Summer Reading Program FAQ

• Who can take part in the Summer Reading Program?
• When can I sign up?
• Can I participate in the program more than once?
• If I sign up at one branch, can I pick up my certificate and prizes at another?
• Can I read my own books?
• Can I read any books?
• Can I read any books in the library?
• How do I fill out a reading log?
• What if I lose my reading log?
• Do I have to have a library card?
• How much does it cost?
• What do I get when I finish?

Who can take part in the Summer Reading Program?

All East Baton Rouge Parish children from birth through age 11 can take part. Children through 3rd grade should read at least 10 books. Children in 4th through 6th grades should read at least 5 books. All books should be appropriate for the child's reading level. Children too young to read may have a parent, grandparent or older child pledge to read at least 10 books to them. Children in 6th grade can choose to be part of the Summer Reading Program in either the Children's Room or the Teen Section.

Children from surrounding parishes can take part in the East Baton Rouge Parish Library program if they have an East Baton Rouge Parish Library card. These parishes have their own Summer Reading programs.

The Teen Reading Program is open to Middle and High School tweens and teens ages 12-18. Tweens on the cusp may choose to join the Children's program or the Teen program, but they may not join both.  Tweens and Teens pledge to read 6 books in order to receive a certificate of completion and a prize packet of goodies. Teen Librarians will mark off the reading logs, and for every three books read, teens will receive a ticket to be entered into our weekly drawings.

The Adult Reading Program is open to patrons 18 years or older and/or have completed high school. Patrons may choose to join either the Adult or the Young Adult Summer Reading Program, but they may not join both. Employees of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library may not join the Summer Reading Program. Family of Library staff may participate in the Summer Reading Program.

When can I sign up?

For the Children and the Young Adult Reading Programs, you can sign up any time from May 20 through July 31. To receive all the prizes with a certificate, you must turn in your completed log by August 15.

For the Adult Reading Program, you can sign up any time from May 20 through July 31st.  The completed log must be submitted by July 31st to be eligible for gifts and a drawing.

Can I participate in the program more than once?

No, you may complete the Summer Reading program only one time at one library.

Patrons participating in the Adult Reading Program may submit up to two additional completed reading logs.  That's up to three times to earn more chances to win prizes.

If I sign up at one branch, can I pick up my certificate and prizes at another?

Yes, you may sign up at any branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and turn in your completed reading log at any other East Baton Rouge Parish Library.

Can I read my own books?

The books you read should be titles owned by the library. If you own the same book as the library, you may read that copy. For children who will be out of town for June and July, please make special arrangements with a librarian from the Children's Room staff.

Can I read any books in the library?

Children should read age/reading ability appropriate books from the children's area. Older children may not read easier, younger books unless approved by staff in the Children's Room.

Adult patrons may participate in either the Adult or Young Adult Summer Reading Program, but they may not join both programs. 

How do I fill out a reading log?

Write your name in the appropriate space on your reading log. Decide what your summer reading goal will be (10 or more books) and write this number in the space on the log. As you read your books, write the titles of the books on the log and have a parent/guardian initial that you have read the book.

For patrons participating in the Adult Reading Program, write the book's title and author and a sentence or two describing each book or program on the entry form on this page.  If you have a particular favorite, check the box next to it.

What if I lose my reading log?

It is important to keep track of the books you have read on your reading log so you know which books you have read. Reading logs are numbered so you will not be given a duplicate log. If you misplace your reading log, check with your branch library.

Do I have to go to the library every day?

No, the Summer Reading Program is a self-paced program. Please look over our summer calendars (each library has its own) to see what programs are scheduled at your library.

Do I have to have a library card?

You do not need a library card to take part in the Summer Reading club. However, a library card is important if you want to check out books and other items to take home with you for 3 weeks.

The Adult Reading Program requires participants to  have a library card.  Check with the Circulation Desk at your favorite branch to sign up for a library card!

How much does it cost?

The Summer Reading Program is FREE! There are Summer Reading Programs for Children!. There are Summer Reading Programs for Teens and Adults, too!

What do I get when I finish?

Most importantly, you get the satisfaction of accomplishment. You will read 10 or more books and you may even start school with better reading skills than you had at the end of the school year! If you turn in your reading log by August 15, you will receive a certificate of accomplishment, a plastic book bag, and coupons from area businesses. Completed Reading Logs turned in between August 16 and August 31 will receive only the certificate.

For patrons participating in the Adult Reading Program, turn in your completed reading log by July 31st.  When you submit your completed reading, you will receive a book bag and a gift certificate to Recycled Reads.  In addition you will be entered into a drawing for prizes.   

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