Q. When does the program start and end?
A. In 2025, the program begins on May 23rd and ends Monday July 28,2025 . All reading hours must be in by 8:00 P.M. Monday, July 28, 2025.
Q. We don't have Hannibal Free Public Library cards. Can I or my children still participate?
A. Of course! You do not need a library card to participate in the summer reading program, though we highly encourage you to get a Hannibal library card if you live in the area. See the library's borrower registration policy or call us to find out how. If you do not live in or plan to visit the Hannibal area over the summer, please note that all prizes must be claimed in person. We do not mail prizes.
Q. Ok, we're registered. Now what?
A. For children ages 0-5: Print a reading tracker and use it to keep a record of how many books you read with your child over the summer. Once they have read for at least an hour, it's time to report in here or in-building. Your child will earn prizes as they reach reading milestones during the summer. Read at least 20 books together for your child to earn his or her completion prize and an entry into the grand prize drawing. Every 20 books will earn him or her an additional entry for the grand prize drawing.
For children ages 6-11: Keep track of how much time your child reads (you can print this tracker to help you keep count). Once they have read for at least an hour, it's time to report in here or in-building. You can report hours as often as you wish throughout the summer. They will earn prizes as they reach reading milestones during the summer. The last day to report reading hours is Tuesday, August 1st at 8:00 p.m. Your child will need to read for at least 20 hours to earn his or her completion prize and to be entered into the grand prize drawing. Every 20 hours will earn him or her an additional entry for the grand prize drawing.
For teens ages 11-18: Keep track of how much time you read (you can print this tracker to help you keep count). Once you have read for at least an hour, it's time to report in here or in-building. You can report hours as often as you wish throughout the summer. You will earn prizes as you reach reading milestones during the summer. The last day to report reading hours is Tuesday, August 1st at 8:00 p.m. You will need to read for at least 20 hours to earn your completion prize and be entered into the grand prize drawing. Every 20 hours you read will earn you an additional entry for the grand prize drawing.
For adults: Keep track of your titles (you can print this tracker to help you keep count)! The first 15 books read will earn you a prize (while supplies last). If you reach 15 books, don't stop reading! For every week you report, you will be entered into the weekly prize drawings!
Q. What counts as "reading"?
A. A couple of things count toward reading for the summer program:
1. Reading a book, ebook, comic, manga or magazine on one's own
2. Listening to an audiobook, or listening to someone else read aloud
Sorry, reading captions on the TV or words in a video/computer game do not count!
Q. My child has already read 20 hours/books. Now what?
A. Tell them to keep reading! If your child reads 20 more books or hours, they will earn an additional entry for the grand prize drawing. Ask your child to create a goal or to challenge themselves beyond the 20 books or hours. Don't forget, reading is a use-it-or-lose-it skill, and summer months are important for children to practice their reading skills.
Q. What's this about a school trophy?
A. In 2013 we began a new tradition: a trophy will be awarded to the area elementary school whose students read the most hours per student this summer. So keep reading even if you reach 20 hours; your school could get a trophy!
Past winners: Eugene Field in 2013 and 2014, Veterans in 2015, Saint John's in 2016, and Eugene Field in 2017! In 2018, we added homeschool groups to our list of schools. They had a point to prove and won the trophy for the most hours read in 2018 and 2019! 2020 had one of the closest races with the school competition, yet! A. D. Stowell Elementary School was the big winner in 2020! Homeschoolers won the trophy back in 2021. Mark Twain Elementary won the trophy for the first time in 2022. Homeschoolers wond in 2023 and 2024. Will your school be our big winner in 2025?
Q. Why can't children who read more than 20 hours earn more prizes? You want to encourage the kids to read a lot, right?
A. We do! Unfortunately, we only have so many prizes to go around, and we have to make sure there's something for everyone. We try to offer other incentives to keep kids reading beyond 20 hours such as additional grand prize entries. Prizes are provided through generous donations by many local businesses and organizations (thank you!), and also through the library's programming budget. If you or your organization wishes to contribute to the Summer Reading Program, please contact us.
Q. My children are going to be out of town for part of the summer. Can they still join?
A. Yes! If you/they have internet access wherever they are, reading hours or books can be reported online. Don't forget, listening to an audiobook during long car rides counts toward your reading goals! Even if your child does not have time to read the full 20 hours towards the completion prize, they still earn points towards his or he school and can earn prizes for the hours he or she does complete. Even if your child can only participate in the program for a week or two, they will still have a chance to win something, have some fun, and most importantly, practice their reading!
Q. My child is already registered for summer reading through his/her daycare or summer school. Can they register again?
A. Sure! The daycare program is different from the individual program this year, so your child will be earning different prizes. Also, they'll be learning that reading is fun and important outside of school, too!
Q. What does it cost to attend one of the programs or events?
A. All library events are always FREE! You do not need a library card to attend any library event (though everyone should have a card because they are so useful). Due to limited space and supplies, we reserve the right to limit attendance at any event. For more information about upcoming programs and events, or to pre-register for an event, check out our schedule of events page.
Didn't find the answer you needed? Contact us at 221-0222,
email us at: ref@hannibal.lib.mo.us, or stop by the library at 200 S. 5th Street.