2020 Summer Reading Challenge

Illustrated dog and cat reading stories next to "Imagine Your Story" Logo on a green blue background

No matter your age, summer is better
with the Library—and some imagination!

Sign up for the summer reading challenge, participate in virtual events, and more!

 

 

3 WAYS TO LOG READING
Reading Challenge Website
Beanstack App for Android or iOS
Printable Reading Challenge

CONNECT WITH US
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Discord for Teens

Illustrations of Puss in Boots, the frog prince and a tiger with books on a green background

 

"Imagine Your Story" Challenge Activities: Read, Watch, Do, Share

This summer, challenge yourself to try some of our suggested activities. Make sure you log them in our Summer Reading Challenge to earn some virtual badges!

Each week, we'll highlight more activities, but you can complete them in any order!

This summer, challenge yourself to try some of our suggested activities. Make sure you log them in our Summer Reading Challenge to earn some virtual badges!

  • Read a book, article, or story aloud.
  • Enjoy a film with subtitles.
  • Listen to "Reading Radio" (the library's radio segment) on KHOI 89.1FM Wednesdays at noon or on the archive at archive.khoifm.org.
  • Write a review for a book and share it with someone.

Ebby and Jill kick off our Summer Reading Challenge series by introducing you to this week's plan on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: a memoir or biography.
  • WATCH: an APL video on Facebook or YouTube (Complete if you're watching this!)
  • DO: Write a list of things you have read this year or plan to read in the future. You can use our catalog to create lists, too: catalog.amespl.org/polaris.
  • CONNECT: Ask someone for a book recommendation. Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Join Jerri and Nathaniel as they highlight some of our Summer Reading Challenge activities on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: something by or about an African-American
  • WATCH: a musical performance
  • DO: write a poem
  • CONNECT: share a poem with someone

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Amanda and Ashley introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: a book set during summer or on a vacation
  • WATCH: a cooking show
  • DO: make lemonade or another summery drink
  • CONNECT: share a recipe with someone

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Bri and Chris introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: Revisit a favorite story or book
  • WATCH: A black and white film or show
  • DO: Go to the Ames Tribune Archive and read about the day you were born (amespubliclibrary.org/learn-explore/local-history)
  • CONNECT: Write a letter to a friend or neighbor

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Megan and Jill introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: a book in verse or a poem
  • WATCH: a documentary
  • DO: name or draw the plants you see
  • CONNECT: send a message or a letter to an author or artist to let them know what their work means to you

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Amanda and Ben introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: a book set in a different country than your own
  • WATCH: a short film
  • DO: draw a picture inspired by a story you love
  • CONNECT: share a photo you love with someone

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Susan and Julia introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: A book where an animal narrates the story or is the main character.
  • WATCH: An animated movie or series.
  • DO: Dress up as a favorite character from a book or a movie.
  • CONNECT: With other people through games. Whether online or with a fun board game. 

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Mary and Ellen introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: a book with an older character
  • WATCH: a comedy
  • DO: learn a new joke
  • CONNECT: share a joke with someone

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Anastasia and Rosie introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: an adventure book
  • WATCH: an adventure movie
  • DO: go outside to read
  • CONNECT: ask someone else for a book recommendation

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Bri and Seth introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.

  • READ: a book based on a fairy tale or folklore
  • WATCH: a fantasy movie or show
  • DO: write or draw a story
  • CONNECT: share a list of your favorite books or movies with a friend or Ames Public Library

Be sure to log your activities in the summer reading challenge at https://amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Nathaniel, Kiki, Jill, and Ebby introduce this week's challenge on our YouTube channel.