Summer reading guide: Programs for foothill families

Another school year has come to an end and we are looking forward to a slower-paced summer. Although kids may not have to be back in the classroom for a while, summer is an excellent time to celebrate language and literacy. It's time to explore the many summer reading programs available to kids in the foothill region! Encouraging kids to read while school is out is crucial in helping them avoid the "summer slide" and keep their minds active during the break. The Folsom Library is hosting a 5 Book Challenge with a free book reward and $100 gift card drawing. Visit library.folsom.ca.us for more information. The Sacramento County Library is hosting a community-wide summer reading challenge where youth who read 5 books earn a free book, adults who read 5 books get a free book coupon, enamel pin or tote bag, and readers of all ages who read 25 books receive a Summer Reading medal. Visit saclibrary.org/Event/Special-Events/Summer-Reading for information. The El Dorado County Library is hosting "Level Up at Your Library - Summer Reading Challenge 2025" with events at multiple locations, including El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park. Visit eldoradolibrary.org for information. Placer County Library's "Level Up" Summer Reading Program lets you log reading time, complete challenges, attend events and earn tickets for Library Arcade rewards, with weekly Library Side Quests and special programs featuring puppets, science, art projects and animals at Auburn, Foresthill, Granite Bay, Kings Beach, Tahoe City and other locations. Visit placer.ca.gov/8986/Library for information. Barnes & Noble's summer reading program challenges students in grades 1-6 to read eight books and complete a journal. Visit barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/ for information. Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! "Summer of Stories" program for Pre-K through sixth-grade students offers up to three free personal pan pizzas (one per month from June through August). Visit bookitprogram.com for information. Panda Express' "Read With Me" program for Pre-K through fifth-grade students offers a free Kids Meal. Visit community.pandaexpress.com/read-with-me for information. The California State Fair's Read to Ride program rewards students in grades TK-8 with two free rides and a monorail ticket (a $15 value) for reading two books and writing summaries, which can be redeemed any day of the fair at Guest Services. Visit calexpostatefair.com/participate/read-ride-program/ for information. The New York Times hosts a 10-week writing contest for teens starting in June, where participants read free teen-friendly content and respond to "What got your attention in The Times this week?" with winning entries published on The Learning Network. Visit their website for specific rules and tips for creating winning entries. Visit nytimes.com/2025/03/10/learning/our-16th-annual-summer-reading-contest for information. Mensa for Kids' Excellence in Reading Program offers a year-round challenge based on the National Endowment for the Humanities' reading list, where kids can earn a certificate and T-shirt upon completion by printing age-appropriate book lists, tracking their reading with dates and ratings, and submitting the completed form signed by both reader and adult. Visit the Mensa Foundation website for information. Visit mensaforkids.org/achieve/excellence-in-reading for information. Scholastic Summer Reading on Home Base offers a free digital reading challenge from May 9 through Sept. 12, where kids can log reading time to unlock online stories and earn virtual rewards. Kids can read any book and download progress reports, with longer reading streaks earning more digital experiences. Visit scholastic.com/site/summer-reading.html for information. And here's a little extra … - Try audiobooks! These are great for summer road trips, too.- Join the kids! Kids love to compete with their parents. Public libraries often offer an adult reading program as well as family programs.- Offer family rewards for hitting reading goals: Pick out a new book, go on an adventure together, serve a snack that reminds them of their favorite book, or watch a movie version of a book they read.- Check Pinterest or Instagram for book lists and suggestions. Follow your kids' interests or even introduce them to new topics. Discovering family-friendly destinations and adventures beyond our backyard. And if you know of any other summer reading programs, please email me jessicah@goldcountrymedia.com.