Best Summer Reading Events For Kids In Baltimore

Poems, short stories and novels can transport children to distant lands where great adventures unfold. A love for reading is one of the most precious gifts that a child can receive. Summer 2013 will provide many events to engage youngsters and promote literacy. These events are specifically designed to keep children and teens reading during the summer season.

Family Summer Reading Kickoff Celebrations
Enoch Pratt Free Library
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, Md. 21201
410-396-5430
www.prattlibrary.org

Dig Into Reading is the theme for the Enoch Pratt Library's reading program, which targets Baltimore's youngest readers. Focusing on the mysteries underfoot, children will explore buried treasures, ancient civilizations, dinosaur bones, insects and other engaging topics. Musicians, dancers, storytellers, authors, illustrators, cartoonists and magicians will be making appearances at library branches throughout the Baltimore area to help bring books to life. Registration for the Enoch Pratt's summer reading program begins on June 1 and special kickoff celebrations will occur at all branches from June 1-8.

Summer Solstice Read-in
Southeast Anchor Library
3601 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21224
410-396-1580
www.prattlibrary.org

Celebrate the summer solstice at this event in the garden of the Southeast Anchor Library on Friday, June 21. Participants will read books in the sunshine, both silently and aloud. This is a great opportunity to get the whole family together to read — setting a good example for the kids. Bonus: celebrating the longest day of the year helps kids be more aware of their environment and lends the opportunity for a mini science lesson. 

PAWS To Read
Enoch Pratt Free Library
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, Md. 21201
410-396-5430
www.prattlibrary.org

PAWS to Read is a unique program that encourages young animal lovers to read. Children are partnered with a therapy dog from Pets on Wheels. After selecting a favorite book, the child is invited to sit and read to his or her furry friend. These gentle canines are amazing listeners. They do not tease, laugh or judge the child. As a result, research shows that children's reading fluency and comprehension can improve. Not being constantly corrected by an adult, helps with confidence and self-esteem. PAWS to Read will be a featured event at many branches of the Enoch Free Library during summer 2013.

Baltimore County Public Library Summer Reading Clubs
Baltimore County Public Library
Administrative Offices
320 York Road
Towson, Md. 21204
410-887-6100
www.bcplonline.org

The Baltimore County Public Library is hosting summer reading clubs for kids of all ages — including a Read-to-Me club for kids too young to read themselves. Participation in each of the reading clubs begins on June 17 and registration is available both online and in public library branches. There is no cost to families.

Summer Jump Read To Succeed
Baltimore City Schools
443-642-3990
www.baltimorecityschools.org

Does your child need a little extra help with reading? If he or she is entering kindergarten through third grade in a public school and is behind on reading, Baltimore City Schools is here to provide support. The three-week Read To Succeed program includes two weeks of SuperKids Camp with field trips and outdoor activities and a week of half-day reading activities focused on skills and comprehension. SuperKids Camp is also available without the extra reading component. This affordable program has sites at schools across the city, so register your child today.