The Summer Reading Club is a fun program that encourages kids to read over the summer so they hold onto their learning from the school year. It is run throughout the Province of British Columbia with a new theme each year, and each local library puts on their own unique twist during July and August!
The 2024 theme is "World of Curiosities."
The Penticton Public Library offers this free program each summer to kids aged 5-12. Kids can pick up a reading record and set their own reading goals, collecting stickers as they do home reading through the summer. It's not a reading contest - the focus is not on reading as many books as they can or what somebody else tells them to read. Instead, they read whatever they like - just for fun!
We also offer drop-in Summer Reading Club programs in the Library Auditorium each week, and summer visitors are welcome to attend. Programs feature storytelling, crafts, games, guests, puppet shows, prize draws, and a party to celebrate at summer's end with cake, medals, prizes, and more. It's a lot of fun, and we hope to see you there!
If you are interested in online activities provided by the British Columbia Summer Reading Club website, and to register for their online tracker and activities (which are separate from those at the Penticton Public Library), please visit: https://bcsrc.ca/
Summer Reading Club is open to kids aged 5-12 and is completely free to attend! While we also welcome younger siblings of attendees, please note that the content (crafts, stories, and games) has been created for its intended age group.
No library card is required to attend, and we welcome locals and visitors alike!
This year we are able to offer 3 in-person weekly programs from 2:00 - 3:30 pm for several age groups:
Tuesdays: Ages 8-12
Wednesdays: Ages 5-12
Thursdays: Ages 5-8
Summer Reading Club will run from Wednesday, July 3 to Wednesday, August 14. There is an in-person or at-home version, so families and children can decide if they want to participate in one or the other, or a combination of the two.
Our in-person programs are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:30 pm
No programs on August 6-8 - but you can join us at Peach Fest KidsZone at Gyro Park each morning!
Our wrap party will be on Wednesday, August 14 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.
To participate in in-person programs, we require a media/general release form be signed by a parent or caregiver on behalf of all attendees. These can be filled out at the start of the program.
To sign up for a take-home welcome kit which includes the reading record click the sign up button below.
This year we have a selection of awesome prizes ranging from posters to books to gift cards and more! As we strive to support local businesses, there may be gift cards from a selection of places like:
- The Dragons Den
- Sirius Science and Nature
- Coles Bookstore
Please note: while anyone is welcome to attend our drop-in programs, the Penticton Public Library is not able to mail prizes to any winners who are from out of town. Prizes must also be picked up by September 30, 2023.
Coming soon!