The Chicago Public Library summer reading program is asking young readers to become Super Explorers to stop Dr. Brain-Drain at libraries throughout the city.
Children up to age 13 can register for the CPL Summer Learning Challenge at any library starting June 19. There are four components to the program, which runs through Sept. 1:
- Read 500 minutes or more over the summer. That’s at least 20 minutes per day and can take the form of books, magazines, comics, eBooks, and audiobooks.
- Complete at least one hands-on activity. All summer long, local libraries will offer family events, art projects, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities.
- Create something. Write a story, try a new recipe, design something, or create a piece of art that’s all your own.
- Share what you’ve done at the library to earn your own book bag. The more you read and the more you return to the library, the more prizes you can win.
The CPL website has more details about the “Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge,” including lists of suggested books about superheroes for different age levels. Superheroes aren’t just limited to those we read about or watch on the movie screen from DC and Marvel comics.
Children up to age 5 who register for the Summer Learning Challenge will receive a free book donated by KPMG while supplies last. School-age students can enter the Super Origins contest to win an entire bag of books. All kids can enter weekly book giveaways and, with donations from Allstate, may even win a backpack of books and STEM activities.
Museums in Chicago also will have days of free admission throughout the summer. The full list is available here.
The Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge is in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Bernie’s Book Bank. Support also comes from The James and Madeleine McMullan Foundation, Allstate, Boeing, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Helen M. Harrison Foundation, KPMG, William Blair, Macy’s, RR Donnelley, Cubs Cares (a fund of the McCormick Foundation), and PNC Bank.
