Kids Summer Challenge

Enjoy summer with reading, learning and family fun!

During the summer, help your child stay motivated to read and learn with the Library. Incorporate reading for just 20 minutes a day into your family’s routine to help ensure your child returns to school in the fall ready to learn! Summer is also a great time to show your child the joy of reading, helping them grow as life-long learners.

Read20 All Summer Long

This summer the library challenges you to #Read20 for a chance to win fun prizes sponsored by the DC Public Library Foundation.

June Prize: A new book of your choice.
July Prize: A chance to win a $25 Gift Card to Politics and Prose
August Grand Prize: A chance to win a $50 Gift Card to Labyrinth Game Shop

Click here to get started by registering for the 2021 Summer Challenge.

Super Readers (Children 6-12)

Children 6-12 who log reading for 10 hours in August will be entered into a raffle for a chance to a $25 gift card to library partner Politics and Prose sponsored by the DC Public Library Foundation. Click here to get started by registering for the 2021 Summer Challenge.

Read, Listen, Watch and Learn

The library has exciting reads for every age and every interest that you can check out from your neighborhood library or access on a mobile device or computer.

The Library’s Books For Kids page lets you browse some of our most recommended titles by age and grade range to find great books for your child.
Download our eBooks and Audiobooks for your child before a road trip and kiss the phrase “Are we there yet?” goodbye!
Bring your child’s favorite stories to life with our Video Story Books.
What are the Washington Wizards Reading? Find out and join them in fun family reading time with the Washington Wizards Book of the Month!
Excited that baseball season is back? So are we! Check out great Baseball Reads for Preschool Children and Families.

DC Public Schools Library Program Summer Reading List for Pre-K - 5th Grade

This summer your student may be participating in a number of learning activities through school, summer camp and at home! The Library is here to support your family as you pursue summer learning. With Brainfuse HelpNow, your child has access to live tutoring in English and Spanish from 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. each day. Tutors can help your child in many core subjects, including math, science and English language arts. In addition, students may submit papers to HelpNow’s Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate with peers in virtual study spaces. Learn more about HelpNow and other learning resources at the Library’s Homework Help for Kids page. Don’t forget, using Library resources counts toward your #Read20 so make sure you log your tutoring time!

Boost Reading Skills with Team DC Reads!

Participating DC Public School and DC Public Charter School students (rising 2-5 grade students) can boost their reading skills while reading fun stories with Amira Learning! Amira Learning provides students with real-time reading support as they read stories out loud. From June 24 to Aug. 30, students are encouraged to read at least 3 stories a day, 3 times per week with Amira. Amira Learning will be made available on school-provided devices and students are invited to bring them to their neighborhood library for reading practice! Reading with Amira Learning counts toward your #Read20 so make sure you log your reading time!

The Library is hosting virtual events throughout the summer with your family’s favorite performers and activities. See what is coming up online!

Virtual Story Time
Three toddlers watching a show on an ipad Weekdays, 10:30 a.m. | Virtual Story Time

Baby Yoga
Dad doing yoga with a baby Every Other Thursday at 1 p.m. | Baby Yoga

123 Andrés
123 Andres and Christina Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. | Music, Movement and Feelings with 123 Andrés and Special Guest Mark Wong

Uncle Devin
Uncle Devin sitting while playing two Bongos Tuesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. | The Uncle Devin Show

Click here to return to the Summer Challenge home page.