Have you ever noticed something amazing about the Earth? If so, you're already on your way to becoming an Earth Explorer this summer at your neighborhood library!
Kids 0 to 13, join the drop-in Rahm's Readers Summer Learning Challenge from June 18 to September 1. Throughout the summer, you'll explore our planet and discover the role you play in the environment. CPL locations are offering hundreds of family programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities, live animal shows and story times, as well as new books to keep kids' brains active.
Complete the Challenge
Start by printing your very own Summer Learning Challenge Log or by registering at any CPL location. Then complete the challenge:
- READ 500 minutes or more over the summer. Read books, magazines, comics, eBooks, audiobooks or anything else you want, for at least 20 minutes a day—all reading counts!
- DISCOVER: Complete at least one hands-on activity. Attend a library program, try a Museum of Science and Industry Brain Game or other STEAM activity, visit a museum or zoo or explore something new.
- CREATE: Make at least one creation. Make art, write a story or design something new.
Prizes and Giveaways
Share what you read and learn to earn your book bag. Keep coming back for more chances to win prizes! Every kid who registers for the program receives a certificate for a free savings account from Wintrust bank. Kids 0 to 5 who register receive a free book from KPMG (while supplies last). School-age kids can enter our Story in a Bottle contest to win a backpack full of books and more or send us a video reflection of what you read or learned for a chance to win a laptop. All kids can enter weekly giveaways to win books or other prizes.
Win a Trip for Your CPS Class to Shedd Aquarium
This summer the Chicago Public Schools student who reads and reports on the highest number of minutes in their neighborhood library will earn a field trip for their class, teacher and chaperones to Shedd Aquarium. The field trip includes free admission to Shedd Aquarium for your class and a school bus. This is only open to CPS students who will be entering kindergarten through eighth grade in September. Students must be enrolled in a CPS school (does not include charter schools) in fall 2018 for their class to be eligible. Students must register in person for the Summer Learning Challenge at a CPL location. This offer is not available to non-CPS students and not available to those participating through a group or camp. Students are required to complete a reading log and report on what they read at the library. All reading must be documented and reported on to CPL staff. Offer not available for children whose parents work for CPL, CPS or Shedd Aquarium.
Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers who read, discover and create along with their children receive a special package of seeds (while supplies last) and will have a chance to win a tech package.
About Rahm's Readers
Rahm’s Readers is in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, Art Institute of Chicago, David L. Hoyt Educational Foundation, Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium and Bernie's Book Bank.
The 2018 Summer Learning Challenge is made possible in great part by Lead Corporate Sponsor Wintrust; the Helen M. Harrison Foundation; the Walter E. Heller Foundation; Peoples Gas; PNC Bank; Macy’s; Paul M. Angell Foundation; Boeing; Cubs Care; a McCormick Foundation Fund; Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation; Westinghouse Electric Company; and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
