In-Person: June 6 – August 12, 2022
Online: June 1 – August 31, 2022
Summer of Wonder is for Everyone, Everywhere.
The Free Library's Summer of Wonder is for everyone. Children can ask a Librarian for an Activity Passport and set a goal for reading and activities to accomplish over the summer. Teens and Adults can enter raffles at a neighborhood library by reading, attending library programs, and much more. Sign up online for the Virtual Reading Challenge or try a virtual Activity Adventure. Wherever you are, the Free Library has an experience just for you.
What is Summer of Wonder all about?
From artistic inspiration to world exploration, connect with your favorite library activities or try something brand new! Attend Library programs, find new books to read, and explore activities to keep your mind growing throughout the summer. Visit your neighborhood library, use the Activity Passport to track your reading and activities, or participate in an online challenge. You choose your own Summer of Wonder adventure! Reading and other activities can keep your mind active, which can help stop "summer slide," the gap in learning that can happen between school years.
How Do I Participate?
Summer of Wonder is open to all ages and groups.
From June 1 – August 31, caregivers of children ages 0-5, kids, teens, and adults can sign up online or download a free app for iOS and Android devices. Track progress, participate in themed challenges, and earn badges online as you go
From June 6 – August 12, stop by with your neighborhood library to ask about summer programming and ways to participate for children, teens, and adults. Whether you participate online or on paper, the Free Library will keep your summer fun.
Summer Activities
Explore our online Summer of Wonder Hub to find activity ideas, read-aloud guides, videos, blogs, and more! For easy-to-do, literacy-rich activity ideas you can use on the go, check out our online Reading Champs Guide.
Visit our Events Calendar to discover library programs for all ages throughout the summer. Join in for storytimes, book clubs, maker programs, professional development opportunities, language conversation groups, mutual aid events, and more.
For up to date resources, programs, and events for kids, teens, families, and educators, follow Youth Services on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter for literacy tips and activities sent right to your email inbox.
Camps and Groups
Register your existing summer camp program to help your campers beat the summer slide in learning and become strong readers. Receive a Toolkit including books, games, activities, and resources, along with staff training and on-going support. Commit to adding 60 minutes of daily literacy to your camp program, and join the Summer Camp Challenge!
To register, visit the Free Library Camp Challenge page.
Year-Round
In addition to the online Summer of Wonder experience, the Free Library offers a Virtual Reading Challenge & Activity Adventure for every season and every age. Sign up online throughout the year for our Fall, Winter, or Spring Challenge to join in the fun!
Read by 4th
Summer of Wonder plays an integral part in Philadelphia's Read by 4th campaign, a citywide coalition of families and partners protecting 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. For more information, www.readby4th.org
Lead Sponsors
- Chameleon Cloud Service
- Elliott's Vending Company, Inc.
- Steven Goldberg Consulting, Inc.