As the school year comes to a close, parents may have concerns about how to keep their children engaged and learning during the summer months. One great option is to participate in the Pekin Public Library’s free Summer Adventure, a reading incentive program that can help children develop a love of books and improve their literacy skills.

This year’s theme is ‘Level Up at Your Library,’ a gaming theme sure to please all ages!  Children and Teens will receive a reading game board to keep track of their reading from May 31–July 31, 2025. New this year, we are encouraging participants to read at their own pace!  Kids read at different levels, so we are not requiring a certain number of books to complete the program, because that can be overwhelming or intimidating for some readers. We just want to encourage kids to read most days during the summer for the amount of time that works best for them. 

When kids pick up their reading game board, they will be given a starter pack of dragon cards (similar to Pokémon cards). After every five days of reading, kids can visit the library for a special ‘dragon’ card to add to their collection. At the end of 8 weeks, those readers who complete the program (by reading 40 days this summer) will receive a prize pack with their full set of game cards, as well as a ticket to our private Dragonland Party and to the Grand Prize Drawings. We have a vast assortment of prizes this year, including LEGOS, a scooter, a mini fridge, Melissa and Doug toys, and more!

The fun officially begins with a Candyland-themed kickoff party at the library on Saturday, May 31, from 10am–1pm. Families can pick up their reading game boards and enjoy free activities such as balloon animals, a bouncy house, games, and meet gaming characters Mario and Sonic! Adults will also enjoy the fun with a reading game board just for them!

“These programs are a great way to keep kids engaged and excited about reading during the summer months,” said Catrina Klassen, the Pekin Public Library’s Youth Services Librarian. “They provide a fun and interactive way for children to develop their literacy skills and discover new books and authors.”

The library’s summer adventure also offers tons of free activities and special events all summer, such as story times for all ages, interactive play areas, a LEGO club, and crafts. A Foam Party, Dinosaur Program, Yo-Yo Performer, and Barnyard Discoveries are just a few of the special events planned. These events can be a great way to get kids excited about reading and learning and to connect with other families in the community. A full list of events can be found on the library’s online calendar at www.pekinpubliclibrary.org.

Another new addition to this year’s adventure is a friendly reading competition between schools!  When your reader picks up their reading game board, they can put their name up on our Pekin school bulletin board display under their school name. At the end of the summer, the school with the highest percentage of readers who successfully complete the program will be awarded a trophy presented by a special guest when they return to school!

In addition to providing a fun and engaging pastime, summer reading programs have been shown to have numerous benefits for children’s academic success. Studies have shown that children participating in such programs are more likely to maintain their reading skills over the summer and perform better academically when they return to school in the fall.

“Summer reading programs are a win-win for parents and kids,” said Klassen. “They provide a fun and enriching activity for children during the summer months and help prepare them for a successful academic year ahead.”  Klassen noted that all children, ages birth to 18, can get a free library card if they live in the Pekin area.

So, if you’re looking to keep your kids engaged and learning this summer, consider making the Pekin Public Library a regular stop! By participating in our free summer reading program and making reading a part of your child’s daily routine, you can help your child maintain their reading skills over the summer and prepare them for a successful academic year. It’s a great way to encourage a love of books and learning, and to make the most of the summer months!