Step into a journey through eras this summer at your local library. The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the Charleston County School District (CCSD) invite readers of all ages to explore this year’s Summer Reading program, Endless Eras, Endless Stories. From prehistoric worlds to distant futures, participants can discover new stories across time while earning prizes and enjoying engaging programs designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
Registration for Summer Reading is NOW OPEN. This program for children, teens and adults runs from June 1 through July 31, but participants can pre-register online at ccpl.org/summeronline or at one of your local library locations. Endless Eras, Endless Stories features an exciting lineup of free events and programs, as well as fun prizes (while supplies last) provided by our generous community sponsors.
"Summer Reading opens the door to discovery, imagination, and endless possibilities," said Angela Craig, Executive Director of CCPL. "Through Endless Eras, Endless Stories, we invite readers of all ages to journey across time, exploring the past, present, and future through stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning."
WHAT IS SUMMER READING?
CCPL’s Summer Reading program was created to counteract the learning loss that happens when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months, also known as the “Summer Slide.” Summer Reading programs like CCPL’s encourage people of all ages to use these months not just as a break, but as an opportunity to learn and grow through reading, activities, events, and more.
CCPL and CCSD are now in the ninth year of their partnership to bridge this literacy gap for students during the summer months.
"We remain grateful for our lasting partnership with the Charleston County Public Library system," said Anita Huggins, CCSD's Superintendent of Schools. "The Summer Reading program provides our students with incentives and resources that lead them to associate joy and fun with literacy."
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?
Registration is NOW OPEN. You can register online at ccpl.org/summeronline and begin logging your reading on June 1. Prizes for the 10-day completion level are available for pickup beginning June 10. Subsequent prize levels will be released later in the summer. Prizes are available while supplies last.
Want to join in the fun and win some prizes? It’s easier than ever thanks to our online platform, Beanstack, where participants can track and log their reading. Simply visit ccpl.org/summeronline, or your nearest CCPL branch to sign up for the program. You can then download the Beanstack app and log your reading on your mobile device. Don’t have access to the internet or a device? Paper reading logs are available at your local library branch.
Are you a CCSD student that goes to a school with Beanstack? If so, you can link your CCSD accounts with your CCPL accounts. You’ll need to create an account on CCPL’s Beanstack site. When you add your school information, add your school username when it asks for your school ID number and your birthday. Then, click Link Account. Be sure to click it twice to complete the linking. Having trouble signing up? Check with your local library for help.
WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE?
Children, teens, and adults can win prizes for reading whatever they like! Prizes are awarded after reaching certain levels of reading (e.g. 10, 25, and 45 days) and include Summer Reading t-shirts as well as vouchers for local restaurants, attractions, and sporting events. You can even earn free tickets to games at the Charleston RiverDogs and Charleston Battery, or a free visit to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum! Please note that prizes are available while supplies last.
In addition to prizes, this year’s program includes adventurous FREE programs for all ages at many CCPL branches, including:
- Stomp, Chomp and Read: A Jurassic Balloon Magic Adventure
- Captain Curiosity: Battle of the Body
- Bing Bang Boom: Interactive Musical Performance
- Wona Womalan West African Drum and Dance
- Japanese Drumming with Taiko Charleston
- Teen Laser Tag and Battle Ball
Event dates, times, and locations vary and are subject to change. For a full list of events and event details, visit ccpl.org/summeronline.
Summer Reading is made possible by community partners and sponsors, including CCSD and Summer Reading Legacy Sponsor, the Charleston Friends of the Library. Additionally, some programming was made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the South Carolina State Library. For a full list of community partners and sponsors, or to register for Summer Reading or learn more about the program, prizes and prize pickup, reading lists and more, visit ccpl.org/summeronline or contact your local library branch.