Summer Reading Club will keep kids and families reading…

VANCOUVER, BC: Children and families can make reading a fun part of summer by participating in the BC Summer Reading Club (BC SRC), a free literacy program available at public libraries and online throughout B.C.

“Reading together brings stories to life and strengthens ties between families, communities and local libraries,” said Niki Sharma, MLA for Vancouver-Hastings. “Encouraging kids to read during the summer while having fun builds the confidence and motivation to keep learning. This program develops the literacy skills that will enrich children’s lives and help them succeed.”

Libraries welcome the participation of children of all reading abilities and offer virtual and in-person Summer Reading Club activities with each library developing its own programs based on community needs. Families can register readers aged five to 14 and find out about activities through the program’s website or by visiting their local library.

The BC Summer Reading Club encourages kids to read daily and track their progress. From listening to a story to reading a graphic novel, all forms of reading count – and in any language. Participants can enter contests to win prizes and earn digital badges. Many libraries also award a medal to those who reach their reading milestones.

“For more than 30 years, the BC Summer Reading Club has worked with local public libraries to bring an engaging, interactive and inclusive literacy program to children and their families throughout the province,” said Rina Hadziev, executive director, British Columbia Library Association. “This program has become a tradition and a summer highlight for many families, and we’re always thrilled to hear the wonderful ways it meaningfully impacts them.”

Through their local libraries, families can participate in weekly activities and events based on this year’s theme: All Together Now features artwork by illustrator and video game artist Elaine Chen of Vancouver.

In May 2022, the Province invested $8 million in COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Funding for libraries, with $100,000 going to the BC Library Association to support increased accessibility and inclusion for BC Summer Reading Club in future years.

Co-ordinated by the British Columbia Library Association and public libraries, the BC Summer Reading Club is supported by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and CUPE BC. 

Written and released by BC Government