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Youth Summer Reading

Keep reading and learning when school is closed!  The summer reading program at the Cranston Public Library has three ways to practice literacy skills this summer: 

#1

Choosing Books. Reading starts with finding something good to read!  Come to our free book fair to choose a new book for your home collection and visit the library regularly to explore special collections that target the right reading level, from phonics book boxes to audio-enabled books that will read to you!

#2

Tracking Reading. The best way to improve your reading is to read for 20 minutes every day. Any kind of reading counts! You can read a graphic novel, watch a subtitled video, or listen to an audiobook. Keep track of all your reading activities using our online reading tracker and you will earn badges and raffle tickets. This year’s prizes are six treasure boxes from six different worlds, including outer space, under water, and even the world of Minecraft!

#3

Scavenger Hunts! Reading isn’t just for books! We read in real life! Every week there will be a new scavenger hunt at each Cranston Library location, where kids can use reading skills to complete treasure hunts, birdwatch, or mine for gems.

In addition to weekly scavenger hunts, you can explore hidden wonders from the worlds of science and art at our hands-on programs for kids. There will be robot battles, live animal visits, and outdoor concerts. Check the event calendar to learn more and sign up!

View All Children's Events (link opens in new tab)

Teen Summer Reading

Our teen summer experience for middle school students includes programs like Save the Library Scavenger Hunt, Battle Robots, and Cutesy Kitchen! We also have a wide range of all ages programs from Gingerbread Summer Houses to LED Mini-golf.  

Teens can also participate in the weekly "Hidden Wonders" scavenger hunts at all locations and the library card design contest. Come to one of our open studio programs or submit a design on your own. All submissions will be displayed in a pop-up gallery at the Central Library in August.

View Our Full Schedule (opens in new tab)

We're also here to help you with your summer reading assignments, whether you need to choose from a list, like the Rhode Island Middle School Book Award Nominees, or you just need find a book that's right for you.

Teens can earn community service hours by writing reviews of books and media for our teen blog (opens in new tab)! You can also record your reading online and enter the raffle at cranstonlibrary.beanstack.org (opens in new tab).

Discover Hidden Wonders With Cranston Public Library (Ages 16 and up)

Uncover the hidden wonders right in your backyard with the Cranston Public Library! This summer we are featuring museums and cultural centers from around Rhode Island, who will come to our libraries to share their collections and knowledge at our libraries. Our four featured institutions are the International Museum of World War II, the Museum of Work and Culture, the Primus House at 21 Meeting Street, and the Steamship Historical Society. This series is brought to you in part by the RI Office of Library and Information Services.

Learn more about these presentations, along with craft workshops, book groups, concerts, and much more. See our full calendar of events and join us at your library this summer!

View All Adult Events (link opens in new tab)

Summer Raffle

Earn one entry in our summer raffle every time you check out items, sign up for a new library card, renew your library card, or answer the question of the week. Win gift certificates to local businesses, with a new drawing each week from June 29 through August 7. Raffle entries and review forms will be available at all Cranston Public Library locations. The more you enter, the better your chances to win!