Books, prizes and more. Summer reading programs on Aquidneck Island heat up
It might take some convincing the kids, but not much beats summer reading.
Sitting in the shade or on the beach with a good book as a breeze blows through is one of those joys that can't be duplicated the rest of the year.
Fortunately, area libraries are ready to help with summer reading programs. Here's a look at what's being offered whether you're a kid, a teen or an adult.
Newport Public Library
Registration is open at the library or online.
Children will complete activities to earn prizes. Each activity is worth one point and may be repeated as many times as they’d like.
The activities are:
Read a book or magazine for 20 minutes
Write a review or draw a picture about a book
Go on an adventure to somewhere new
Listen to a book: an audiobook CD, Playaway audio, eAudio, Vox book or Wonderbook
Design a bookmark contest (one entry per child)
Attend a library program
Complete the weekly passive activity
Check out a children’s puzzle or board game
Vote in the Extreme Adventures Tournament
Complete the weekly Spot It! table
Read a board book*
Sing a song with your grownup*
*These are extra activities for babies that are participating.
Participants log activities on the paper activity tracker OR online, not both. And remember, one action may count as multiple activity points. For example, if you attend a storytime where we read a book to you, that counts as 2 points!
Who can participate?
Babies through kids going into Grade 6 in September. Little ones can participate by having someone read to them.
Prizes!
For every 5 points a child earns, they are eligible to come into the Library to receive a prize. By earning 25 points, they will complete the program and get their final prize!
Prizes are available for pickup anytime after the program start date of June 24th once a child has reached a 5 point milestone.
Grand raffle prizes will be raffled off on Aug. 9.
The Teen Summer Reading Challenge is for teens and tweens entering Grades 5-12 or recent graduates.
To participate sign up online or in person anytime before Aug. 9. To sign up in person, visit the Young Adult reference desk to receive a Summer Reading Starter Pack!
Complete any of the 10 activities to earn points. Each activity earns you 1 point. Activities can be repeated as many times as you’d like.
The activities are:
Read a book or listen to an audiobook for 20 minutes
Attend a Library program
Compete with your friends on our PS4 or Wii
Follow the Library on TikTok or Instagram
Leave a positive message on our chalk columns
Complete a Take & Make Craft
Go on an adventure
Work on the teen puzzle
Write a book review: Submit your review online
Read a RITBA (Rhode Island Teen Book Award) book
Prizes!
“Summer Reading Starter Pack” – The SRP Starter Pack will include a tote bag & your choice of FREE book from our selection
5 points – Sticker
10 points – 1 Raffle Ticket & Enamel Pin
15 points – 2 Raffle Tickets & Fidget
20 points – 3 Raffle Tickets & Gift Card
Grand Prizes:
Apple Airpods
Polaroid Camera
Kindle with Case
Adults Summer Reading Challenge
The best incentive you’ll find for sitting down with a few great books this summer!
Here’s how it works:
Adults can sign up online or in person at the Reference Desk and are then asked to read and review books.
Once you have registered, you can start submitting Book Reviews! You can submit reviews online by signing up with Beanstack. You may also submit a Paper Review at the Reference Desk.
Read as much as you can! Each Book Review submitted June 24 – Aug. 9 will count as one entry into the Weekly Raffle (for the week submitted) as well as one entry to the Grand Prize Raffle at the end of the program.
E-books, audiobooks, and print books are all acceptable!
Submit 5 or more reviews throughout the course of the program to earn one additional entry to the Grand Prize Raffle!
To participate in the Adult Summer Reading Challenge you must be 18 or older, have a library card, and enjoy books! For more information, stop by Reference Desk, email us at [email protected] or call 401-847-8720 x208.
Summer Reading Raffles
Weekly Raffles will be drawn each Monday during the course of the program. Participants will gain one entry into the Weekly Raffle for each review submitted during the previous week. Winners will be notified via email or phone call.
The Grand Prize Raffle winner and two runners-up will be drawn the week of Aug. 12.
Grand Prize: A $75.00 gift card to Aquidneck Growers Market.
Two (2) Grand Prize Runners-Up: A $50.00 gift card to Aquidneck Growers Market.
Weekly Prize: A voucher to the Friends Bookstore.
Prizes must be picked up physically at the Library and cannot be mailed or delivered.
Middletown Public Library
The Summer Reading Program for children and teens is underway at the Middletown Public Library, 700 West Main Road. Visit the Youth Services Department to register and receive your reading log, bingo chart and prize! Then keep reading, complete challenges and earn raffle tickets.
No registration is required.
Portsmouth Public Library
Join the Portsmouth Free Public Library this summer for "READ, RENEW, REPEAT"! Dive into a season filled with exhilarating books, captivating events, and fantastic raffles. Whether you're a voracious reader or just looking for summer fun, our program inspires you to READ, RENEW, REPEAT.
Participate in reading challenges by picking up a reading log book and gaining tickets for raffle prizes through the summer. Don't miss the chance to explore new genres, discover your favorite authors, and repeat the joy of reading. It's the perfect way to make your summer memorable. Sign up today and let your reading adventure begin!
Sign-up at the Children's Library circulation desk for our exciting Summer Reading Program, "READ, RENEW, REPEAT, can continue through the end of the program on Aug. 16. Don't miss out on the fun and adventure this summer!
Program Details:
The program is divided into two grade groups based on the 2024-2025 school year:
Pre-K to 2nd Grade:
To complete the program, children must fill in at least 25 circles on their reading log sheet.
3rd to 5th Grade:
To complete the program, children must read at least 5 books and log them.
Completion Requirements:
Pre-K to 2nd Grade: At least half completed (25 circles filled or more)
3rd to 5th Grade: At least half completed (5 books read or more)
Get ready to READ, RENEW, REPEAT this summer! Happy reading, everyone!
For a schedule of related events, visit: https://www.portsmouthlibrary.org/slider/schedule
Teen Summer Reading
Visit the Teen Space this summer to register for our programs, pick up your activity tracker, and scout out our raffle baskets. Plus, each week through Aug. 5 there will be a different Take & Make to try.
Registration runs all summer long. Once you've signed up at the desk, every teen and tween gets a gift bag to start their summer off with the Right Stuff.
How it Works:
Register your Name & Contact Info at the Reference Desk
Using the Bingo Sheet we provide, complete 1 row, 1 column, OR 1 diagonal to earn 5 raffle tickets.
Turn in your completed booklet by 8/16 to receive & enter your raffle tickets
Books can be read or listened to - both count
Want even more tickets? Do the extra activities inside your booklet or complete a second bingo sheet
You must complete and turn in your bingo sheet to qualify for the raffle basket drawing Books read in June count, even if you didn’t sign up until July or August
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Summer reading programs offered by libraries in Newport, Portsmouth
