Summer Reading returns at the St. Petersburg Library System June 12-July 31, 2021.

The virtual program will offer take-home activities, digital programming and reading challenges with chances to win prizes for readers of all age levels.

New for Summer Reading 2021, programming for adult readers. The educational program designed to keep young minds active while on summer break will be the first robust adult summer reading program offered by the St. Petersburg Library System in recent years. This aligns with the St. Petersburg Library System’s year-round goal of promoting lifelong learning. 

“Last year's Summer Reading 2020 and other virtual programs were such a success and allowed us to enhance community engagement. It was clear from the participation we needed to offer Summer Reading 2021 for St. Pete’s youth, even while doing so virtually this year,” said Mika Nelson, St. Petersburg Library System Director. “This year, we are pleased to expand the virtual Summer Reading Program to include adult readers as well.”

This year’s Summer Reading theme is Tails & Tales. The City has partnered with READsquared and Page Turner Adventures to offer free online activities and reading challenges, like the Mayor’s Reading Challenge, to celebrate animals and stories.

The more you read, the more you learn – and the more you can win! Completing reading challenges allows readers to enter for chances to win prizes, like an Amazon Kindle Fire. Additionally, readers are encouraged to participate in Reading with the Rays, a reading challenge by the Tampa Bay Rays.

To get Summer Reading started, Mirror Lake Community Library will host a kickoff event where participants can pick up a Summer Reading Guide and take-home activities.

Summer Reading 2021 Kickoff
Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Mirror Lake Library (front lawn)
280 5th St. N.

Participants can also download the Summer Reading Guide at splibraries.org.

There will be no end of summer party this year. However, Summer BreakSpot will still be happening. Kids 18 and under can get free grab-and-go meals at James W. Johnson Community Library and South Community Library. Meals will be available Monday-Friday, June 14-August 6. Meal serving times can be found at splibraries.org or by calling the library. Other participating locations can be found at stpeteparksrec.org/SummerFood.

More information about Summer Reading 2021 can be found at splibraries.org or by calling 727-892-5296.