Kids’ Summer Reading Program 2024
Sign Up
Sign up for the 2024 Summer Reading Program with programs for children (grades 1-5), tweens & teens, and adults (ages 18+)! Children in sixth grade can choose to participate in either the Kids’ or Tween/Teen program (see registration form for more details).
Registration for the Summer Reading Program opens on June 1st. You can sign up at any point during the program — it’s never too late to join in on the summer fun! Register through our online form here.
Don’t forget to fill out our weekly prize form for your chance to win some awesome prizes throughout the summer.
Too young to register for the summer reading program? No problem! We have organized a series of preschool programs and created a reading log for our readers-in-training!
Log Your Books
Beanstack is a website and app that serves as an interactive home for all reading challenges and events. It’s your one-stop-shop to track your reading habits and unlock badges! New to Beanstack? Check out our easy-to-follow instructions!
Children in grades 1-5 can also choose to track their reading on the paper log included in the registration kits. Here’s a digital version in case you need another!
Earn Prizes
Participation Prizes:
Log at least 3 books and you will go home with our Summer Reading Program system-wide prize: a small LED flashlight! Participation prizes can be picked up at any of our locations at any time during the program once you’ve read 3 books. Prizes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Grand Prize Drawings:
By logging at least 3 books, children are eligible to enter into the Grand Prize Drawing which will be held during our Pool Party! To be entered into the drawing, you must attend our Pool Party on Friday, August 16th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Camp Muffly Pool (1477 4H Camp Road, Morgantown, WV 26508) for your chance to win a Kids Explorer Kit, a LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Set, an indoor s’mores making kit, Jazzy’s Hydrobikes passes, and a shaved ice maker.
For your chance to win during our weekly prize drawings, fill out the online form updated below each week! Winners will be notified and can pick up the prize from one of our locations.
Week 1 (June 10-15): Adventure WV, 2 Person 2 Hour Rental
Week 2 (June 17-22): 10 BOPARC Pool Passes
Week 3 (June 24-29): 4 Black Bear Baseball Ticket Vouchers
Week 4 (July 1-6): Keep reading! (No prize drawing this week.)
Week 5 (July 8-13): You’re doing great! (No prize drawing this week.)
Week 6 (July 15-20): Adventure WV 4 person Canopy Tour
Week 7 (July 22-27): 20 Suburban Lane Passes
Week 8 (July 29-Aug. 3): 4 Retro Skate Passes
Week 9 (Aug. 5-Aug. 10): 4 Cryptid Mountain Mini Golf Passes
Thank you to these local businesses for their generous donations!
Craft Kits
Participating children can pick up a free craft kit at their home library during certain weeks!
Week 1 (June 10-15): Pool Noodle Boat Kit
Week 3 (June 24-29): DIY Kite & Pinwheel Kit
Week 7 (July 22-27): Treasure Map & Bee Hotel
Week 8 (July 29-August 3): Lightsicles Kit (donated by Mountaineer Area Robotics.)
Week 9 (Aug. 5-10): Clothespin Mothman
Attend a Summer Reading Program Event
Check out our full events calendar!
June 1st: Registration Begins!
June 10th: Official Start of the Summer Reading Program
August 10th: End of the Summer Reading Program
August 16th: Pool Party
Registration Kick-Off Party
Date: Saturday, June 1st | 8:30am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Farmers Market | 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV 26505
Join us at the Farmers Market for our 2024 Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party! Kids in Grades 1-5 are invited to visit our table to register for the program and receive their Registration Kit — which includes a reading log, fun activities, gifts, and more!
Week 1: And We’re Off! Travel Adventures
Wanderers Workshop
Date: Tuesday, June 11th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program story time! This week, we will be reading Oliver the Curious Owl by Chad Otis. Children will also complete their own sand art crafts.
Let’s Go Camping Bingo
Date: Tuesday, June 11th | 11:00am-12:00pm & 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Let’s have an adventure in Meeting Room A! Join us for bingo with a camping theme where we will have travel games and books as prizes. We will also enjoy camping-themed snacks!
Travel Buddy Creation
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Kick off the summer by creating a travel buddy! We’ll be creating or decorating our own buddies to take with us on adventures this summer! Everyone will be encouraged to take their buddy with them wherever they go this summer and bring back pictures and postcards to display at the library!
Travel Tile Coaster
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Let’s turn travel adventures into art! Join us to create a unique tile coaster using travel pictures from magazines and maps, or bring your own travel photo to use.
Let’s Go Camping Bingo
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Let’s have an adventure! Join us for bingo with a camping theme where you’ll have a chance to win books and prizes.
