Embark on a literary adventure across continents, cultures, and time zones this summer at your local library. The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the (CCSD) are teaming up once again for Summer Reading. This year’s theme, Read Around the World, centers on the excitement of global exploration and adventure. From reading challenges and prizes to globally inspired programs, CCPL Summer Reading offers a free, fun-filled way for explorers of all ages to travel the world through books.
Registration for Summer Reading is NOW OPEN. This program for children, teens and adults runs from June 1 through Aug. 15 and 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 possibility," said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. "Through Read Around the World, we want readers of all ages to experience the wonder of traveling through stories — and to ignite a lifelong passion for learning, exploration, and connection."
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 the summer 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 eighth 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 TO PARTICIPATE
Registration is NOW OPEN. You can register online at www.ccpl.org/summeronline and begin logging your reading on June 1. Prizes for the 5-hour completion level are available for pickup beginning June 16. 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 right 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.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Children, teens, and adults can win prizes for reading whatever they like! Prizes are awarded after reaching certain levels of reading (e.g. 5, 15, and 30 hours) 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 , 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:
Bing Bang Boom Interactive Musical Performance
Charleston Stage: All Smiles
Japanese Magical Journey with Yasu
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, to register for Summer Reading, or for more information on the program, prizes and prize pickup, reading lists and more, visit or contact your local library branch.