The Indianapolis Public Library is excited to launch the 2021 Summer Reading Program, taking place June 7 to July 31. This year's theme, "Discover," encourages participants to learn more about the world around them through reading and exploration.

Children's Summer Reading Program: During the Children's Summer Reading Program, kids and teens earn prizes through reading and bonus activities that stop the summer slide by encouraging continued learning when children are away from school.

Participants may read any book, graphic novel, magazine, e-book, or newspaper, including books they own and books borrowed from The Library. Time spent reading, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone, or being read to can be tracked in the Beanstack Tracker app available for iOS and Android, or online at indypl.beanstack.org. Those who prefer to track their reading activity on paper may call or visit their local branch to register, report, and redeem prizes.

Prizes are earned at milestones of reading for 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours, and include toys, Indy Parks pool passes, earbuds, and vouchers for Eiteljorg admission or an Indianapolis Indians game. Young people can earn a mystery bag full of goodies by completing bonus activities such as taking a nature walk or playing a new sport. Kids and teens have until August 7 to redeem prizes.

Related programs, story times, and workshops will take place throughout the summer including animal meet and greets, kids trivia, and junior chef classes. Visit our events calendar for updates.

Adult Summer Reading Program: Summer reading programs are not just for kids! Our Adult Summer Reading Program participants earn prizes by completing activities in three categories: Discover Outside, Discover You, and Discover Something New. Activities include listening to an audiobook, looking into The Library's genealogy resources, trying a local restaurant, or diving into a page-turning science fiction or fantasy title. Participants may redeem prizes at their local branch or enter drawings for gifts such as a $50 Meijer Gift Card or a Ghost Tour at Central Library. In addition, The Library will have related events and workshops for adults.