Week 2: Go Outside! Adventures in Nature
Scavenger Hunt Pick-Up
Date: Monday, June 17th & Friday, June 21st during open hours
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Go on an exciting adventure right in your own back yard! Grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the Arnettsville Public Library during our open hours and explore the wonders of nature waiting just beyond your front door. Return with your completed sheet to claim fun nature-themed prizes!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Date: Tuesday, June 18th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program story time! This week, we will be reading Summer Color by Diana Murray. Children will also participate in a Nature Scavenger Hunt outdoors. This event will take place at the Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion. The campground is located at 77 Days Run Rd, Fairview, WV 26570.
Nature’s Mosaic Marvels
Date: Tuesday, June 18th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Join us in Meeting Room A to explore nature’s biodiversity with the Friends of Deckers Creek! We will use air-dry clay and a variety of other natural materials to discover storytelling using mosaic art to make creek creatures. We will also learn more about pond ecosystems with a read-aloud of Kate Messner’s Over and Under the Pond.
Sand Art Creation
Date: Thursday, June 20th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Express your creativity with our adventure camp sand art craft!
Nature Picnic
Date: Thursday, June 20th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Come and explore the outdoors with us and enjoy a nature picnic outside the library! We will be hanging out outside and creating a community tiny nature museum, along with a cloud craft and leaf rubbings! Please bring your own snack from home, and we will provide drinks!
Week 3: Dream It Up! Adventures in Imagination
Imagine That!
Date: Tuesday, June 25th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading Imagine That by Jonathan Voss. Children will also create a DIY kaleidoscope.
Imagination Stations
Date: Tuesday, June 25th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Express your creativity in Meeting Room A with our imagination stations! You will be able to build with our huge LEGO collection, design your own imaginary friend with clay, make your own sun visor, and read your book in a fun space.
Adventures in Imagination: Umbrella Arts Showcase
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Join us for a day of creative, imaginative fun with our friends at Umbrella Arts! Umbrella Arts will provide workshop experiences in writing and cartooning, as well as dancing! This will be a great day to see where your imagination can take you!
Dream It Up – Make Your Own Craft
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Use your imagination to make artwork and crafts with the many supplies CDPL has on hand – we can’t wait to see what you create!
Dreaming About Crafts Workshop
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Get ready for a crafting adventure! Join us to make some awesome ‘dreamy’ crafts like your very own dream catcher and cool sand art. Let’s make some magical creations together!
Weeks 4 & 5: Your Path, Your Adventure
Your Summer Adventure Scrapbook Kit
Date: July 1st-6th during open hours
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Having fun this summer and need a place to creatively catalog what you’ve done? Come to the Cheat Area Public Library all week during our open hours to pick up a kit to make a Summer Adventure Scrapbook! We’ll provide materials and ideas so you can make a unique scrapbook that will hold all your adventures!
Gaming Day
Date: Tuesday, July 2nd | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Calling all gamers! Join us in Meeting Room A for some friendly competition. Board games will be provided from the library’s collection, and we will have Splatoon and Mario Kart on our Switch. If you’d like, please bring your own gaming device to play.
Fourth of July Senior Lunch & Learn
Date: Wednesday, July 3rd | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Children are invited to join us for a special Fourth of July Hot Dog Luncheon with the Senior Lunch and Learn crew! Enjoy hot dogs and share your favorite Fourth of July memories with new friends.
S’mores & Stargazing Kits
Date: July 8th-13th
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
S’mores and stars are two of the best things about summer! Come out to the Cheat Area Public Library anytime this week during our open hours to pick up some materials to make your own s’mores and help you identify what you’re seeing in the night sky!
Kids’ Chocolate Olympics
Date: Monday, July 8th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The Olympics are great, but the Chocolate Olympics are even better! Compete in a variety of chocolate-based challenges, including Oreo stacking, M&M sorting, and a blindfolded taste test! For ages 6-9.
Movie Day
Date: Wednesday, July 10th | 2:00-4:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Lights, camera, action! Join us for a free movie and snacks at this showing of Disney’s Wish.
Week 6: Solve This! Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts, & Mysteries
Summer Scavenger Hunt & Mystery Solving
Date: July 15th-19th
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Things are getting mysterious here at the Cheat Area Public Library! Anytime this week during our open hours, we will need YOU to come in and help us! We need you to find everything in a library-wide scavenger hunt, and solve a top-secret library mystery. We’ll also have a puzzle craft available after you are done hunting for clues.
Summer Detective Squad
Date: Tuesday, July 16th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen. Then, we will head outside for some jumbo Connect-4 and Jenga.
