Just because kids are enjoying a couple months away from the classroom doesn’t mean their mind’s should become dull. Summer reading programs are great for keeping young brains sharp!
Your local library encourages kids of all ages to keep reading while school’s out during the 2017 Summer Reading Program in June and July. This year’s theme is BUILD A BETTER WORLD. Kids can set reading goals and earn prizes for reaching them. Area libraries host a slew of events, including special storytimes, activities, workshops and guest appearances. It’s free to participate, though some events will require advance registration. Teens — and YOU! — can participate, too. Sign up at your local branch or online.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LIBRARIES
Visit your local library online to find all the special summer reading program events and activities.
DAVIDSON COUNTY
nashvillepubliclibrary.org
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
lavergnetn.gov
linebaugh.org
SUMNER COUNTY
youseemore.com/gallatinpl
youseemore.com/hendersonville
youseemore.com/portland
youseemore.com/whl
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
lib.williamson-tn.org
brentwood-tn.org/library
springhilllibrary.org
WILSON COUNTY
lebanonlibrary.net
mtjulietlibrary.net
youseemore.com/watertown
BOOKSTORES ENCOURAGE SUMMER READING, TOO!
Two nationwide bookstore chains with locations in Middle Tennessee have their own summer reading initiatives for kids and teens.
Barnes and Noble gives kids a free book through its program when kids read eight books through their Summer Reading Journal. It runs through Sept. 5. Locations in Brentwood, Hendersonville and Murfreesboro.
Books-A-Million is giving away a free Maze Runner water bottle to kids who read any of the four books from its Reading Challenge selections. Locations in Madison, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill.
LOCAL, INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES
Local bookstores are great for kids all year round, and ones like Parnassus Books in Green Hills carry summer reading titles on school lists, too. Here are our favorite spots to visit:
Fairytales Bookstore
114B S. 11th St., Nashville
615-915-1960 | fairytalesbookstore.com
The Grumpy Bookpeddler
1111 Memorial Blvd., Ste. C., Murfreesboro
615-900-3264 | thegrumpybookpeddler.com
Landmark Booksellers
114 E. Main St., Franklin
615-791-6400 | landmarkbooksellers.com
McKay’s
636 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville
615-353-2595 | mckaybooks.com
Parnassus Books
3900 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 14, Nashville
615-953-2243 | parnassusbooks.net
