Whether you have the kind of kid you must beg to read, or the one who hides under the covers with a flashlight, the Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program will have everyone excited to read this summer! Discover new books and stories, attend special summer programming, and win exciting prizes at your local library.
The 2024 Summer Reading Program begins Saturday, June 1, but registration is open now.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program
The theme this year is “Unleash Your Imagination.” Your kids are going to love the adorable pet theme. The reading program is a great way to encourage kids to expand their reading, earn some cool prizes, and participate in a fantastic lineup of special programs and events at the library.
IndyPL also has a community reading goal: if the IndyPL community surpasses 18 million minutes of reading, all readers who logged time during the summer will be entered into grand prize drawings at the end of the program. Prizes include items such as one of two $529 CollegeChoice CD savings accounts, LEGO sets, Nintendo Switches, and more!
Sign Up for IndyPL’s Summer Reading Program
The first day to log reading time is Saturday, June 1, 2024, so you will want to be registered by then. However, you can register anytime before the last day to log reading time: Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program Prizes
You then have another week to pick up prizes at any branch, by Saturday, August 3, 2024. The prizes are really great, but quantities are limited and subject to change.
- 1 hour: Snack OR Choose an item from the prize bin
- 5 hours: Snack OR Fold-up Flyer OR Pet Stretchy String
- 10 hours: Book AND Baseball Pass OR Pizza Coupon OR Magic Drawing Board
- 15 hours: Book OR Mini Block Figure OR Basketball Pass
- 20 hours: Book AND Haunted House Pass OR Indiana State Museum Pass OR Bitty Buddies
- Bonus Prize (Complete 7 of 11 Discover Activities): Choose an item from the prize bin OR Eiteljorg Museum Pass
Minutes are not transferable between individuals and a maximum of 20 hours will be awarded to each participant. Kids and teens can read any book, graphic novel, magazine, e-book, or newspaper they desire and enjoy.
Want to reach the full 20 hours? 20 minutes of reading a day will get you there!
How to Register for IndyPL’s Summer Reading Program
There are three ways to register and track your reading.
- On the Beanstack app: Search for “Beanstack” in the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the instructions to create an account for yourself or your family. If you already have an account, you need only enroll in “Summer Reading 2024” with IndyPL.
- On the web: In your browser, visit indypl.beanstack.org to create an account for yourself or your family. If you already have an account, you need only enroll in “Summer Reading 2024” with IndyPL.
- In person/on paper: Visit or call any IndyPL location to register with a staff member. Keep track of your reading on the Beanstack app, or pick up a paper tracking sheet at a branch or print one in English or Spanish.
Need help? IndyPL staff can help you register and track your progress online or in the app. Even local summer camps, daycares, or schools can participate in the Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program, registering as a group!
Even More of the Summer Reading Program
There are even MORE ways to earn prizes with the library’s Summer Reading program, outside of reading. IndyPL has 11 activities for kids to complete; if they do 7, they will earn an additional prize:
- Donate a new or used book to the Library to be given to Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
- Discover Kindness by greeting library patrons or a friendly librarian.
- Tell a librarian your favorite tongue twister or describe your favorite book or story.
- Explore nature and describe your observations.
- Check out a book with amazing artwork.
- Send a letter through the Pet Pals Post using special stationery from the library.
- Learn how to use the library computers by playing a game or browsing the catalog.
- Attend a program, visit a new branch, explore the IndyPL website.
- Explore new music through Hoopla or by checking out a CD.
- Check out a book about food or a cookbook and try a new recipe.
- Ask a grown-up to complete a survey to be entered to win a Meijer gift card. Adults can find the survey and more information about the Summer Reading Program at www.indypl.org/srp.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program Events
Lastly, don’t forget about all the great programs the library hosts at every branch, so you can make a full experience out of visiting.
Many branches are hosting Summer Reading Kickoffs to begin the summer of reading fun, where you can enjoy various activities like face painting, games, treats, and giveaways. Babies through adults can register for the Summer Reading Program during these events.
Other FREE workshops and events for kids and teens scheduled as part of this summer’s reading program include:
Animal Meet and Greets with Silly Safaris: You can meet up to three animals, ask your questions, and take a picture with critters at the Meet and Greets. No registration is required.
Animal Shows with Silly Safaries: Go on a wild adventure during these sit-down, 45-minute live animal shows.
Build It! Woodworking with Deeply Engrained: Complete a woodworking project and learn some handy skills along the way!
1, 2, 3 Andres: Join these GRAMMY award-winning artists for an interactive performance that blends Spanish and English into one high-energy show.
Pets Rock! Get crafting at the library and create your very own pet rock to care for over the summer.
Virtual Author Talks: Beloved authors of several popular book series for all ages join the library virtually to meet with fans and share about their writing. Kate DiCamillo (Mercy Watson) speaks on July 9, Max Braillier (The Last Kids on Earth) on July 16, and Dan Santat (Graphic Novelist of A First Time for Everything) on July 31.
Act It Out Storytime with React: This program for preschoolers features interactive stories that pull kids into the action by inviting them to act like some favorite pets!
Paws for a Cause: Families can work together to complete DIY projects to benefit IndyHumane.
Vet Adventures Animal First Aid: Children ages 6 and up can learn some basic animal first aid and pet safety tips. Participants go home with their own animal first aid kit!
Pet Dash Challenge Obstacle Course with JumpBunch: Pretend to be your favorite pet while navigating a challenging obstacle course. This program gives kids a chance to get moving while practicing problem-solving, flexibility, and fine motor skills.
Teen DIY Plant Pets with Purdue University: In this class designed for teens ages 12 and up, participants will create and decorate a plant pet and learn about plant care to practice at home.
Don’t miss out on a paw-sitively jam-packed summer of reading and fun for everyone—including the Adult Summer Reading Program!
Find another summer reading program near you!
Have you been to all of Indy’s amazing splash pads?
