SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Summer Spark, Saint Paul Public Library’s (SPPL) summer reading program, encourages kids and teens ages 0-18 to read for fun all summer long with hands-on exploration, reading challenges, and free books.
“At Saint Paul Public Library, we want kids to experience the joy of reading – finding that story you just can’t put down, or learning something that sparks your interest,” said Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser, Youth and Family Services Manager. “Summer Spark is the perfect time for kids and teens to read, explore, and get curious at the library.”
Here are five reasons families will enjoy Summer Spark—taking place now through August 31 at library locations across Saint Paul:
- Getting started is easy: Stop by any SPPL library location to pick up a Summer Spark Reading Log and a free book to keep. Participants set a reading goal and track their reading progress in the reading log. As summer progresses, participants can return to the library and choose up to two more free books to keep.
- Personalized challenges make reading fun and keep kids busy: With Summer Spark, readers won’t find required reading. Instead, the program offers fun and flexibility by encouraging readers to pick books they want to read and set their own reading goals.
- Complete goals and get free books to keep at home: As kids and teens complete their goals, they get additional free books to add to their personal library. Library staff intentionally focus on selecting and purchasing popular books that appeal to Saint Paul's diverse communities of kids, and center BIPOC authors, creators, and characters.
- Discovering new titles, authors, and genres is easy: Library staff are here to provide recommendations that align with readers’ interests and help participants explore new reads. Easily find recommended reading lists on the Summer Spark webpage.
- Families can stay for free events and activities: SPPL offers numerous free activities and programs for all ages. Throughout the summer, families can plan their visits by checking out SPPL’s event calendar. Programs include Story Theatre with the Children’s Theater Company and Createch, a maker space for teens which are open to all throughout the summer.
Most students in Saint Paul can check out books, e-books, audiobooks, and more with Library Go, a library card for students that uses their student ID number as a library card number. Saint Paul Public Schools, and many charter schools, automatically enroll their students in Library Go. There are no fines and no financial risks to families who borrow items with Library Go.
Suggested book titles, a calendar of events and performances, and more information can be found at sppl.org/summer.
Summer Spark is sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, Minnesota Twins Baseball, Minnesota State Fair, Star Tribune, Kare11, and MELSA Summer at Your Library.
For library hours and locations, visit www.sppl.org or call 651-266-7000.
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About Saint Paul Public Library
At Saint Paul Public Library, we welcome all people to connect, learn, discover, and grow. We are at 13 library locations across Saint Paul, the Bookmobile, and online at sppl.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
