Summer in Portland is not just about basking in the warmth of the sun and enjoying outdoor adventures; it’s also an excellent time for children and adults alike to dive into the world of books through summer reading programs. These programs are designed to keep young minds active, encourage a love of reading, and prevent the summer slide—a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months. Here are some summer reading programs in and around Portland to get you started.
1. Multnomah County Library Summer Reading Program
The Multnomah County Library hosts one of the most comprehensive summer reading programs in the area. This program is open to children of all ages, from infants to high school students. Participants can sign up at any branch or online, where they receive a game board filled with reading challenges and activities. As children complete these activities, they earn prizes and entries into drawings for grand prizes, which often include gift certificates, books, and more.
2. Sherwood Public Library
Located southwest of Portland, the Sherwood Public Library hosts its own engaging summer reading program tailored for all ages. Participants can enjoy themed activities and activity kits, storytelling sessions, and special events designed to spark imagination and curiosity. The library’s program encourages families to explore new books together and provides a welcoming environment for community members to connect over shared interests in literature.
3. Clackamas County Libraries
Clackamas County Libraries provide a dynamic summer reading program tailored to encourage daily reading habits. Participants track their reading progress on a special log and can attend a series of engaging events, which can be found on their website. Prizes are awarded based on the amount of reading done in their log with additional rewards for attending events and completing specific challenges.
4. Beaverton City Library
The Beaverton City Library’s summer reading program is another fantastic option for readers of all ages. The program features themed reading logs and interactive activities. Kids and teens who complete their reading logs are eligible for a free book and are invited to special celebration events at the end of the summer. Adults who participate in their summer reading program help support the local environmental organization, the Tualatin Riverkeepers.
5. Powell’s Books Summer Kids Program
Powell’s Books, a beloved Portland institution, also hosts a summer reading program specifically for kids. This program encourages children to read a certain number of books over the summer in exchange for rewards, including gift cards and exclusive merchandise. Powell’s often supplements their program with author readings and interactive events that inspire young readers.
6. Lake Oswego Public Library
Lake Oswego Public Library offers a unique summer reading initiative called “Summer Library Challenge,” encouraging kids and adults to read and participate in educational activities throughout the summer. The program includes a mix of reading goals, creative challenges, and community involvement tasks. Participants can attend themed storytimes, science experiments, and local field trips. The library also collaborates with local businesses to provide exclusive rewards and discounts for participants.
7. Tigard Public Library
Tigard Public Library’s summer reading program is a hit among local families, offering a rich blend of reading incentives and community activities. The program features a reading log where kids can track their progress and earn badges. Special events include guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and movie nights. The culmination of the program often involves a grand celebration with games, refreshments, and awards for top readers. Adults can participate too and receive an entry to win a prize basket.
8. Hillsboro Public Library Summer Reading Program
The Hillsboro Public Library’s summer reading program is another excellent option for families in the Portland metropolitan area. Known for its creative approach, the Hillsboro program often includes storytelling sessions, live performances, and interactive workshops. The library encourages participants to explore different types of literature, including graphic novels, poetry, and audiobooks, to keep the reading experience fresh and exciting.
9. Online and Virtual Reading Programs
For those who prefer a virtual approach, many online platforms and apps also support summer reading initiatives. Websites like Goodreads, Scholastic, and Reading Rockets provide digital reading logs, book recommendations, and online events that complement local programs. These resources are particularly useful for families looking for flexible and easily accessible reading options.
Final Thoughts
These summer reading programs in and around Portland not only have fun prizes for kids and teens, but they also cultivate a love for storytelling. Whether you’re exploring new books at the Multnomah County Library, attending fun events at Powell’s Books, or participating in local programs like those at the Beaverton City Library and Sherwood Public Library, each experience offers a unique opportunity to discover new stories and connect with fellow readers. These programs celebrate the joy of reading and provide valuable resources for individuals of all ages to expand their literary horizons and create lasting memories throughout the summer months.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.
