Fairfax County Summer Reading Program Starts

Register . . . read enough books . . . get free ice cream!

Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs June 21 to Sept. 3. Students can register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library or in branches beginning June 21.

To complete the program and earn a coupon book with great prizes, preschoolers through sixth graders read 15 books (kids can have books read to them), and students entering grades 7-12 read eight books. Participants who read the required number of books by September 3 will receive the booklet filled with coupons from local merchants and organizations. Kids can read any books they choose; reading suggestions can be found on the library’s website.

In addition to encouraging children to read throughout the summer, the Summer Reading Program offers fun activities for every age group. Some of the activities include forensic mysteries; wacky scientists; magicians and puppet shows; pranks, tricks and stunts; beadwork and jewelry making; spycraft; yoga; book clubs and more. Families can browse online for event details or pick up a copy of the library’s newsletter This Month at any Fairfax County Public Library branch.

The programs are free but fill up quickly; registration is required for most. Register online or call the branch beginning two weeks before an event. Ask for signed interpretation or assistive listening devices when you call (TTY users can call 703-324-8365).

More than 30 businesses and organizations have donated over $4 million worth of prizes for kids who finish the program including a free ice cream cone, tickets to soccer and baseball games, bowling, laser adventures, admission to water parks, admission to some Fairfax County Park Authority facilities including RECenters, nature centers, a skate park and miniature golf, a free Krispy Kreme doughnut, other discounts and much, much more!

The Summer Reading Program is a cooperative effort between Fairfax County Public Library and Fairfax County Public Schools. The Summer Reading Program is funded through generous donations from the Fairfax Library Foundation and includes $42,500 from the Friends of the George Mason Regional Library and $7,500 from the Friends of the Kings Park Library.

Statistics have shown that reading during the summer can help students retain their reading skills. By the end of sixth grade, children who lose reading skills over the summer are two years behind their classmates. Last year more than 47,000 children participated in the library’s Summer Reading Program.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-8380, TTY 703-324-8365.