IndyPL's Summer Reading Program Underway

The Indianapolis Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off Monday, June 5 and runs through July 29.

This year’s theme is Read it & Eat.  

“It shines a light on the issue of hunger in Marion County," says Program Manager Melanie Wissel. "In addition to the regular reading related activities, participants can opt to earn points by bringing a canned item to any of the branches, and by donating a canned item they can earn 20 points and help feed hungry Hoosiers and help Gleaners [Food Bank of Indiana] do their job,” 

Wissel says the reading program is open to adults too, but children especially benefit from reading during the summer months.

“Teachers talk about the effects of summer reading loss and kids and students can lose up to two months of their reading skills," Wissel says, "and by participating in a summer reading program is an important way to keep that momentum going to maintain and even improve your reading skills.”

Registration is open at any library branch.  After receiving a points card, participants can earn points for their reading activity to be exchanged for free prizes, thanks to the support of the community.

“As always it takes a village to raise readers, so we have some great businesses and community partners that are offering us in kind prizes this year. The  Eiteljorg Museum, Indy Parks, we have Indianapolis Indians,  Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Symphony on the Prairie,  just to mention a few,” says Wissel.

Registered summer readers will be eligible for a drawing to win an Indianapolis Colts VIP 4-Pack of tickets with pregame sideline passes to a Colts home game. One winner at each of the Library’s 24 locations will receive one pair of Colts tickets at separate branch drawings. Participants can also win one of two college savings accounts worth $529 from CollegeChoice CD.

Summer reading achievement will be celebrated during Library Night at Victory Field on Monday, July 24 at 7 p.m.  

Nearly one million books were read by 50,457 children and families during the 2016 Summer Reading Program. 

For more information call 317-275-4099 or visit indypl.org.indypl.org.