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 2023 Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 5, but registration is open now.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program
The theme this year is “Blast Off to Camp Read S’more.” Camp Read S’more might not be a “real” summer camp, but it is a great way to encourage kids to expand their reading while also enjoying time outdoors.
IndyPL also has a community reading goal: if the IndyPL community surpasses 16 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 Monday, June 5, 2023, so you will want to be registered by then. However, you can register anytime before the last day to log reading time: Saturday, July 29, 2023.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program Prizes
You then have another week to pick up prizes at any branch, by Saturday, August 5, 2023. The prizes are really great, but quantities are limited and subject to change.
- 1 hour: Snack OR Galaxy Eraser OR Boba Ball
- 5 hours: Snack OR Color Changing Cup OR Dragonfly Coptor
- 10 hours: Book AND Baseball Pass OR Pizza Coupon OR Kinetic Sand
- 15 hours: Book OR Earbuds OR Popper Dice OR Basketball Pass
- 20 hours: Book AND Haunted House Pass OR Museum Pass OR AstroPet
- Bonus Prize (Discover Activities): Color Changing Cup OR Crystal Tree OR Lazer Fingers
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 2023” 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 2023” 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 S’more to 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 Brightlane Learning.
- Discover Kindness by greeting library patrons or a friendly librarian.
- Tell a librarian a joke or describe your favorite book or story.
- Explore nature and describe your observations.
- Check out a book with amazing artwork.
- Write a letter home to Earth from Camp Read S’more using special stationery from the library.
- Learn how to use the library computers by playing a game or browsing the catalog.
- Attend a program, meet a librarian, 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!
Space Ranger Adventure with Jump Bunch: Become a Space Ranger Trainee and gain mobility and flexibility while taking on these obstacle courses.
Cartoon Illustrations with Re-Generation Indy: Join children’s book illustrator Amanda Keller to learn how to make cartoon-style illustrations.
Space Snacks: Learn about nutrition and enjoy this fun, space-themed approach to eating fruits and veggies.
Out of This World: Music and Stories from Space: Dino O’Dell tells stories of NASA heroes and sings out-of-this-world songs!
Stellar Storytime with Professor Watermelon: Professor Watermelon uses stories, songs, and puppets to bring his extraterrestrial tales to life.
Family Sing-Along Fun: Sing and dance with the whole family as Miss Sheila leads popular children’s songs on the ukelele.
Stretch for the Stars: Yoga and Stories: Practice emotional regulation though yoga and deep breathing. These events also include themed stories and crafts.
Procreate with Re-Generation Indy: Take a crash course in the digital drawing app, Procreate.
Teen — Ultimate Ninjas: Try out a few obstacles with a local American Ninja Warrior and Ultimate Ninjas Indy.
Robots: Activate! The Purdue Extension Office leads this hands-on workshop on engineering and computer design. Learn through practical coding games using Ozobots and Spheros robots.
Teen: Paint Your “Art” Out – Galaxy Art – with Jennifer Hash: Use new techniques to create an amazing piece of galaxy-inspired art!
Don’t miss out on a jam-packed summer of reading and s’more fun for everyone—including the Adult Summer Reading Program!
Find another summer reading program near you!
