If you're like many other Kansas City moms and dads, you've started thinking about how to keep kids reading this summer.  We're excited to bring you our 3rd Annual KC Summer Reading Programs Guide!  We've compiled some great resources for you to start thinking about summer reading programs.  Many places have already begun making their program information available, and we've included details below.  Summer reading programs offer a great way to keep kids learning and reading throughout the summer as well as provide great incentives & prizes for them!  Happy reading!

Johnson County & Olathe Public Libarary Summer Reading Program - May 21 - August 4, 2012.  This year's theme, Dream Big, READ, will feature special programs, puppet shows, drop-in activities, storytimes, book discussion groups, free movies, chess nights, games, Spanish classes, craft programs, a drawing contest, Find Fido Fridays, and more.  All young readers (ages birth - teens) are invited to pick up a summer reading folder at the library beginning Monday May 21st, or download a reading log here.  Reading logs will also be distributed throughout the summer as needed.  Use the reading log to keep track of all your summer reading.  Summer Reading Kick-Off event is on on May 29 at Frontier Park.  Collect colorful stickers for your folder each week at the library.  You can pick out a prize paperback book at any Johnson County Library location between July 1 and August 4, thereafter at any library while supplies last or until August 11. Those returning their completed logs by August 4 are eligible to enter a drawing to be a “Star” on their own Read poster and win a family 4-pack of tickets to Science City.

Scholastic Summer Challenge - Help set a world record for summer reading!  The overall record set for 2011 among all schools was 64,213,141 minutes logged!  Read, log minutes, win prizes!

iVillage & PBS Summer Reading Challenge - Get your kids reading this summer! iVillage has teamed up with PBS KIDS Raising Readers to create a free 6-week program to help children discover the joys of reading. You'll receive:

•A daily email with fun activities to build reading skills
•Tricks and advice from your Challenge coach
•Great book suggestions for kids of all ages
•Tips from other parents taking the challenge
•A chance to win daily prizes

You can even download this app which will serve as a reading timer for your kids while you're on-the-go!

Register by clicking here to get started with the program which begins June 18, 2012.

Half-Price Books 'Feed Your Brain' Summer Reading Program - June 3 - July 31, 2012.  Kids ages 14 and under can earn back-to-school book bucks for keeping their appetite for reading during this summer.  Download a Reading Log to keep track of books read.  Turn in your completed reading log at Half Price Books July 8 – August 5 to receive your $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading reward!  Do you think you’re a Top Reader this summer? We’ll award one top reader per age group with a TOP READER prize, a $20 HPB Gift Card!  Join them for the Feed Your Brain kick off on June 3 at 2 pm for the Biggest Storytime of the Summer at Kansas City metro local Half Price Books locations.

Kansas City Public Library Summer Reading Fun - Children are invited to sign up in person or online to participate in this fun reading program, Dream Big @ Your Library, starting on June 1, 2012.  Read books and earn free paperback books!  Join the Summer Reading Kickoff Party on Friday June 1, 2012.

Barnes & Noble's Imagination's Destination Summer Reading Program - Read and record any 8 books on a reading log and earn a FREE book! Program runs May 22, 2012 through September 4, 2012.

American Girl Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Program - Register your daughter to keep track of books she reads then turn in the reading journal for a FREE book! Program runs May 1, 2012 - September 3, 2012.