School District U-46 is excited to partner with our local libraries again in 2021 for the Summer Reading Challenge! Each year in U-46 we see the positive impact this program has on our students. This year, all four local libraries will be offering the reading logs completely online.

Summer reading can help students maintain or improve academic performance and avoid the dreaded “summer slide,” which refers to students losing up to two months of learning during the summer months. National research has demonstrated that students who participate in summer reading programs score higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year. 

Librarians across the District’s 11 communities have shared the various summer reading themes with District staff and schools to pass along to students and families. Messages, photos, and videos will be shared on the District's social media this summer, as well, to encourage parents to keep their children reading and logging their time.

NEW THIS YEAR! Each public library partner has put together a video explaining their respective summer reading program. As a District, we are designating June 1 as the U-46 Summer Reading Challenge kickoff when our schools will take a moment to share the video with their students and families. The video links will be available here on June 1 - make sure to tune in then!

Make sure to visit your local library's website to sign up and for information about the reading challenge and how to earn unique fun prizes. 

Each local public library offers a variation of the Summer Reading Challenge. Below is a chart with each library, its program name, and the challenge timeline. Visit your library's website for details. If you're unsure of which library serves your school, please scroll to the bottom of the page for the list. 

 Bartlett Public Library

800 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett 

Theme: Reading Colors Your World

Summer Reading Challenge Dates: Tuesday, June 1 - Saturday, July 31

Click here to start discovering Bartlett Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge. 

Carol Stream Public Library

616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream

Theme: Explore Your World

Summer Reading Challenge Dates: Tuesday, June 1 - Sunday, August 15

Carol Stream's Summer Reading Challenge instructions and log can be downloaded here.

Gail Borden Public Library

270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin

Theme: READventure

Summer Reading Challenge Dates: Saturday, May 1 - Sunday, August 8

Click here to view Gail Borden Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge details, including their downloadable reading logs, guidelines, and prize details. 

Poplar Creek Public Library

1405 S. Park Ave., Streamwood 

Theme: Reading Colors Your World

Summer Reading Challenge Dates: Monday, June 7 - Friday, July 30

Click here to start your Summer Reading Challenge at Poplar Creek Public Library.