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Wichita Public Library Begins Summer Reading Program Early

Evan Pflugradt
/
KMUW/File photo
Children and teens participating in the Summer Reading Program will work toward a goal of 1,000 minutes of reading before July 23.

The Wichita Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is beginning a month early this year to give children and teens a way to continue learning at home. 

 

“We know that they need some sort of extracurricular activity to keep their minds busy, so we decided to start our Summer Reading Program early this year to accommodate that,” said Sean Jones, communications specialist at the library. “We just want them to have other options for recreational activities.”

 

The theme of this year’s program is “150 Years of Stories” to celebrate Wichita’s 150th birthday.

 

Young people participating in the program will be encouraged to reach a goal of 1,000 minutes of reading this summer — about 16 hours — or 20 minutes a day. Jones said this year’s goal is heftier than normal because the program will not include as many events and other activities due to the pandemic.

 

Even though the library is closed right now, young readers and parents can access e-books and audiobooks through the library's website. All books, magazines and comic books count toward the goal.

 

More than 10,000 children and teens in the Wichita area participate in the free reading program each year. Children zero to 2 years old can be registered for the “Baby Bookworms” program, and ages three to 17 fall under “Kids and Teens Read.” 

 

The program ends July 23. Registration will continue through that date to allow as many children as possible to participate.

 

More information about the program can be found on the library's summer reading website.