Three months away from the classroom has made the “summer slide” feel more daunting than ever this year. How can we keep the kids busy this summer and keep the learning going?

Like everything else this year, local libraries’ summer reading programs are going virtual. Local libraries such as Lower Merion and Delco are inviting kids to “Imagine your Story.” This year both library systems will be using Beanstack (available both online and as an app) to help you track your progress and earn badges.

To register in the Delco system (including Haverford Township Free Library, Radnor Memorial Library, Media-Upper Providence Free Library, and more), click here. To register in the Lower Merion Library System, click here. Both reading challenges offer the ability to earn “badges” and be entered in prize drawings.

As they have been doing during all quarantine, the libraries will be doing virtual programming all summer long, from storytimes to crafts to STEM challenges, and so much more. As always, we will highlight many of these activities in our weekly events posts, but be sure to check out the libraries’ calendars to see everything. 

While the libraries are physically closed during this time, their online resources are extensive and worth checking out (pun intended). From podcasts to ebooks to movies, these are free to use with your library card! Get free e-books and audiobooks from Overdrive; stream free movies, TV, music, and audiobooks with Hoopla; enjoy animated, talking picture books with Tumblebooks. Then log your reading into Beanstack to stay motivated and “Imagine your Story” all summer long.

If you’re interested in joining the Free Library of Philadelphia’s program, read about it here.