School is officially out for summer break, which means summer reading in Charlotte, NC is in full swing. If you’re looking for a fun way to keep your child engaged and sharpen their reading skills this summer, we have 10+ summer reading programs in Charlotte, North Carolina to share.
A “loss of learning” is common during summer break but with these fun and educational programs, you can stay on top of your child’s reading. In addition to reading programs, most bookstores and libraries here in Charlotte offer FREE storytimes and events throughout the summer. Happy reading!
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library-Summer Break
This library is offering its “Summer Break” reading program starting June 14 and running until August 16, 2025. You can find the branch closest to you below. To keep students’ reading skills at grade level, the library is offering an incentive program to keep kids reading this summer. Here is what to expect:
- This program is for children, teens, and adults.
- Students can sign up for a free online account to track their encouraged daily 20 minutes of reading, leisure time, and fun activities on their account.
- As they track their daily reading, the online program will give them incentives and virtual badges.
- 1 minute of reading equals 1 point.
- Each learning activity is worth 20 points.
- Once your child reaches 1200 points, they will complete the program.
- Students must obtain at least 600 points.
2025 Prizes: Summer Break Mecklenburg Libraries
- If you sign up for this program you get a coupon for a free Jr. Frosty from Wendy’s.
- earn a trip to the Summer Reading Treasure Box after reading for 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, and 60 days!
- Visit your local library branch as you reach each milestone, collect your incentive and check out more books to continue on your reading journey.
- Children and teens (age 5 to 18) who read for 45 days will be entered into special experience drawings.
Visit The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library website to sign up and find a location near you.
Union County Library-Color Our World
Union County Library Summer reading June 9th-August 1st, 2025
You can read books, win prizes, and attend fun events. Here’s what to expect:
2025 Union County Summer Reading Prizes
There are two age groups for the Union County Libraries summer reading program for 0-5 and 6-11.
| Finger Painters| Ages 0-5 | Artists | Ages 6-11 |
| Complete all early literacy activities on your activity tracking sheet and receive: $5 Book Bucks to spend at the Friends of the Library Book Sale An entry to win a plush book character Visit any location to pick up a Finger Painters tracker, or download and print from home! | Earn 100 points for each of the activities below: Read 1 hour Attend 1 program Earn 2000 points and receive: $5 Book Bucks to spend at the Friends of the Library Book SaleAn entry to win a 3D printing Pen with extra filaments |
Visit the Union County Library Website to sign up and find a location near you.
Cabarrus County Library-Adventure Begins At Your Library
Their summer reading program runs from June 2nd to August 15th, 2025. You can earn points by logging your books on the Beanstack app or their paper logs, which are available at the library. Here is what to expect:
- This program is for kids, teens, and adults.
- They are offering prizes for all age groups as you complete your reading logs.
Visit the Cabarrus County Library Website to learn more and find a location near you.
Gaston County Public Library-Adventure Begins At Your Library
Their summer reading program runs from May 27th to August 9th, 2025. You can earn prizes by logging your reading throughout the summer and turning in your reading log to earn a prize and be entered to win the grand prize. You can log your reading via the paper logs at the library or online. Here’s what to expect:
- This program is for kids, teens, and adults.
- Pre-readers & Early-Readers (Birth to age 5) can complete their reading activities and then turn the log in to get a prize. They are also entered to win the grand prize.
- Elementary Readers (Ages 6-11) can log their daily 15 minutes of reading on the free log, turn their log in for incentives earned throughout the summer, and then be entered to win the grand prize. They are encouraged to complete several reading logs to gain more entries for the grand prize.
- Grades 6-12 can pick up their bingo card and bring it back for their prize once it is filled up. They are also entered to win the grand prize and can submit multiple cards to earn more entries for the grand prize.
- Adults can pick up their reading/adventure card and bring it back to receive their prize. They are also entered to win the grand prize and can submit multiple cards to earn more entries for the grand prize.
- Join the Gaston County Library the week of July 14th through the 18th for their National Summer Learning Week. This week focuses on keeping children safe, healthy, and learning to get them ready for the upcoming school year.
Visit the Gaston County Public Library to learn more and find a location near you.
Iredell County Library-Adventure Begins At Your Library
Their summer reading program begins in June and runs through July. You can earn prizes by logging your reading throughout the summer and turning in your reading log to earn a prize and be entered to win the grand prize. You can log your reading via the paper logs at the library or online. Here’s what to expect:
- This program is for kids, teens, and adults.
- Pre-readers & Early-Readers (Birth to age 5) can complete their reading activities and then turn the log in to get a prize. They are also entered to win the grand prize.
- Elementary Readers (Ages 6-11) can log their daily 15 minutes of reading on the free log, turn their log in for incentives earned throughout the summer, and then be entered to win the grand prize. They are encouraged to complete several reading logs to gain more entries for the grand prize.
- Grades 6-12 can pick up their bingo card and bring it back for their prize once it is filled up. They are also entered to win the grand prize and can submit multiple cards to earn more entries for the grand prize.
- Adults can pick up their reading/adventure card and bring it back to receive their prize. They are also entered to win the grand prize and can submit multiple cards to earn more entries for the grand prize.
Visit the Iredell County Library Website to learn more and find a location near you.
Lincoln County Public Library-Adventure Begins At Your Library
Lincoln County Library Summer Reading Kicks off June 10, 2025.
You can earn prizes by logging your reading throughout the summer and turning in your reading log to earn a prize and be entered to win the grand prize. You can log your reading via the paper logs at the library or online. Here’s what to expect:
- This program is for kids, teens, and adults.
Visit the Lincoln County Public Library website to learn more and find a location near you.
York County Public Library
Their summer reading program runs from June 2nd to July 31st, 2025. You can earn prizes by logging your reading throughout the summer and turning in your reading log to earn a prize and be entered to win the grand prize. You can log your reading via the library paper logs or via Beanstack. Here’s what to expect:
- This program is for kids, teens, and adults.
- All participants get a sign-up prize
- Infants & toddlers (ages 0-3) can read 10 books and receive a reading certificate, a board book, and a choice of either a bath toy.
- Children (ages 3-11) can complete 10 hours of reading and receive a reading medal and certificate, coupons from community businesses, and a choice between a 4-color carabiner pen, color your own cup, color your own canvas pencil case, or mini activity book
- Teens (ages 11-18) can complete 15 hours of reading and receive a $5 gift card to a local business.
- Adults (ages 18+) can complete 15 hours of reading and receive a clear tote bag
- For every time you complete the challenge, you’ll earn one entry for the grand prize drawing (up to 5 entries per person). The grand prizes vary depending on age.
Visit the York County Public Library Website to sign up and find a location near you.
Barnes & Noble-Escape Into Summer Reading
This reading program allows children to earn a free book from Barnes & Noble by reading 8 books and then recording their favorite parts of the story in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal. Here’s what to expect:
- This is for children in grades 1st through 6th.
- You can bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1st and August 31st to get your free book.
- Each child gets to select one book from the book list provided by Barnes & Noble.
Visit the Barnes & Noble Website to learn more, download your printable journal, and find a location near you.
Scholastic Summer Reading-Home Base
This digital summer reading program runs from May 9th to September 12th, 2025. Children can create a free online account on their safety-monitored site to read stories, enjoy activities, and join a community of readers. Here’s what to expect:
- The longer they increase their “Reading Streak” the more digital experiences they can earn.
- You can download the app or make an account on their website.
Visit the Scholastic Summer Reading Website to sign up.
Pizza Hut Book It! Program
This one is probably tugging at your nostalgic heartstrings: Pizza Hut’s Book It! program is back for 2025! This program is for kids in PreK – 6th grade.
- Enroll now for the summer reading program called Camp BOOK IT!
- By logging the reading they complete in June, July, and August, kids earn a free one-topping personal pan pizza.
- Also, if you’re a homeschool teacher or teacher, you can enroll in a Book It! program that runs from October to March. This way your students can also earn that coveted pizza prize during the academic year!
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Program
Don’t forget about Chuck E Cheese — be an awesome reader for 2 weeks and get 10 free tokens via their Chuck E. Cheese Rewards program.
Bonus: Their rewards program is not limited to summer!
Bonus: Reading Skills Program!
UNC Charlotte Summer Reading Skills Programs
This summer reading program is offered by the UNC Charlotte Youth Program. They, along with The Institute of Reading Development, have created a program to help children become confident readers and practice literacy skills.
Here’s what to expect:
- Weekly live online classes AND on-campus classes are offered that build skills while using great books kids will enjoy
- They offer a variety of weekday and weekend class times
- Between classes, kids will practice reading and complete interactive lessons
- Their teacher provides all the support and instruction
- You can call a reading advisor at 1-800-964-8888
- Class sizes are limited so reserve your spot today
Visit The UNC Charlotte Summer Reading Skills Program Website to sign up
Looking for more summer fun this year? Check out our Kidding Around Summer Guide To Charlotte!
What summer reading programs in the Charlotte area will you participate in this summer?
