Summer Reading Resources

Dear Families,

It is hard to believe we are already getting ready for another summer! The staff at WIS believes the most important thing students can do over the summer is to read; books they love and want to reread, new books that they are excited about and have been waiting to get their hands on, books that they can listen to, and even books they can share with their family. This year the Weston Public Library, in collaboration with Mr. Rinas, will be presenting information to all students about the library's summer reading programs and the Connecticut Governor's Reading Challenge. In the fall, there will be a celebration planned for all the reading our students did!

In addition, below you will find two videos - one is a presentation created to provide information and tips on reading all day, all year. The other is a video created last year by students and staff to recommend books for summer reading.

We have had many questions of how parents can help their students continue reading throughout the summer to grow their love of reading and make ongoing progress as readers. One important way of supporting your readers at home is to preview the books they choose to read in order to ensure the content and complexity is appropriate for your particular child. Another way is to be aware of the many ways of finding appropriate books for summer reading. To that end, we wanted to share some suggestions below on accessing books over the summer as well as to make you aware of summer reading programs happening in our area.

PTO Presentation on Summer Reading

Last year, myself and Andrea Noble presented valuable information to the joint HES and WIS PTOs on the importance of reading outside the school day, especially over the summer. We have revised and recorded the presentation, which can be viewed here:

K-5 Summer Reading 2020.mp4

WIS Summer Reading Presentation 2021

Here you will find the WIS Summer Reading Presentation for 2021, with classroom book recommendations and information on the WIS Summer Reading Program! We have also included the reading log in case you need an extra! Enjoy!


WIS Summer Reading_Final.mp4

Options for Accessing Books Over the Summer

  • Use your library card, download the Libby, Hoopla or Overdrive app (free apps) and borrow books from your local libraries.

  • If you do not have a public library card, you can email the Weston Public Library at westonlibrary@westonct.gov

      • You will need to explain that you are requesting a digital library card.

      • You will also need to provide the name of the person who needs the library card, your address and phone number, as well as if the card is for a child or an adult.

      • Your library card provides you access to books at all local libraries in Connecticut, including Westport and Fairfield.

  • Visit: https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/jlgdigital-free to take advantage of free eBooks provided by Junior Library Guild

  • If you have older children, look around your home for books your child may be interested in.

  • Buy books on Amazon or through a Kindle. For Kindle books, Google has an add-on extension called “Kindle Cloud Reader”, so kindle books can be accessed on a computer but would still need to be purchased.

  • For direction on finding leveled series in any of the above venues, see the “Helpful Resources” section of this website!

Optional Summer Reading Programs at the Local and State Level


Weston Public Library’s Summer Reading Program

The Weston Public Library’s summer reading program for 2022 is called “Summer Library Adventures: Read Beyond the Beaten Path”.

More information on Summer Library Adventures can be found here: https://www.westonpubliclibrary.org/children/summer-reading/

Westport Public Library’s Summer Reading Online Resources

The Westport Public Library children’s section webpage is full of book suggestions, activities, games, and links to access free online books. The Westport Library will also be offering curbside pickup and your Weston Public Library card should be accepted there as well.

The Westport Public Library children’s section website can be found here: https://westportlibrary.org/for-you/kids/

Fairfield Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge

The Fairfield Public Library has two branches that will be offering curbside pickup this summer: their main branch on the Post Road and the Woods Branch on Fairfield Woods Road. Information on their summer reading challenge can be found here: https://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/childrens/

Suggested reading from their librarians by age/grade range can be found here: https://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/childrens/book-recommendations/

The Connecticut Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge

Every year the Connecticut Governor hosts a Summer Reading Challenge. This theme-based program is a call to engage all Connecticut students in summer reading. More information on this year’s program can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/CTRead/Connecticut-Reads