My kids’ school gets out this week, which means it is now time for summer reading programs! While most of these are local to the Salt Lake City area, you can check out your own library for programs as well.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. We participate in this program every year (this is the last year they can do it, as they’re entering sixth grade). It’s so easy: Download and print the journal and have your child write down eight books they read, including their favorite parts. Then bring the completed journal into your local Barnes & Noble store. Your child can choose one free book from the lists (organized by grade level) between July 1 and Aug. 31.
Pizza Hut Book It Program. I remember doing this as a kid and loving earning my personal pan pizza, but the program has only been open to select participants or schools the past few years. This year, it looks like parents can download an app to record their children’s reading goals—and then they can earn one pizza a month! This would motivate me to read.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundts and Books program. Our family LOVES Nothing Bundt Cakes (we get bundlets for our birthdays now instead of making one big cake). Participating bakeries offer kids free bundlets (mini bundt cakes) when they turn in a reading tracker. In Salt Lake City, NBC collaborates Our with the Salt Lake City Public Library each fall and spring. I just learned about this, so I’ll be looking for the fall program!
Utah State Fair Read and Win! program. My kids can only participate in this program one more year as well, so you can bet we’ll be doing this challenge. Have children in grades 1-6 read 10 books and download the form (or record them online). Then mail the forms or fill out the online form by July 20. Employees then mail your child will a free ticket to the Utah State Fair, plus tickets for a midway ride ticket, giant yellow slide ride, and drink. They also stick a satin ribbon bookmark in the envelope. I’m pretty sure this reading program is the only reason we go to the state fair each year. It’s the best.
Little Mama Shirt Shop Summer Reading Program. Chynna, the owner of this cute t-shirt shop in Idaho Falls, has done a reading challenge for seven years to encourage families to read together. If you read 250 books (or chapters) with your kids this summer and record them on your tracker, she’ll send you a free library tote and a shop discount code. Submit your form by Sept. 15 to participate.
Scholastic Home Base. Make reading into a game with Scholastic’s free summer reading program, called Home Base. Kids can track their reading streak and also play book-based games on this website, which is moderated for safety at all times.
Splash Summit Reading Program. I told myself that I would look up the Splash Summit reading program this spring, and I forgot—so I am setting a reminder for next year! Splash Summit is this epic waterpark in Provo, Utah, and they have a reading program for children in K-6. Just have your child read 500 minutes in March (20 minutes a day) to receives a free pass to Splash Summit. Since my kids will age out of this next year, March 2026 is going to be our time to shine.
Salt Lake County Library Summer Reading Challenge. Kids, teens, and adults of Salt Lake County are all eligible for the County Library reading challenge! Download the form and color one of the designs each time you read, create, learn, play or connect (check out activity suggestions under each category). Then turn in your form at your local library branch. You’ll receive a free book and be entered into a drawing for other prizes.
Salt Lake City Library Summer Reading Challenge. Similar to the County Library, the Salt Lake City Library rewards residents who fill in all the spaces on the tracker. Turn it in at a library branch to get a completion prize and be entered to win the grand prize.
Murray Library Build-a-Habit Challenge. Our town has its own little (and darling) library with its own summer reading program. If you read 40 days this summer and complete two other challenges listed on the tracker, you can turn it in and receive a prize. There’s a reward for completing half of the challenge as well—and an entry for the grand-prize raffle. Last year, we received these amazing heavy canvas tote bags with the library logo on them, and we use them all the time. Have I mentioned I love libraries?
Do you know of any other summer reading programs we should participate in? I’d love to know about more for tweens and teens, as my kids are soon aging out of a lot of programs.
