OWH Column: Omaha Public Library launches Summer Reading Program

With warmer weather and longer days comes Omaha Public Library’s (OPL) annual Summer Reading Program (SRP). This initiative, which kicked off June 1 and ends July 31, encourages thousands of people of all ages to read more and get to know their local library branch better. And as if that doesn’t sound rewarding enough on its own, patrons who participate in SRP can earn prizes.

Participants can pick up a Summer Reading Program tracker for babies and toddlers, kids, teens or adults from any OPL branch to record their progress. Upon registration, babies and toddlers, kids and teens receive two free books, and adults receive a voucher for a free book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale.

The trackers allow you to mark progress for every hour spent reading or completing suggested library activities, like listening to an audiobook, visiting a branch that is new to you or watching a film or show on Kanopy. Once a tracker is complete, return it to any OPL help desk for a prize, including a voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale, a ticket voucher for an Omaha Storm Chasers baseball game (valid July 28 or Aug. 2) and entry into drawings for additional prizes while supplies last.

This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” features a lineup of prehistoric-inspired programming focused on dinosaurs, paleontology and geology for every age group.

Children under 5 years of age can check out Curiosity Crew: Dinos! Ages 2-5, where participants will learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Several branches will also host Stomp and Shake Storytimes, where kids become the musicians as they explore the many ways percussion instruments make sound—shaking, scraping and striking along with the story.

Kids can check out a variety of events, from Clay-asaurus Creation, where they can make dinosaurs out of clay, or have an up-close encounter with ambassador animals from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium at Unearth a Story. Discover the fascinating history of the Tyrannosaurus rex in a fun, interactive show at Stomp Chomp Roar, or watch a dinosaur-themed SRP magic show from Jeff Quinn.

Tweens and teens are invited to participate in everything from Throne of Glass Escape Rooms and SUReal Collage Art events to babysitting clinics and video game tournaments.

Adults can join one of OPL’s Booked It! Pizza Party events that include free pizza, drinks and nostalgic crafts or help reach their reading goals at an Audiobook Crafting Club. Connect with fellow readers and celebrate a summer well spent with books.

It truly will be a roar-tastic summer, and we hope you can join OPL in celebrating SRP this year. For more information, visit omahalibrary.org/summer-reading-program.