Summer Reading Programs 2026

Summer break is a time for children to relax, explore new interests, and enjoy a well-earned vacation from school. But it can also be a time when students lose some of the academic progress they made during the school year - a phenomenon referred to as the “summer slide”¹ If you haven’t already, check out our previous article from Aug 2025 on how summer reading can help students maintain and even strengthen their reading progress over the summer. 

To help keep students engaged, we compiled several excellent summer reading opportunities available in Philadelphia and across the country. These programs are also great resources for RISE Philadelphia tutors who are working with students over the summer. 

1. Summer of Wonder Program - The Free Library of Philadelphia

The Summer of Wonder program at the Free Library of Philadelphia offers free activities for students of all grade levels, making reading fun throughout the summer months. Students receive activity maps to track their reading, library visits, and participation in special events. Completed maps can be redeemed for prizes. Teens can participate in a separate reading and activity challenge with opportunities to win prizes and enter a grand prize raffle. Libraries also host engaging events throughout the summer, including silent book clubs, story times, reading with therapy dogs, arts and crafts, and more. You can see a full list of upcoming library events here.

An added benefit for families is the library’s free weekday summer lunch program, offered at participating locations from 1:30-2:00 pm. No registration is required, making it an easy way for children to enjoy a healthy meal while visiting the library. 

2. Get Serious about Summer Reading Toolkit - National Education Association (NEA) 

For families looking to build strong reading habits at home. The National Education Association’s Get Serious About Summer Reading Toolkit is an excellent resource. The toolkit includes age-appropriate summer reading lists, tips for creating a daily reading routine, book recommendations based on children’s interests, and printable activities. The toolkit highlights several national incentive programs. Students can participate in a summer reading and writing contest through the New York Times for a chance to have their work published. Families can explore the BOOKIT Mobile app where students can earn rewards for meeting reading goals, and the Chuck E. Cheese Page Turning Pro Award which rewards young readers with free play points. 

3. Summer Day Camp - Mighty Writers

For students who enjoy reading, writing, and hands-on-learning, Mighty Writers offers engaging summer day camps throughout Philadelphia. These six- to eight-week camps combine literacy instruction with creative writing workshops, field trips, games, and more. Students have opportunities to strengthen their reading and writing skills while building confidence, creativity, and friendships. 

Summer learning doesn’t have to happen alone. At RISE Philadelphia, we believe every student deserves access to individualized academic support all year-round. Our volunteer tutors provide free, virtual, one-on-one tutoring for K-12 students to help them strengthen reading skills, build confidence, and stay prepared for the upcoming school year. 

Sources:

1. Pappas, S. (2023, July 10). School's out. Should you worry about the "summer slide"? Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/schools-out-should-you-worry-about-the-summer-slide/