Summer Reading Programs for Kids in Orlando (2024)

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School is officially out for the summer! While kids are rejoicing, most parents are stressed about finding activities to keep their little ones entertained and their brains engaged for the next 2 months. But have no fear there are free summer reading programs at the local Central Florida library systems – Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, and Lake County. 

The first 2 have the most activities and offer a wide range of options both during the day and in the evening. If you’re unable to make the in-person events, make sure to sign up for your free library card at your local branch so your family can check out different books this summer. Like me, I’m sure you’re getting tired of reading the same books over and over at your house, and the summer is the perfect time to switch it up! 

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You can also explore more Things to Do with Kids in Orlando This Summer.

Orlando Summer Reading Programs

Orange County Library System

June 1-July 28, 2024

Locations: 

  • Alafaya
  • Chickasaw
  • Eatonville
  • Fairview Shores 
  • Hiawassee
  • North Orange Branch
  • Orlando Public Library & Melrose Center
  • South Creek 
  • South Trail 
  • Southeast
  • Southwest
  • Washington Park 
  • West Oaks and Genealogy Center
  • Windermere Branch
  • Winter Garden

This year’s summer reading program theme for the Orange County Library System is All Together Now: Kindness, Friendship and Unity.

OCLS is offering free online and in-person programs, classes and events at all 15 branch locations. Starting on July 13, children who complete 300 minutes of reading can visit their local branch for a goodie bag, while supplies last.

Orange County Library System staff – @ocls

Make sure to download the Beanstack app to log your child’s reading minutes online or grab one of the paper reading trackers (available in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Spanish) at your local branch. In-person programs include sing-alongs, science experiments, animal encounters, dance parties, language skills, and more. 

Seminole County Library System

May 24-July 28, 2024

5 locations:

  • Central (Casselberry)
  • West (Longwood/Wekiva)
  • East (Oviedo)
  • Northwest (Lake Mary)
  • North (Sanford)

The Seminole County Library System is also focusing on the theme of Adventure Begins at Your Library this summer, celebrating friendship, community and teamwork. With school out for the summer, children have the chance to read whatever types of books they like, and they all count for the SCLS summer reading program.

Summer Reading Program Seminole County Library System – @seminolecountylibrary

When signing up for the program, you’ll receive a free book and a lanyard to collect badges for weekly reading challenges. Children, teens and adults can all participate in the challenges. Each week, make sure to fill out a raffle ticket at your local branch to be eligible for prizes, including the end of summer grand prize, a pair of LEGO creator sets.

In-person events throughout the summer include a stuffed animal scavenger hunt, Greek Hero Training Camp, reptile encounter, Minecraft event, and more! 

Osceola County Library System

June 3-July 3, 2024

  • ​Hart Memorial Central Library
  • St. Cloud
  • Poinciana
  • Buenaventura Lakes
  • West Osceola

The Osceola County Library System is offering Read, Renew, Repeat at 5 of its locations this summer for children of all ages. You can check out the calendars for all locations to learn more about each event.

Activities occur Monday through Friday and include dance and music sessions, story time, puppet theatre, and more. 

Lake County Library System

June 3-July 18, 2024

  • Cagan Crossings (Four Corners/Clermont)
  • Eustis Memorial 
  • Leesburg 
  • Marianne Beck Memorial (Howey-in-the-Hills)
  • Marion Baysinger Memorial (Groveland)
  • Paisley County 

The 2024 theme for the Lake County Library System’s summer reading program is Adventure Begins at Your Library. There isn’t much information about the program as a whole on the LCLS website, however, you can look up individual branch schedules on their calendar page.

Free in-person activities are available at 6 of the LCLS branches and include a superhero training academy, dino adventures, space explorers and more!

There is also a summer reading challenge for teens and one for adults that runs through July 31.

Happy reading!