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Summer Reading Programs Offered by Newport and Portsmouth Libraries

Posted on by angelo

It might take a little convincing to get the kids, but nothing beats a summer read.

Sitting in the shade or on the beach with a good book while a breeze blows is one of those joys that cannot be replicated the rest of the year.

Luckily, area libraries are ready to help with summer reading programs. Here’s a look at what’s available, whether you’re a child, teen, or adult.

Newport Public Library

Registration is open at the library or online.

Children will have to complete activities to win prizes. Each activity is worth one point and can be repeated as many times as they want.

The activities are:

  1. Read a book or magazine for 20 minutes
  2. Write a review or draw a picture on a book
  3. Go on an adventure to a new place
  4. Listen to a book: an audiobook CD, a Playaway audio, an eAudio, a Vox book or a Wonderbook
  5. Bookmark Design Contest (one entry per child)
  6. Participate in a library program
  7. Complete the weekly passive activity
  8. Discover a puzzle or board game for children
  9. Vote for the Extreme Adventures Tournament
  10. Complete the weekly Spot It! chart
  11. Read a hardback book*
  12. Sing a song with your adult*

*These are additional activities for babies who participate.

Participants record their activities on the paper activity log OR online, but not both. And remember, one action can count for multiple activity points. For example, if you attend a story reading, that counts for 2 points!

Who can participate?

  • From babies to children entering 6th grade in September. Toddlers can participate by asking someone to read to them.

Prices !

  • For every 5 points a child earns, they are eligible to come to the library and receive a prize. By earning 25 points, they will complete the program and receive their final prize!
  • Prizes can be claimed any time after the program start date of June 24, once a child has reached the 5-point milestone.
  • The grand prizes of the raffle will be drawn on August 9.

The Teen Summer Reading Challenge is for teens and tweens entering grades 5-12 or recent graduates.

To participate, register online or in person anytime before August 9. To register in person, visit the Young Adult Reference Desk to receive a Summer Reading Starter Pack!

Complete one of the 10 activities to earn points. Each activity earns you 1 point. Activities can be repeated as many times as you like.

The activities are:

  1. Read a book or listen to an audiobook for 20 minutes
  2. Participate in a library program
  3. Compete with your friends on our PS4 or Wii
  4. Follow the library on TikTok or Instagram
  5. Leave a positive message on our chalk columns
  6. Complete a Take & Make craft project
  7. Go on an adventure
  8. Work on the teen puzzle
  9. Write a Book Review: Submit Your Review Online
  10. Read a RITBA (Rhode Island Teen Book Award) book

Prices !

  • “Summer Reading Starter Pack” – The SRP Starter Pack will include a tote bag and your choice of FREE book from our selection
  • 5 points – Sticker
  • 10 points – 1 raffle ticket and an enamel pin
  • 15 points – 2 raffle tickets and a Fidget toy
  • 20 points – 3 raffle tickets and a gift card
Grand Prix:
  • Apple Airpods
  • Polaroid camera
  • Kindle with case

Summer Reading Challenge for Adults

The best motivation you’ll find to sit down with some good books this summer!

Here’s how it works:

Adults can register online or in person at the reference desk and are then invited to read and review books.

  • Once you’re registered, you can start submitting book reviews! You can submit reviews online by registering on Beanstack. You can also submit an article review to the Reference Desk.
  • Read as much as you can! Each book review submitted between June 24 and August 9 will count towards one entry into the weekly drawing (for the week submitted) as well as one entry into the grand prize drawing at the end of the program.
  • E-books, audiobooks, and print books are all acceptable!
  • Submit 5 or more reviews throughout the program to win an additional entry into the grand prize drawing!

To participate in the Adult Summer Reading Challenge, you must be 18 years or older, have a library card, and love books! For more information, stop by the reference desk, email us at [email protected], or call 401-847-8720 x208.

Summer Reading Raffle

Weekly drawings will be held every Monday during the program. Participants will earn one entry into the weekly drawing for each review submitted during the previous week. Winners will be notified via email or phone.

The grand prize winner and two runners-up will be drawn the week of August 12.

  • Grand Prix: A $75.00 gift card to the Aquidneck Farmers Market.
  • Two (2) Grand Prize Finalists: A $50.00 gift card to the Aquidneck Farmers Market.
  • Weekly Price: A voucher for the Friends Bookstore.

Prizes must be physically collected from the library and cannot be mailed or delivered.

Middletown Public Library

The Summer Reading Program for children and teens is underway at the Middletown Public Library at 700 West Main Road. Visit the Youth Services Department to register and receive your reading log, bingo board and prize! Then keep reading, complete challenges and win raffle tickets.

No registration is required.

Portsmouth Public Library

Join the Portsmouth Free Public Library this summer to “READ, RENEW, REPEAT”! Dive into a season filled with inspiring books, exciting events, and fantastic raffles. Whether you’re a voracious reader or just looking for some summer fun, our program inspires you to READ, RENEW, REPEAT.

Participate in reading challenges by collecting a reading log and winning raffle prizes throughout the summer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore new genres, discover your favorite authors, and renew the joy of reading. It’s the perfect way to make your summer memorable. Sign up today and let your reading adventure begin!

Registration at the Children’s Library Circulation Desk for our exciting summer reading program, READ, RENEW, REPEAT, can continue until the program ends on August 16. Don’t miss out on the fun and adventure this summer!

Program details:

The program is divided into two level groups based on the 2024-2025 school year:

  • From kindergarten to 2nd grade:
    • To complete the program, children must fill in at least 25 circles on their reading journal sheet.
  • 3rd to 5th year:
    • To complete the program, children must read at least 5 books and record them.

Conditions of completion:

  • From kindergarten to 2nd grade: At least half filled (25 circles filled or more)
  • 3rd to 5th year: At least half finished (5 books read or more)

Get ready for READ, RENEW, REPEAT this summer! Happy reading to all!

For a calendar of related events, visit: https://www.portsmouthlibrary.org/slider/schedule

Summer Reading for Teens

Visit Espace Ado this summer to sign up for our programs, pick up your activity tracker, and check out our raffle baskets. Plus, every week through August 5th, there will be a different takeout dish to try.

Registration runs all summer long. Once registered at the office, each teen and tween receives a gift bag to start their summer off with the good stuff.

How it works:

  • Register your name and contact information at the reference desk
  • Using the bingo sheet we provide, complete 1 row, 1 column OR 1 diagonal to win 5 raffle tickets.
  • Submit your completed booklet before 08/16 to receive and participate in your raffle
  • Books can be read or listened to – both count
  • Want even more tickets? Complete the extra activities inside your booklet or fill out a second bingo sheet
  • You must complete and submit your bingo sheet to be entered into the raffle basket drawing. Books read in June count, even if you didn’t register until July or August.