The Seattle Public Library's "Free to Read" Summer of Learning Launches June 24
release date: June 24, 2024
School is out and it’s time for the 2024 Summer of Learning! Now in its 105th year, The Seattle Public Library’s annual Summer of Learning encourages kids and families to read, do activities and explore what “free to read” means for them.
Starting on Monday, June 24, children can pick up a “Free to Read” Summer Action Guide at their closest Library location or online at www.spl.org/SummerOfLearning to get started.
“This year’s Summer of Learning program celebrates your freedom to read and learn by encouraging kids to read many different stories to learn about new things, new people and new experiences,” said program manager Amy Twito. “We’re here to support you!”
The Summer of Learning Action Guide includes a game board and reading tracker available online in eight languages (Amharic, Chinese, English, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese). Set a reading goal – we suggest 20 minutes a day – and track your progress. Once you’ve completed 10 squares on the game board, you can put your name up on the Wall of Fame at your Library location. Once you’ve completed 30 squares, you can earn a Summer of Learning reading medal.
The guide also includes other activities such as tips for becoming a Super Reader, a poem worksheet, and a Summer of Learning youth survey which you can return to any Library location to receive a small prize (while supplies last) and Summer of Learning activity sheets.
Need book ideas? The Summer of Learning “Free to Read” book list has a wide range of recommendations for books that have been banned or challenged, from “Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story” by Shana Keller to “The Family Book” by Todd Parr. You can also ask a librarian, or check out more reading recommendations for kids and teens.
The Library collaborated with four local artists – Nick Alan Foote, Cecelia “Mousy DeVilla” DeLeon, Deycha Nhtae and Kela Wong – on artwork for the Summer of Learning.
Summer of Learning programs are being planned for later in the summer. Check the family events calendar to find out what’s going on at your neighborhood library.
MORE SUMMER FUN AND LEARNING
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Teen Book Bingo / Lotería de Lectura: Teens can play Book Bingo with a bingo card just for them. Pick up your card at www.spl.org/BookBingo and start reading and filling in squares. If you prefer to read in Spanish, you can also play Lotería de Lectura at www.spl.org/Loteria.
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Story times and more: The Library offers weekly story times at many locations all summer, as well as family activities such as drop-in chess. Find story times and activities happening near you at www.spl.org/Calendar.
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Early learning resources: Visit our Early Learning page to find resources, activities and activity guides for early learners.
ACCESS AND PARTNERSHIPS
All details about the Library’s Summer of Learning 2024 programs will be available at www.spl.org/SummerOfLearning starting on June 24. Seattle Public Schools students can access all digital Library resources, including thousands of free e-books, through the Library Link (www.spl.org/LibraryLink) partnership with Seattle Public Schools.
The 2024 Summer of Learning is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation and was planned in partnership with South End Stories.
TECHNOLOGY OUTAGE REMINDER
Due to a recent cybersecurity event, some Library services, including access to patron accounts, internet access, public computers and printers, are unavailable. However, all locations are open and we are still hosting a variety of in-person programs and events every day. Check our blog at www.spl.org/Update for regular service updates and www.spl.org/Today for daily schedule updates.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.