Summer of Wonder is for Everyone, Everywhere.

The Free Library's Summer of Wonder is a summer reading challenge for all ages. Participants can attend library programs, find new books to read, and explore activities to keep your mind growing throughout the summer. Visit your neighborhood library or participate in an online challenge. Wherever you are, the Free Library has an experience just for you.

Participate in person or online!

June 5 – August 11

Stop by your neighborhood library to ask about summer programming and ways to participate for children, teens, and adults. Children can take home a Summer of Wonder Activity Passport (available in Activity Passport English and Activity Passport Spanish) to track your reading and activities. Teens and adults can enter a raffle every time they participate in a library activity or program.

Reading Tracker

June 5 – August 31

Register online with Beanstack and/or download the free app for iOS and Android devices. Log your books and activities, write reviews, participate in themed challenges, and earn points and badges on Beanstack as you go. Track your reading minutes to participate in our Citywide Reading Challenge!

In addition to the online Summer of Wonder experience, the Free Library offers virtual reading and themed monthly challenges for every season and every age. Register online on Beanstack throughout the year for our Fall, Winter, or Spring Challenges and join in the fun.

Programs and Services

Camps and Groups

Free Library of Philadelphia staff can visit camps, schools, and other groups for special Summer programming. Call your neighborhood library to schedule a library visit.

Register your existing summer camp program for the Free Library Camp Challenge, to help your campers beat the summer slide in learning and become strong readers. Receive a Toolkit that includes books, games, activities, and resources, along with staff training and ongoing support. Commit to adding 60 minutes of daily literacy to your camp program, and join the Camp Challenge!

Learn More

Read By 4th

Read by 4th

Summer of Wonder plays an integral part in Philadelphia's Read by 4th campaign, a citywide coalition of families and partners making the promise to protect every child's right to read. Managed by the Free Library of Philadelphia, this coalition of more than 130 partners is the largest, most comprehensive effort of its kind in the nation.


Summer of Wonder is possible in part by
  • The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust
  • Kline and Specter
  • Philadelphia
    City Institute
    Board of Managers
  • William Penn Foundation
  • Osage Partners
  • Abington Neurological Associates
  • Chameleon
    Cloud Service
  • Elliott's Vending
    Company, Inc.
  • Steven Goldberg
    Consulting, Inc.
  • Fulton Bank
  • Truist
  • In-Kind Sponsors:

    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Philadelphia Museum of Art
With generous support from additional donors