Imagine Your Summer

School may be over, but your favorite summer activity is about to begin! We are so excited for you and your family to Explore Summer Reading, opens a new window, which kicks off June 1 and runs through July 31.

We’ve adapted most of our programs, activities, and prizes to a virtual format so that you can customize your own magical journey. This year’s theme, “Imagine Your Story,” reinforces that this summer is yours to craft with dozens of creative opportunities. Based on your feedback, we added more creative and exciting ways to participate.

“When we went into this year, we asked our patrons to tell us what they would want Summer Reading to look like, and a very common theme that came out of that was people wanted it to be more than just reading,” Program Coordinator Marcy James said. “Libraries have evolved. We’re not just a collection of books, but we have downloadable e-books, audio books, magazine and movies. There are digital resources where you can research anything from buying the best laptop to crafting or even learn a new language. We help people learn about anything and everything that they’re passionate about. We want Explore Summer Reading to reflect how people use the library in their own lives.”

We know you’re eagerly creating your book list right now, but in addition to reading, qualifying activities will include learning through music, film, and art. You can also get points for engaging with family members and participating in virtual activities hosted by the Library. Your ability to learn and find new, fun ways to earn points is limited only by your imagination.

Summer reading fun isn’t just for kids, either. “We’re one of the few libraries to offer an adult summer reading program,” James said. “This program is for everyone. Adults modeling reading for their children is really important to early literacy, so we like that this has become a family activity, Keeping your mind active is just as important to adults and seniors and this is a fun way to do that.”

The feeling of finishing a good book is sometimes reward enough, but we’re sweetening the deal with great prizes. They will vary by age group, but all Summer Reading participants will receive a small entrée from Noodles & Company just for signing up. Everyone will have an opportunity to earn up to three prizes, which include free books, journals, and seed paper bookmarks. Due to current circumstances, the timeline of the delivery of prizes may shift.

“We already have all the prizes and we want to get them into people’s hands,” James said. “Some things are still up in the air, but you will get your prizes.”

And we can’t forget about our furry friends. Another reward for participating in Explore Summer Reading is the chance to help the Foothills Animal Shelter. With every 5,000 people who register for Summer Reading, the Shelter receives increments of $100 awards up to $500. Participate in Summer Reading and be a hero to the 12,000 cats, dogs and other animals they care for each year!

Beyond the benefits of keeping your mind active over the summer, the Library is offering students of Jefferson County Public Schools who participate in Summer Reading the chance to win $800 for their school. To win, schools in each category need to have the highest percentage of finishers. So, hit the e-books and activities and take pride in contributing to your school.

We can’t wait for you to join us in this year’s Summer Reading adventure! You’ll need to register for Summer Reading, opens a new window in order to participate, so check out our website, opens a new window to sign up. You can also download the Explore Summer Reading online app, opens a new window to track your progress and view the list of activities that can earn you points. You are also welcome to print the tracker, opens a new window at home to color and track your Summer Reading adventure.

Find more information about the Explore Summer Reading program and view our list of FAQs at jeffcolibrary.org/summer-reading/, opens a new window.

Take this opportunity to be the hero of your summer and Imagine Your Story!

Special thanks to our sponsors and partners for their support of Summer Reading:

-       Jefferson County Library Foundation

-       Denver Botanic Gardens

-       Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

-       ENT Credit Union

-       Kettering Family Foundation

-       Lakeside Amusement Park

-       Noodles & Company