This summer’s program at the Chicago Public Library is all about learning new ways to play as well as learn.
From June 24 to August 17, kids 0-13 years old are invited to play in all kinds of ways, at the library and on their own, as an Explorer at Play. Library locations around the city will offer hundreds of family programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities, live music, circus workshops, and story times, as well as new books to keep kids’ brains active and avoid the “summer slump” in reading.
Young readers can register at any library location or print out their own reading and activity log. To complete the challenge, students need to:
- Read 500 minutes or more over the summer. Read books, magazines, comics, e-books, audiobooks, or anything else for at least 20 minutes a day. All reading counts!
- Complete at least one hands-on activity. Attend a library program, try a Museum of Science and Industry Brain Game or other STEAM activity, visit a museum or zoo, or explore something new.
- Make at least one creation. Make art, write a story, or design something new.
- Share what you read and learn to earn your book bag. Young readers can keep coming back for chances to win prizes.
All kids 0 to 5 who register for the Summer Learning Challenge will receive a free book from KPMG (while supplies last). All kids can enter weekly giveaways to win books or other prizes.
Parents and caregivers who read, discover, and create along with their children receive a small prize (while supplies last) and will have a chance to win a tech package.
Learn more about the Chicago Public Library’s Summer Learning Challenge, including the groups that sponsor the program, at this link.
Teenagers have their own program starting June 24 that is planned and aimed just for them: “We Are Chicago.” There are events for teens at Chicago Public Library branches all summer long, including a photo workshop and an audio and sound workshop.
As part of We Are Chicago, teens will have a chance to track all they make, do, and read over the summer, while playing a Bingo game and entering citywide raffles for prizes for every five completed squares. Teens can explore how teen spaces at CPL are designed for them to hang out and make friends, game, record videos, mess around making art, geek out using a microscope, or even drop a mixtape.
Library staff members also have developed a list of books especially for teenagers. Teens and families can find out more at this link.
