Sign up for Manatee County's 2024 Summer Learning Program

MANATEE COUNTY — The Manatee County Public Library System (MCPLS) is launching the 2024 Summer Learning Program, which will focus on children and teens through age 17. Beginning June 1, 2024, the program's theme is "Adventure Begins at Your Library!" Each library branch will represent a different National Park, offering an immersive experience designed to promote literacy and learning. 

“Research shows that when kids read for enjoyment during the summer, they maintain their reading comprehension from the school year and are better prepared for fall learning,” said Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott in a press release. “We look forward to the Summer Learning Program each year because we're passionate about books and reading.” 

Highlights of the program include milestone book prizes, engaging events, the opportunity to become a Kid Librarian, and a chance to win a Grand Prize. Sign up at your local Manatee Library starting June 1 to join the adventure. 

Participants are encouraged to read for at least 20 hours throughout the summer. For every 5 hours read, they will receive a new book and an entry into the Grand Prize drawing. In collaboration with the Bradenton Marauders, every child who completes 20 hours in their reading log will get a FREE ticket to a select Marauders game. The 2024 Summer Learning Program is made possible by the generous support of the Manatee Library Foundation. 

For more information about this year’s Summer Learning Program, please contact Chris O’Hara at chris.ohara@mymanatee.org or visit the webpage at https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/manatee_county_public_library_system/summer_reading_program.