Indianapolis Public Library Kicks off 2021 Summer Reading Program
The Indianapolis Public Library is excited to launch the 2021 Summer Reading Program, taking place June 7 to July 31. This year's theme, “Discover,” encourages participants to learn more about the world around them through reading and exploration.
Children’s Summer Reading Program:
During the Children’s Summer Reading Program, kids and teens earn prizes through reading and bonus activities that stop the summer slide by encouraging continued learning when children are away from school.
Participants may read any book, graphic novel, magazine, e-book, or newspaper, including books they own and books borrowed from The Library. Time spent reading, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone, or being read to can be tracked in the Beanstack Tracker app available for iOS and Android, or online at indypl.beanstack.org. Those who prefer to track their reading activity on paper may call or visit their local branch to register, report, and redeem prizes.
Prizes are earned at milestones of reading for 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours, and include toys, Indy Parks pool passes, earbuds, and vouchers for Eiteljorg admission or an Indianapolis Indians game. Young people can earn a mystery bag full of goodies by completing bonus activities such as taking a nature walk or playing a new sport. Kids and teens have until August 7 to redeem prizes.
Related programs, story times, and workshops will take place throughout the summer including animal meet and greets, kids trivia, and junior chef classes. Visit our events calendar for updates.
Adult Summer Reading Program:
Summer reading programs are not just for kids! Our Adult Summer Reading Program participants earn prizes by completing activities in three categories: Discover Outside, Discover You, and Discover Something New. Activities include listening to an audiobook, looking into The Library's genealogy resources, trying a local restaurant, or diving into a page-turning science fiction or fantasy title. Participants may redeem prizes at their local branch or enter drawings for gifts such as a $50 Meijer Gift Card or a Ghost Tour at Central Library. In addition, The Library will have related events and workshops for adults.
Additional Information:
The Summer Reading Program is presented by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Major sponsors include The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund; Indianapolis Indians; Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, and Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer. Supporting sponsors are BKD CPAs & Advisors; Citizens Energy Group; CollegeChoice CD 529 Savings Plan; Indiana Pacers; Indianapolis Colts; Indy Eleven; Louise Lage Kirtland and Hugh C. Kirtland Endowment Fund, a fund of The Indianapolis Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; Meijer; Office of Lawrence Township Trustee Steve Talley; OneAmerica®, G. Marlyne Sexton; The Swisher Foundation, Inc., in memory of Glenn M. Swisher.
In 2020, children and families enrolled in the Summer Reading Program read for more than five million minutes. Learn more about the youth and adult programs at indypl.org/srp, or click here to register.