Spy Training
Date: Tuesday, July 16th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Aull Center & Morgantown Public Library
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us at the library for spy training! We will start in the Aull Center right next door and then move over to the library for more fun! From decoding secret messages and learning your spy name to navigating obstacle courses, each challenge will bring you closer to becoming a full-fledged spy. You’ll also learn about the spy and detective resources that the library has to assist your training!
Paint Your Own Puzzle
Date: Wednesday, July 17th | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Get crafty at the library and design your own puzzle! Create a unique puzzle by painting or drawing your own design. It’s a fun way to get creative and enjoy a puzzle-making adventure!
Adventures with 4-H
Date: Wednesday, July 17th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
During this week of the Summer Reading Program, we’re excited to welcome our friends from 4-H to learn about all of the awesome things they do. Come join the fun and see what 4-H is all about!
Week 7: Stay Close! Adventures Close to Home
Mad Scientist Club
Date: Tuesday, July 23rd | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading The Library Fish by Alyssa Capucilli. Then, we will try some at-home science experiments, including elephant toothpaste and a DIY lava lamp.
Buzzing About Bees
Date: Tuesday, July 23rd | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Did you know the honeybee is West Virginia’s state insect? Buzz on into Meeting Room A for an adventure close to home as we learn all about bees with The NewBees! We will explore beekeeping with an observation beehive, plant pollinator flowers, and taste different kinds of honey.
Close to Home Carnival
Date: Wednesday, July 24th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
The carnival is coming close to home at the Cheat Area Public Library! We’ll be playing carnival games, having popcorn, and enjoying a fair-like atmosphere with our friends!
Field Trip to Mason-Dixon Historical Park
Date: Wednesday, July 24th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Mason-Dixon Historical Park
Join us as we explore the Mason-Dixon Historical Park. Play on the new playground equipment, explore the fairy house trail, and read the book trail on display. Let’s have a picnic in the park after we explore and go on our adventure close to home!
Mason-Dixon Historical Park is located at 79 Buckeye Rd, Core, WV 26541.
Hiking Adventure: Nature Bookmark
Date: Thursday, July 25th | 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Toms Run Preserve
Have a hiking adventure with the staff from CDPL! We will go for a nature walk at Toms Run Preserve off of Little Falls Road (Little Falls Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508), and using the nature items collected from our walk, we’ll make a bookmark to take home.
Week 8: Dim the Lights! Adventures in the Dark
Glow Getters
Date: Tuesday, July 30th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading Glow by Rachel Batislaong and hosting a glow-in-the-dark party!
Campfire Crafting & Story Writing
Date: Wednesday, July 31st | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
The dark isn’t scary here at Cheat! We’ll be writing and sharing our own (not-so-scary!) stories, doing a campfire craft, and giving out glow-in-the-dark stars for you to take home!
Dim the Lights: Constellation Jar
Date: Wednesday, July 31st | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
People have used constellations to tell stories for centuries. Join us as we create constellation jars to have at home — what story will your constellation tell?
“Go Glow” Dance Party
Date: Wednesday, July 31st | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Join us for a “Go Glow” Dance Party in the gym at the Arnettsville Public Library. Grab some glow sticks and glow necklaces, and dance the afternoon away. Let’s Twist, Limbo, Chicken Dance, and Hula during this dance party. Show off your sweet moves and get a free book and some snacks to keep you dancing!
Planetarium Field Trip
Date: Thursday, August 1st | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: WVU Planetarium
Meet us at the WVU Planetarium & Observatory where we’ll explore the wonders of the universe and outer space as a place for storytelling to unfold. Our journey will begin with an introduction to the night sky where we’ll learn to identify different constellations. Then, we’ll follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, and their dog, Armstrong, as they journey through space in Accidental Astronauts! The Planetarium is located in White Hall at 135 Willey Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. Please click here for more specific directions. Because seating in the Planetarium is limited, registration for children and caregivers is required — please include the total number of people attending when you register here.
Week 9: Curious About Cryptids! Legendary Adventures
Cryptid Art Class with Elisha Rush (Registration Required)
Date: Saturday, August 3rd | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
The hills and hollows of West Virginia are full of all sorts of stories about mysterious creatures and cryptids. Join Morgantown artist Elisha Rush in a fun and imaginative drawing lesson at the Clinton District Public Library! Open to all students grades 1-5, this class will cover some drawing basics and how to use them to draw some of our favorite cryptids including the Mothman, Flatwoods Monster, and the Grafton Monster. Elisha loves drawing all sorts of critters and creatures and has notably illustrated a fun variety of cryptids for various projects including the Taylor County Monster Hunt and posters for PopShop WV! Please be sure to register for this event beforehand in person at the Clinton District Public Library.
