Annual Summer Reading Program

OLIS sponsors the Summer Reading Program, a cooperative effort among libraries in Rhode Island to motivate children and teens to read for pleasure and to help them maintain reading skills during the summer months. The Summer Reading Program also encompasses adult programs that encourage adults to explore new genres, pursue new interests, and model lifelong learning and reading to children and teens. OLIS provides public libraries with iREAD programming materials to support library staff in motivating children, young adults, and adults to read and learn. The statewide Rhode Island Summer Reading Program is supported by the RI Office of Library and Information Services, with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Summer Reading 2024: Read, Renew, Repeat

Connect with your local public library this summer and discover new books, programs, and hands-on activity kits. Designed for all ages, this year's summer reading program will feature the idea and practice of conservation. Conservation as a movement focuses on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity. Look for the slogan "Read, Renew, Repeat" in libraries statewide!

Summer Reading at Your Local Public Library

Encourage reading and curiosity throughout the summer by participating in your local public library's Summer Reading Program and exploring the variety of virtual and in-person programs being offered for children, teens, and adults. Many public libraries will be offering an online reading tracker and mobile app to make participation easier than ever. 

Participate in Your Library's Summer Reading Program

• Public Library Directory : Find your local library to sign up for the Summer Reading Program
• Statewide Library Events : Look for events at libraries statewide. Please note that not all events are listed; to find a comprehensive list of library events, visit your local public library’s website.

Read, Renew Repeat College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes

The Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) and CollegeBound Saver will be offering the College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes as part of the 2024 summer reading program at participating public libraries across the state.

The sweepstakes, which runs June 1 through August 31 will award four $529 college savings accounts to Rhode Island children and young adults aged 18 or younger. Additionally, each winner's local public library will receive $500 toward future reading programs.

After children participate in the summer reading program at their local public library, parents, grandparents, or guardians can enter each child for the sweepstakes by filling out the entry form at CollegeBound Saver .

• Official rules and prize details and entry forms are available beginning June 1. 
• Learn more about the CollegeBound Saver program. CollegeBound Saver is administered by the Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer and the Rhode Island State Investment Commission and managed by Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC.

OLIS Library Presenter Directory

The OLIS Library Presenter Directory (LPD) is an online clearinghouse for information about program presenters, as submitted by presenters, for the use of Rhode Island libraries. Using the LPD, libraries can identify presenters on a variety of topics for audiences of all ages. The LPD has been developed as a dynamic directory for library staff and presenters across the state to connect year-round to plan library programming.

• Learn more about the Library Presenter Directory
• Create a directory account

About the Summer Reading Program

For more information about the Summer Reading Program, view the statewide participation statistics or visit the Summer Reading Program LibGuide.