Summer Reading Programs for Kids at Seattle-Area Libraries

The best news we’ve heard in a while is that some King County Library System (KCLS) branches are open for curbside pickup, as of July 1. Hooray!!! More on that below.

Everyone, even kids who can’t yet read by themselves, can participate in KCLS’ annual summer reading program. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story,” and the challenge is to read 1,000 minutes between June 1 and August 31. Everyone who reads at least 500 minutes can enter to win prizes. Log your reading on Beanstack or download a printable reading log.

Online fun:

• Register for live Zoom events for all kinds of cool activities, from making origami stars to a Harry Potter book group. Browse the calendar.
• If you can’t make it to a scheduled activity, you can always check out the recorded activities and story times on the KCLS YouTube channel.

To use the curbside pickup service, schedule an appointment on the myLibro app, call the phone number when you arrive at the library, or simply talk to the staff through a glass door. Return borrowed materials at the book drop, where they’ll be quarantined for at least three days before they’re checked back in and made available to the next patron.

Through July 15, you can pick up holds you made before libraries closed. After July 15, you can place new holds. Check the website for a list of branches offering pickup service and book returns, plus each service's open hours.

And even if you don't take advantage of book pick-ups and drop-offs, it doesn’t mean you’ll run out of reading material. Browse the library’s e-books and audiobooks, and a list of recommended books.

KCLS also has a selection of e-books and downloadable audiobooks on race, justice and privilege that you can check out without any wait.