Feeling at a loss for learning this summer? Looking for fun ways to expand your mind and keep your summer fresh and engaging—even indoors? The Free Library has a new virtual Summer of Wonder experience for you!

What’s Your Story?
From artistic inspiration to STEAM building projects, from writing groups to world exploration, connect with your favorite library activities or try something brand new! Bonus: Participating in Summer of Wonder helps prevent that dreaded out-of-school learning loss for kids and teens known as "summer slide."

How Do I Participate?
From June 1- August 31, kids, teens, and adults, can sign up online to collect points and earn badges for Summer of Wonder activities and time spent reading! Want to use a mobile device? Try the free Beanstack Tracker app for iOS and Android devices!

Explore our latest virtual program offerings on our online calendar. Here are a few of the highlights.

• Reframing High School in uncertain times. Monday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m.
• Virtual Science Fun with Mr. Peter. Tuesday, June 2 at 11:00 a.m.
• Podcast Reviews and Recommendations for all ages. Wednesday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m.
• Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog. Thursday, June 4 at 3:00 p.m.
• Hora de Cuentos en Español, a virtual storytime in Spanish. Friday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Be sure to follow the Youth Services Facebook page for daily Summer of Wonder challenges! There will be a variety of virtual programs and presentations offered throughout the summer, so be sure to check in regularly.

Join us on Facebook for Week One of Wonder, beginning June 1.

• Monday: Imagination Station
  Start the summer as the author of your own adventure by making a book.
   
• Tuesday: Question Connection
  Become a neighborhood scientist and take an observation walk, then create a nature journal.
   
• Wednesday: Culture Corner
  Learn how archaeologists study the past and start a time capsule!
  • Virtual Snake Party
    A special three-part video series featuring Scott Pryor! Available select Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
     
• Thursday: DIY Lit Lab
  Partner with the Camp Challenge Team to learn an easy way to choose your just-right book.
   
• Friday: Freestyle
  End the week with a virtual scavenger hunt the whole family will love.

Connect with your own neighborhood library through social media for even more summer fun!

Check out the Free Library’s weekly Summer of Wonder Blog for the scoop on virtual program highlights for the upcoming week. You can also sign up for the Youth Services newsletter and receive monthly emails featuring our favorite virtual activities, practical resources, and out-of-school learning tips to help your mind stay curious and active all summer long.

And don’t forget to log your activities online in the Summer of Wonder Challenge to build that points score and earn your bragging rights!

Need a library card? It’s easy to sign-up online!

Summer Camp Challenge
Looking to add literacy learning to your summer camp experience? The Free Library Summer Camp Challenge provides camps and groups with the practical resources and training needed to bring literacy into camp programs while keeping learning fun!

Participating groups are challenged to add at least 30 minutes of reading and literacy activities into their daily schedule, and we’ll show you how.

This year’s Summer Camp Challenge will be entirely virtual. Access online training for staff and activity ideas for your group that can be done at home or in-person. Track your group’s completed reading minutes and activities to score points. Challenge yourself and see how many badges you can earn!  

Check out the Free Library Summer Camp Challenge to learn more.

For Summer Reading Materials and Media
Free Library Digital Media provides library patrons online access to ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, virtual learning, and more. 

Find personalized reading suggestions with online booklists put together by Free Library staff and community members!

Find your story with Virtual Summer of Wonder at the Free Library!