How do I register?

You can register online, by phone, or in person. The first 25 patrons under 18 to register in person on Saturday, June 3 (we will be open 9 - 3 pm) will receive a prize bag. All registrants will receive a new book! If you register online or by phone, stop in anytime to choose your book or pick it up during one of the regular programs.

How does summer programming work?

Throughout the summer we have a number of special programs planned that can be attended by anyone! (Please see the Special Programs tab).

We also have weekly programs for patrons under 18. To allow us to prepare materials, we ask that you register for Summer Reading  by coming in to the library beginning June 3 during Friends & Neighbors Day. That day, each registrant under 18 will receive a gift bag (while supplies last), a book of their choosing (including new board books, picture books, easy readers, junior fiction, and young adult titles for teens), and an activity tracker/punch card. We have three groups this year divided by age - 1. PK - is for students ages 0 - 5 (this group is intended for students not yet in school), 2. K - 5 This group is for students ages 5 - 10 who have been or will be attending school this year. 3. Tweens and Teens - students 6th - 12th grade. These groups are guidelines and parents will determine which group is most appropriate for their child.

Each group has different age appropriate challenges and guidelines. Each week participants may bring in their tracker to be punched to indicate 5 activities have been completed. Punches can be earned all summer long, June 3 - August 4.This year we are doing something special. Since we are learning about community, we are hoping to make a significant donation of food to our food pantry. When you have completed 5 activities you may bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to our food pantry. Let's see how fast we can build a tower of food!!

Participants are eligible to receive a prize for making consistent effort to complete weekly challenges (complete 5 activities as outlined in program guide). PK and k- 5 students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of prizes to be displayed the first week in June. older students will receive gift cards and/or a book and be eligible for a drawing for one of three prizes: a book of choice ( up to $30), a $50 gift card to a local business, or a private pizza party at the library for up to 10 guests. Incentives will be awarded the last week in July to each age group.

You do not have to attend all activities/events to complete the challenges. Register for Summer Reading and attend programs/activities when you can - the purpose is to promote reading, learning, creating,  exploring and connecting with each other.

Everyone, everywhere is welcome to participate

Challenge your cousin, friends, neighbors, parents, grandparents....everyone no matter where they live, or what their age is to join! Sign up anytime this summer and pick up prizes when you’re able to come into the library.

• Keep track of your reading time on your activity tracker
• Reading isn’t the only way to learn and have fun—we have a ton of activities to choose from to earn punches, too. For example you may make art, move your body, listen to music, explore the world, or do a little science 
• You may also earn punches by attending events and/or weekly programs
• You will get a punch on your card for every 5 activities you complete
• PK - 5 each week you complete the challenge, you can stop in for a small prize

During the last week of the Summer Reading Program (July 31 (PK) or August 2 (k-12)), you can redeem your punch card for a prize! Pk - 5 will be able to view and choose their top 3 prize choices the first week in June. We will make every effort for every child to get their first or second choice prize. Grades 6-12 will earn a gift card to a community business and be able to enter in a drawing (the more challenges you complete, the more entries you can place) for a private party at the library, a book of choice ($25 or less), or a $50 gift card to a local business.

Please note the prizes are all about community too - keep Woodward healthy by supporting our local businesses!

What happens if I am not able to be at the library on prize day?

If you can't make it to the library, don't worry - just keep reading and learning! Bring in your card and stop into the library to pick up prizes when it’s convenient for you. We will hold the prizes for completed challenges through September 1, 2023.

What happens if I lose my punch card?

If you lose your card or it gets ruined, don't worry! We will have extra punch cards at the library. It is however, up to you to remember the number of punches you've received and to be honest about which and how many punches you have earned. After all, the Summer Program isn't about the prizes (although they are pretty awesome), it is about the things you will learn and the fun you will have reading and trying new activities.

What can I read, listen to, watch & do?

• You can read whatever you like—chapter books, graphic novels, the newspaper, e-books—or listen to audiobooks and podcasts or someone else reading aloud to you.
• You can read to yourself, a friend, the dog or cat, parent - any reading counts!
• Your book does not have to be in English. It doesn’t have to come from the library. All reading is good reading. 
• You may also work on hobbies, activities, attend community events or a wide range of other activities that may help you "Find Your Voice!" 

Why should I and/or my child participate?

Research has shown that kids who read over the summer keep their skills sharp and are better prepared for school in the fall, while recent research adds that kids who choose their own summer reading books lose even fewer skills over the summer. That makes summer the perfect time to help kids develop their own preferences and explore new and familiar genres at their own pace. When kids love what they read, they’ll love reading—now and in the future.