Summer Reading Programs & Free Storytimes

By Katie M

Next time your kid says he has nothing to do or read this summer, keep a printed copy of this blog close by! Summer reading programs are in full swing all over the Triad, and lots of them offer opportunities for your child to win prizes and free books! Beyond these programs, there are a number of ways you can continue to keep those reading skills fresh and sharp. We recently ran a great post - written by a local educator - on this very topic. So, sorry kids. There really are no excuses!

Below you'll find links and information to a variety of places offering summer reading programs and story times. If you know of other places, please add them in the comment section below. One of the best places to start is your local library. All Triad public libraries are running "Make A Splash at Your Library...Read." Some of these summer reading programs have already started (and it's not too late to participate), while others are just getting started.

Keep reading to get all the scoop!

"Make A Splash at Your Library...Read."
Offered at every local Triad public library branch. Here's how they work:

1. Go to any public library branch and have your child pick up a reading record to keep track of the time they spend reading or are read to.
2. After reading for a certain number of hours, your child can place his/her name in a drawing to win a prize. (The Winston-Salem Forsyth County libraries are offering $25 gift cards to Barnes & Noble, for example).
3. Most libraries continue to offer prizes and recognition for achieving hours beyond this first round.

For more information on these programs, visit:

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Libraries
This link will also give you a calendar of storytimes at library branches, plus other fun activities. Additionally, summer reading club participants are invited to swim for FREE at any City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks pools during the month of July with an adult's paid admission. Just show your library card!

Greensboro Public Libraries
This link offers other fun ideas for kids this summer including matinees, storytimes, and activities for all ages (toddlers - teens).

High Point Public Libary
This link also offers times and locations for storytimes, crafts, book clubs and special programs.

Also in Winston-Salem, "mini libraries" have been set up by the main public library to help promote its summer reading program. These include:

Salvation Army Boys’ & Girls’ Club
Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday participate in storysharing, arts, crafts, and D.E.A.R. TIME. The Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program will begin at the Salvation Army Boys‘ and Girls‘ Club Monday, June 14th ending July 30th, 2010.

YWCA Best Choice Center
Each Tuesday and Thursday participate in storysharing, arts, crafts, D.E.A.R. TIME and related activities at the YWCA Best Choice Center. The Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) Summer Reading Program (SRP) will begin at the YWCA Best Choice Center Tuesday, June 14 through July 30th, 2010.

And beyond the library, you can find great summer storytimes, contests and programs at the following locations:

Barnes & Noble

Borders Double Dog Dare
For kids ages 12 and under. Read 10 books and get one free.

Chick-fil-A
Peacehaven Road, Winston-Salem
Every Thursday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am is storytime for preschool children. They offer free coffee to moms while your children sit on a special rolled-out carpet filled with pillows and props.

Barnhill's
811 Burke Street, Winston-Salem
Children's storytime every Saturday at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.

Where else can we keep our kids reading this summer?

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM