We LOVE our local libraries! They are wonderful places to borrow books, movies, games, and more. They also offer educational opportunities and fun experiences for kids and adults throughout the year. One of our favorite programs is the summer reading program! Each Stateline area library offers their own summer reading program with different prizes and rules.
The library programs are listed by city. If you are a resident in the city, you will be able to sign up for a library card and participate in the program for FREE! Be sure to a valid form of ID and proof of residency (bill, etc.) when signing up.
North Suburban Library District
Read, Renew, Repeat
May 28 – July 20, 2024
Locations: North Suburban Library District
6340 N. Second Street, Loves Park, IL
5562 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, IL
Kids can record minutes read using Beanstack or a paper log that you can pick up at the library along with their Summer Reading Club To Go bag. Complete reading challenges and turn in a log by July 20th to be included in a drawing to win the grand prize. They also offer Teen and Adult Summer Reading Clubs.
Program events:
- June 18: Annual Stuffed Pet Parade at the Macktown Forest Preserve (2221 Freeport Rd., Rockton, IL) from 10 am – 11:30 am. Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal, do a scavenger hunt, tour historic sites with Macktown Living History, then eat an ice cream treat.
- July 12: Pool Party at Sand Park Pool in Loves Park from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
- July 17: Free admission to Summerfield Zoo from 9 am – 3 pm. Bring your library card to show at the gate. There will be an educational show at 12 pm.
- August 8: Enjoy a day at Anderson Japanese Gardens and a performance from Zack Percell of TNZ Magic. Arrive by 8:45 am to get seated in the pavilion.
Beloit Public Library
Summer Reading Challenge
June 8 – August 31, 2024
Location: Beloit Public Library
605 Eclipse Blvd, Beloit, WI
Beloit Summer’s Reading challenge allows kids to read and earn prizes for milestones reached. You can pick up a reading log at BPL, fill in the minutes you read, and turn it in to the library for prizes.
Here is a prize list.
For Children (Ages 0-12)
- 100 minutes: Gift Certificates (Culver’s Custard, Domino’s Pizza AND Sky Carp Ticket)
- 200 minutes: 2 Slap Bracelets
- 300 minutes: Squishy
- 400 minutes: Color-Changing Stress Ball
- GRAND PRIZE: Nintendo Switch OLED and Springs Water Park Passes / one automatic entry for each 100 minutes read (Drawing held September 3)
For Teens (Ages 13-17)
- 100 minutes: Gift Certificates (Culver’s Custard, Domino’s Pizza AND Sky Carp Ticket)
- 200 minutes: 2 Slap Bracelets
- 300 minutes: Mochi Squishy
- 400 minutes: Color-Changing Stress Ball
- GRAND PRIZE: Giveaway Prize Baskets and Springs Water Park Passes / one automatic entry for each 100 minutes read (Drawing held September 3)
For Adults (Ages 18+)
- 100 minutes: Gift Certificates (Culver’s Custard AND Domino’s Pizza)
- 200 minutes: Color-Changing Stress Ball
- 300 minutes: Book Bag
- 400 minutes: Journal
- GRAND PRIZE: Visit Beloit Basket and Springs Water Park Passes / one automatic entry for each 100 minutes read (Drawing held September 3)
Program events:
- June 8: Kick-off Party games and prizes from 2 pm – 4 pm.
- June 11: Snake Discovery program – learn about snakes and reptiles fro 6 pm – 7 pm.
- June 18: Mad Science program – Dive into hands in experiments, for all ages from 6 pm – 7 pm.
- June 25: Dance to the music of Fox and Branch from 6 pm – 7 pm.
- July 9: Watch a TNZ Magic show from 6 pm – 7 pm.
- July 25: Family Maker Night: Make art fro natural found items from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
- August 20: Watch a Zoozort program with live animals from 2 pm – 3 pm.
View a full summer guide for the library here.
Ida Public Library (Belvidere)
Read, Renew, Repeat
June 10 – August 17, 2024
Location: Ida Public Library
320 N State St, Belvidere, IL
Complete at least 7 challenges on the weekly summer reading program slips and return them each week for 8 weeks. This slips go into a drawing to win a prize of your choosing. Join the library for a finishers hike on Saturday, August 17th at 10:30 am in Spencer Park.
Program events:
- June 10: Kick-off Party from 11 am – 3 pm with a Reptile Fair Open House.
- June 11: Exploring mammals with the BCCD from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
- June 12: Get ready to garden and learn about community gardening from 1 pm – 3 pm.
- July 22: Come to the library for a “Chopped” style crafting program with a twist from 2 pm – 3:30 pm.
- July 25: Enjoy a storytime with Lucky Guys Farm at 6:30 pm.
View a full summer guide for the library here.
Cherry Valley Public Library
To Read-Finity and Beyond
May 28 – August 2, 2024
Location: Cherry Valley Public Library
755 E State St, Cherry Valley, IL
Kids can read and record their minutes using Beanstack to earn fun rewards and badges including free ice cream from Cattle & Cream, a free book when they reach their goal, and more. This year, kids can record minutes and activities every week to be entered into a weekly prize drawing. If you complete your goal by August 2, 2024 you’ll be entered into a drawing.
Program events:
- June 13: Sing and dance along at a concert with Andrew Robinson at 2 pm.
- June 27: Enjoy a STEM afternoon with Collins Aerospace at 2 pm.
- July 11: Explore the wonders of the solar system with the Discovery Center Museum at 1 pm, 2 pm, or 3 pm.
- July 25: Come to the parking lot for a foam party with hula hoops, music and beach balls at 2 pm.
All Cherry Valley Public Library events must be registered for in advance. Priority will be given to CV card holders. Register on their calendar here.
View a full summer guide for the library here.
Rockford Public Library
Read, Renew, Repeat
June 1 – August 17, 2024
Locations: Rockford Public Library
215 N. Wyman Street, Rockford, IL
6685 E. State Street, Rockford, IL
1238 S. Winnebago Street, Rockford, IL
Kids can track summer reading using the Beanstack app to qualify for prizes for every 500 minutes read. They will also get a free book when they finish 1,500 minutes. Sign up here.
Program events:
- June 1: Kick-Off Party in the Riverfront Museum Park parking lot from 10 am – 12 pm. Enjoy crafts and games, and borrow books from the Mobile Library. The first 800 kids will get a free t-shirt.
Talcott Free Library (Rockton)
Read, Renew, Repeat
May 28 – July 27, 2024
Location: Talcott Free Library
101 E Main St, Rockton, IL
Kids can track their reading by using a paper log that they can pick up at the library starting on May 28th.
Program events:
- July 9: Pool Party at Walt Willliamson Pool from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
South Beloit Public Library
Adventure Begins at Your Library
June 3 – August 3, 2024
Location: South Beloit Library
630 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL
View a full summer guide for the library here.
Hedberg Public Library (Janesville)
All Together Now
June 10 – August 2, 2024
Location: Hedberg Public Library
316 S. Main St., Janesville, WI
Kids can pick up a lanyard and button or sticker from the library and record their minutes on the Beanstack app. Kids can win prizes weekly and enter in drawings for prizes. Register here.
Woodstock Public Library
Adventure Begins at Your Library
May 29 – July 31, 2024
Location: Woodstock Public Library
414 W. Judd St., Woodstock, IL
Kids can pick up a reading log from the library or record their minutes on the Beanstack app. Kids can choose a brand new book for every completed log. There’s also a bookmark design contest. Register here.
Milton Public Library
Adventure Begins at Your Library
June 10 – August 10, 2024
Location: Milton Public Library
403 E. High St., Milton, WI
Kids can pick up an activity log and prize pack at the library.
Head over to your local library and get your kids signed up for the summer reading program today! Email us at [email protected] if we missed your library’s event!
More Summer Fun Here…
