Summer Reading Fun for All Ages

Thanks for a great summer of reading, activities, and prizes in 2025! Stay tuned for programs in summer 2026.

Kids show off their summer reading beads and necklaces.

Kids

Ages 2–rising 6th graders

We were amazed by the enthusiasm and participation in the kids summer reading program!

We heard from many caregivers that it’s a great motivator for their kids to keep reading and resist the skill loss that is often seen over the summer.

By the numbers:

  • 27,000 beads awarded (7,000 more beads than in the past couple years)
  • 2,260 kids registered (a nearly 20% increase from last year)
  • 29,767 hours read (8,000 more hours than in 2024)
Kids and families involved in Mural Makers group pose next to the mural they created.

Middle & high schoolers

Rising grades 6–12

Cheers to our Mural Makers team of middle and high school students!

Throughout summer, they conceptualized, drew, and painted together, producing a work of art in the Main Library High School Space that will last many seasons.

The mural features the words accessfreedom, and creativity—which the group said sums up what the library means to them.

Three adults read books on a park bench on a sunny day.

Adults

Ages 18+

Adults got to read, do activities and earn badges, and win prizes too.

By the numbers:

  • 391 adults signed up for the program
  • They completed 933 activities
  • They logged 6,300 hours of reading

Participants were randomly selected to win gift cards to the OPRF Chamber of Commerce, good at a variety of local businesses, or to the Oak Park Public Library Store to show their library pride!