Every summer, I pop into the inboxes of everyone I know across the U.S. Just your friendly neighborhood joy enthusiast reminding you to check out your library’s summer reading program! I have always been a summer reading cheerleader, even before I started working in libraries. Since many libraries include adults in their summer programs, I poke everyone whether they have kids or not.

Why do I do this? I want everyone to get the learning and mental health benefits reading offers to people of all ages. Plus, summer reading programs are fun and many libraries offer prizes if you participate. Here are some benefits you can enjoy when you participate:

Fuel kids’ and teens’ academic success – Reading helps prevent “summer slide,” the phenomenon where kids and teens lose some of their hard-earned learning gains over summer break. Reading during the break helps them remember more of what they learned so they have a stronger start when school resumes in the fall.

Enjoy engaging activities all summer long – Even though “reading” is in the name, many summer reading programs incorporate other types of activities that inspire learning as well. Participants might be urged to do things like attend library programs, read outside, watch a documentary, or go for a nature walk. Libraries also usually offer a variety of fun events and programs over summer for you to enjoy.

Support literacy development – Regular practice helps kids learn to read, and summer reading programs encourage kids to practice while school is out. Struggling readers get an additional boost from the excitement and novelty of reading to earn prizes. Participating in summer reading programs also strengthens literacy throughout your community by supporting local libraries.

Improve mental well-being – Setting aside time to read can reduce stress and support your emotional and social health. People of all ages often learn more about themselves or the people around them as they read as well, helping them make more connections. Additionally, reading stimulates the brain, improves memory, delays cognitive decline, and helps the brain stay flexible and ready to adapt to new challenges.

Strengthen community engagement – Summer reading programs bring communities together during unique library programs. Meet someone new, bring friends, or just enjoy spending time surrounded by your community. Kids and teens also get a chance to engage with people their own age while school is out.

Build life-long reading habits – Participating in a summer reading program can help you start building your own life-long reading habit. Now that you know some of the benefits of reading, this month is the perfect time to get started! As an added bonus, when kids see the adults in their lives reading it encourages them to develop their own healthy reading habits.

Ready to join your Library’s reading program this year? Pikes Peak Library District’s 2025 Summer Adventure presented by the Friends of Pikes Peak Library District runs from June 2 through July 31 and is open to people of all ages. Log 30 days of reading and activities to earn prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawing. It’s not too late to sign up, and you can backlog reading and activities you did earlier in June. Register at your go-to Library location or online at ppld.org/summer.

Carla Bamesberger is the Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Pikes Peak Library District. Besides reading and touting all that the District offers, this Coloradoan enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, biking, crafting, and gaming. She can be reached at cabamesberger@ppld.org or by calling (719) 531-6333, x6259.