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Porch & Parish

Encourage Reading with the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge

Summer is the perfect time for kids to dive into books, explore new worlds, and keep their reading skills sharp. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) makes it easy and fun with its annual Summer Reading Challenge, offering engaging activities, exciting prizes, and plenty of opportunities to spark a lifelong love of reading.

How it Works 

Children of all ages (and adults) can set reading goals and track their progress throughout the summer. Whether they're flipping through pages of their favorite series or listening to audiobooks, every reading milestone earns them points and fun rewards.

Beyond the Books 

EBRPL takes summer fun to the next level with interactive events like storytelling sessions, puppet shows, craft workshops, and live performances. Teens can enjoy art-themed escape rooms, Bob Ross paint-alongs, and other creative challenges designed just for them.

Some of the event highlights to look forward to are:

Harvey Rabbit and Friends

BRBT’s Youth Ballet presents “The Great Candyland Adventure”

LA Snake ID

Bright Star Theatre presents “Once Upon a Time: Cinderella & Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Peter Pan,” and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”

Pig Out on Reading: Daisy the Reading Pig

Charlie the Noise Guy presents Sound Safari Theater

Professor Universe presents “Found in the Stars”

Matt Sandbank’s Shadow Factory presents “A Wild Goose Chase!”

Cereal Box Collage Workshop with Michael Albert

Awesome Rewards 

With the children’s Summer Reading Challenge, you can log the books and/or time you read: 1 book = 1 point, 30 minutes = 2 points.

Earn 30 points total to complete the challenge and earn a certificate, a FREE book, a cool bag, a chance to win a gift card and more!

Also, earn up to 6 drawing entries (one for every 5 points earned) for a chance to win something awesome!

Teens who log three books can snag a clear drawstring backpack, pick a surprise from the Bin of Mysteries, and enter weekly prize raffles. The top teen reader will even win a special grand prize!

Join the Fun 

Sign up starting June 1 at any EBRPL location or online at ebrpl.beanstack.org. Don't miss the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Thursday, May 29 at the Main Library, packed with music, magic, and family-friendly fun from 10 AM to 1 PM. Grab a calendar of events while you’re there.

Make this summer one for the books—literally! Encourage your kids to read, explore, and enjoy all the adventures waiting at the library.

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