School’s out, the sun is shining, and it’s finally time for kids to trade homework for hammocks. But wait—don’t toss the books just yet. Reading over the summer isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Studies show that kids who stop reading during break can fall behind by two to three years by the time they hit fifth grade. That’s a major slide, and not the fun playground kind.
Luckily, Columbia, South Carolina, is stacked with summer reading programs designed to make reading not just easy, but downright exciting. Whether your kid loves comics, chapter books, or catalogues, there’s a program ready to reward their reading time.
And parents, here’s a tip: let your kids catch you reading. Whether it’s a cookbook or your favorite mystery novel, seeing you read can be the biggest motivation for them to open a book, too.
Richland Library Summer Learning Challenge
This is not your average reading program. Richland Library’s Summer Learning Challenge is for everyone—from toddlers to grown-ups. It runs from May 31 to August 9 and offers cool prizes like tickets to the Columbia Museum of Art and even a Columbia Fireflies game. The more you read and learn, the more you win. It’s simple, fun, and free.
Lexington County Public Library Summer Reading
Starting May 30, you can pick up a reading tracker from any Lexington County Library branch or go digital with the Beanstack Tracker app. From toddlers to teens (and even adults), this program is packed with reading fun, prize opportunities, and even access to park and museum passes. It’s like a summer reading adventure—choose your path and go!
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
Kids, grab your calendars! Read for 14 days straight and earn 10 free Chuck E. Cheese tokens. Print out a reading rewards calendar, mark your progress, and head over for pizza and prizes. Bonus: This program is open all year, not just during summer.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Got a reader in grades 1–6? They can earn a free book from Barnes & Noble just by reading and writing about what they love. Fill out the official Reading Journal and bring it into the store between July and August to choose a free book from the selected list.
Scholastic Summer Read-A-Palooza
Running from May 9 to September 12, this is a digital program kids can access through Scholastic Home Base. It’s packed with games, characters, and community features. The best part? For every Reading Streak™ a child maintains, Scholastic donates books to kids in rural America. It’s fun and gives back.
Clemson University Summer Reading Program
Looking for a structured program that matches your child’s reading level and goals? Clemson University offers in-person summer reading courses for kids and adults across South Carolina. Programs are customized, so check their website for local offerings and fees.
Reading Rockets
While not a traditional summer reading program, Reading Rockets is an excellent resource for families looking for reading strategies and book suggestions. If your child struggles with reading, this site can help with fun tips and tools to build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Book It! Summer Reading With Pizza Hut
Yes, you read that right—pizza for reading. Download the Book It! app, set custom reading goals, and track progress throughout June, July, and August. Every month, your child meets their goal, they get a coupon for a free Personal Pan Pizza at participating Pizza Hut locations. It’s delicious motivation.
Check With Local Schools for Reading Camps
Many schools in the Columbia area offer free summer reading camps to support students who need extra help or simply want to stay engaged. These camps are often under the radar, so call your school or check its website to see what’s available.
Why Columbia Is the Perfect Place for Bookworms of All Ages
If you’re looking for a city that truly supports education and lifelong learning, Columbia stands out. These summer reading programs are just one piece of the puzzle. The community cares about keeping minds active and imaginations alive—not just in the classroom but all year long.
So, whether you’re raising a toddler who loves storytime or a teen who’s “too cool” for books (spoiler: they’re not), Columbia’s got something for you. And with so many reading programs, your summer schedule just got a lot more interesting—and meaningful. Looking to move to a city that values education, fun, and family? Columbia might just be your next chapter.
Source: columbiamom.com
Header Image Source: columbiamom.com
