beanstack program and earn virtual badges and get personalized insights.
How to register: To register yourself or members of your family, download the Beanstack app or visit cabarruscounty.beanstack.org/reader365.
Catawba County Library
What to know: The Catawba County Library’s summer reading program uses the Beanstack system to let readers track their progress and compete for prizes. The library will also host learning events for kids, teens and adults throughout the summer.
How to register: To sign up anyone for Catawba County’s program, download the Beanstack app or visit catawbacountync.beanstack.org/reader365.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
What to know: Summer Break, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system’s summer reading program, runs through August 13 and encourages reading and other educational activities. Registering with Beanstack earns you or your child a coupon for a free Wendy’s frosty, and completing the program enters you in a drawing to win tickets to a Charlotte FC match.
How to register: To register for the Summer Break program, download the Beanstack app or visit cmlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.
Gaston County Public Library
What to know: The Gaston County Public Library’s summer reading program offers options for babies, kids of all ages and adults. Participants can track their progress in the READsquared program and earn prizes, including a chance at the “Grand Prize.”
How to register: You can pick up reading logs and cards and turn them in at the Gaston County Public Library. Kids can also log their reading at gastonlibrary.readsquared.com, and teens and adults can join the library’s online group on Goodreads at bit.ly/2022GastonAdultSummerReading.
Iredell County Public Library
What to know: The Iredell County Public Library system’s summer reading program includes “take and make” activity bags. Readers can track their reading progress in the Beanstack system through July 30, and prizes for readers of all ages include books, toys, LEGO sets and gift cards.
How to register: Families can pick up activity kits and reading logs at library branches and return logs to any branch. They can also register on the Beanstack app or at iredell.beanstack.org/reader365.
Lincoln County Public Library
What to know: The Lincoln County Public Library system’s summer reading program is open to readers of all ages, from babies to adults. The library also offers the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which encourages parents and guardians to read aloud to their babies and preschool-age children.
How to register: To register for the summer reading program, visit lincolncounty.readsquared.com. Those looking to enroll their preschooler in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program should visit a library branch.
Union County Library
What to know: The Union County Library’s summer reading program runs through August 15. In addition to free activities and classes, readers of all ages can earn certificates and prizes.
How to register: To sign up yourself or your child for a summer reading program, visit a library branch or visit ucplnc.readsquared.com.
