The best way for children to keep their reading skills up and be ready for the next school year is to read: read for fun and read what they choose! Anchorage Public Library is here to encourage reading and learning with our annual summer reading and learning program - Summer Discovery.
Summer Discovery is May 18 to July 31.
Summer Reading & Learning Log
Keep track of your reading time and other discovery and learning activities. Kids will receive a free book when they finish your log and are entered to win awesome grand prizes. Adults can earn prizes for finishing their logs, too!
Logs are available online here to print at home and at all library branch locations beginning Saturday, May 18. They must be turned in by July 31 to enter the grand prize drawings.
Summer Children's Activities
School age events
These are weekly events, in June and July, designed for children ages 6 to 12 and their families. They will last 45 minutes to an hour.
Z.J. Loussac Library: Tuesdays at 2:30 PM
Gerrish (Girdwood) Library: Wednesdays at 3:30 PM
Chugiak-Eagle River Library: Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Mountain View Library: Thursdays at 4:00 PM
Muldoon Library: Fridays at 2:00 PM
Full event schedule available here. Please note that some special events will be on alternative days and times as indicated in the full event schedule.
Summer Storytime
Storytime returns at all locations on June 5th, 2024!
These are weekly events designed for children ages 5 and under and their families. There will be books, songs, rhymes, dancing, and more!
Family Storytime
Mountain View Library: Tuesdays at 6pm
Gerrish (Girdwood) Library: Wednesdays at 10:30am
Chanshtnu Park (Muldoon): Thursdays at 11am
Eagle River Commons Park (Chugiak-Eagle River): Fridays at 10:30am
William B. Lyons Park (Mountain View): Fridays at 3:30pm
Toddler Storytime
Z. J. Loussac Library Lawn: Fridays at 11am*
*In case of inclement weather, we will move to 4th floor Learning Commons
Preschool Storytime
Z. J. Loussac Library Lawn: Thursdays at 11am*
*In case of inclement weather, we will move to 4th floor Learning Commons
Baby Storytime
Z. J. Loussac Library: Friday at 2:30pm
Summer Teen Activities
Teen Life Skills Events
These classes are designed for kids, 12-18 years old to help give them some valuable skills as they grow up. This summer, we have three classes at 4 locations.
Check the calendar here or see below for times and dates. HERE
- Laundry 101
- Loussac Library - July 16th, 3pm
- Chugiak-Eagle River Library - July 24th, 4pm
- Muldoon Library - July 10th, 2pm
- Mountain View Library - July 19th, 3pm
Readers to the Rescue
After families complete their Summer Discovery logs, they can keep track of their summer reading minutes for Readers to the Rescue.
There’s nothing like starting the new school year with fresh school supplies! Unfortunately, we know buying those supplies can be hard. At events like the Back to School Backpack Jam and the Fairview Back to School Fair, families will be able to pick up bags packed with brand-new, free school gear—but they need your help! By continuing to log your minutes until we reach our goal of 150,000 community minutes, you can help Anchorage Public Library reach their reading goal so the Friends of the Library will donate $1,000 to these wonderful organizations!
Readers to the Rescue LogSummer Reading Books!
Need some good books?
Head over to our Kids Books recommendations!
You can find a list of Battle of the Books (to get in print or ebook).
These are some summer reading book suggestions by grade.
Interested in eBooks and eAudiobooks? Learn more here!