Cryptid Canvas
Date: Tuesday, August 6th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion
Join Miss Molly for our end-of-Summer Reading Program pizza party! We will read Cryptids: Short and Tall, Big and Small and paint adventure pictures. We will have pizza, snacks, and drinks. Children will also receive a free meal ticket to Weezer’s Hot Dog Shop.
This event will take place at the Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion. The campground is located at 77 Days Run Rd, Fairview, WV 26570.
Cryptid Creators: Drawing Class with Elisha Rush
Date: Tuesday, August 6th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The hills and hollows of West Virginia are full of all sorts of stories about mysterious creatures and cryptids. Join Morgantown artist Elisha Rush in a fun and imaginative drawing lesson in Meeting Room A! Open to all students grades 1-5, this class will cover some drawing basics and how to use them to draw some of our favorite cryptids, including the Mothman, Flatwoods Monster, and the Grafton Monster. Elisha loves drawing all sorts of critters and creatures and has notably illustrated a fun variety of cryptids for various projects including the Taylor County Monster Hunt and posters for PopShop WV!
Create Your Own Cryptid Case File
Date: Wednesday, August 7th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Curious about cryptids? This is the perfect day for you! You’re invited to create your own cryptid — from designing its special look to discovering how your creation is unique! We’ll even be making a case file for your cryptid so you can show it off!
Cryptid Art Class
Date: Wednesday, August 7th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Curious about cryptids? Local art teacher, Sarah Billotti, will teach us about a variety of cryptid characters and how to draw them. Let’s learn about Bigfoot and Mothman and some of their friends!
Pool Party
Date: Friday, August 16th | 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Camp Muffly Pool | 1477 4H Camp Road, Morgantown, WV 26508
Make a splash at Camp Muffly for our system-wide pool party celebrating a summer full of reading and adventure! In addition to swimming, you can enjoy snacks, yard games, and music. Children who completed the Summer Reading Program can also enter into the children’s grand prize drawing, which will take place at the event. Grand prizes include a Kids Explorer Kit, a LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Set, an indoor s’mores making kit, Jazzy’s Hydrobikes passes, and a shaved ice maker. Camp Muffly is located at 1477 4H Camp Road Morgantown, WV 26508.
Preschool Programs
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Have you heard of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten? The Morgantown Public Library is committed to creating lifelong readers from the start with a fun approach to establishing strong early literacy skills. The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten. Register here!
Morgantown Public Library
Preschool Story Time
Dates: June 12th & 26th and July 17th & 31st | 10:00-10:30am | Meeting Room A
Let’s have summer fun at the library! During our time together, children ages 2-5 will listen to entertaining stories while exploring a different theme each week. The themes for the story times are as follows: June 12th – Sweet Treats, June 26th – Pets, July 17th – Fruit, July 31st – Pizza.
Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Time
Dates: June 18th & 25th and July 23rd & 30th | 6:30-7:15pm | Meeting Room A
Children ages 2-6 are invited to our Summer Session of Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Time, which will be held on the last two Tuesdays of the summer months. Listen to stories, sing songs, play games, and visit a variety of free play activity stations, including puzzles, play-dough, crafts and more. Each story time lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Cheat Area Public Library
Wednesday Morning Story Time
Dates: June 5th, 12th, 26th and July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st | 10:30am
Come to the Cheat Area Public Library every Wednesday to listen to engaging stories, do themed crafts, and play with new friends! Ages 3-6 recommended.
Toddler Playgroup
Dates: June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th | 10:30am
Toddlers ages 1-5 and their parents can meet up in the library space to play and socialize every Friday! The library provides a variety of exciting toys and crafts that make for a fun, casual weekly gathering.
Morgantown Public Library System at Krepps Park
Krepps Kritters
Dates: June 13th & 27th and July 11th & 25th | 10:00am
Meet us at Krepps Park for an outdoor story time! Ms. Cathy and Ms. Ruth will be there to read stories, sing songs, and play fun activities surrounding the theme of the day. The theme for June 13th is “Camping with Forest Animals,” June 27th is “Buggy for Books,” July 11th is “Turtle Time,” and July 25th is “Birds of a Feather.” This program is designed for children ages 3-6. No registration is required to attend this event. However, craft materials & refreshments are available for 24 children on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Virtual Author Talk with Kate DiCamillo
Virtual Author Talk with Kate DiCamillo
Date: Tuesday, July 9th | 2:00pm
Join us for a visit to Deckawoo Drive with everyone’s favorite adventure loving pig, Mercy Watson! Newbery Medal winning author Kate DiCamillo will be sharing the stories behind the creation of her early chapter book series, the original Mercy Watson, and the follow up series, Tales from Deckawoo Drive. We will also be celebrating the publication of the final book in the Mercy Watson series! Register for this virtual event here.