Participants Logged More Than 21 Million Minutes of Reading During the Indianapolis Public Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program
More than 26,140 kids, teens, and adults took part in The Indianapolis Public Library’s 105th Summer Reading Program, which ended on July 31. Readers devoted 21,901,629 minutes to reading while earning prizes generously donated by community sponsors, far surpassing our goal of 18 million minutes read.
Throughout the Summer Reading Program, kids and families dropped off new and gently used books at book donation bins at each Library location. This allowed participants to give back to the community by donating more than 2,100 books to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
"The Summer Reading Program motivates children to keep up their reading and learning throughout the summer," said Devery North, program specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library. "Engaging activities like live animal shows and art workshops drew kids to our libraries, ensuring they stayed connected with reading all season. Our programs encourage participants to delve into new interests and forge new friendships, fostering habits of lifelong learning."
A total of 22,755 kids participated in the 2024 Summer Reading Program. For the fourth consecutive year, kids kept track of the amount of time spent reading instead of the number of books read. This allowed participants of all reading levels to have an equal opportunity to earn prizes such as tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game, free pizza from Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, passes to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis haunted house, Eiteljorg Museum passes, Indiana State Museum and Historic Site passes, and, of course, books. Prizes were earned at milestones of reading for 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours. Participants were entered into drawings for grand prizes including Indiana529 Direct Savings Plans. This year, The Indianapolis Public Library introduced an Early Literacy Tracker that allowed families with children ages 0-5 to count any time spent reading, writing, singing, playing, and talking with their child toward their summer reading goal. In addition, more than 8,400 kids attended free summer reading programs such as Paws for a Cause or animal shows with Silly Safaris. The Library donated more than 280 tug toys and blankets to IndyHumane. These gifts were made by patrons at our Paws for a Cause programs this summer.
A total of 3,392 adults took part in Adult Summer Reading, where they completed reading challenges, tracked activities, and earned prizes. In addition, more than 2,000 adults took part in programs such as coffee brewing 101 with the Indianapolis Coffee Guide, gardening classes, and gaming programs.
"We deeply appreciate the donors who have made The Library’s summer reading programs for both youth and adults a reality," said Roberta Knickerbocker Jaggers, president of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. "None of this free programming would be possible without our donors. Their support has helped unite the community and cultivate a love of reading across all ages."
Children's programming at The Library is presented by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Major Sponsors include 92.3 WTTS, Everwise Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund, Dr. Sherri Lauver and Dr. Kevin Biglan, Lilly Endowment Inc., Live Nation, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, PNC Foundation, Dr. Betty Routledge, Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer, and G. Marlyne Sexton. Supporting Sponsors include Indiana529 Savings Plan, Citizens Energy Group, Corteva Agriscience, FORVIS, Indianapolis Indians Charities, Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc., Office of the Lawrence Township Trustee Steve Talley, and OneAmerica®.
Media Contact: Keshia McEntire, Public Relations Manager, kmcentire@indypl.org