Keep Kids Reading All Summer: The Best Omaha Programs for Young Bookworms
Summer reading programs are everywhere these days. It’s awesome, isn’t it? Encourage the behavior by giving awards. It’s a win for everyone. Keep reading to find out which libraries and stores have reading programs that encourage kids to read all summer long!
UPDATE: This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated in May 2025 with current program details.
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Start At The Public Libraries
The public libraries in the Omaha Metro lead the charge with summer reading programs. They make reading fun, not only through free library events but with prizes for kids who complete the program. Most libraries start their program on May 30 or June 1.
Omaha Public Library has a summer reading program for babies/toddlers, kids, and teens. Kids can keep track of reading/listening by the hour and combine it with attending activities in order to win prizes. Prizes for youngsters include a book voucher for the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale and Storm Chasers vouchers. Registration opens June 1.
Council Bluffs Public Library has summer reading challenges for different age groups: Ages 0-5, 6-11, and 12-18. Kids log the amount of time they spend reading or listening to a book. It runs from June 1 to July 31.
Bellevue Public Library opens registration for their summer reading program on June 1. Details are sparse right now, but I’m sure their program is run similarly to the other area programs.
Carter Lake Public Library kicks off its summer reading program on May 30 with a foam party at 6 p.m.
Omaha has several awesome locally-owned bookstores.
More places that encourage summer reading
Below are national brands and chains that have summer reading programs (or something that rewards reading). I’m only including programs where there is a location in Omaha, but I cannot guarantee that the location participates in the program.
Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading Program is open to kids in first through sixth grade. Pick up a Reading Journal from Barnes & Noble, and then as your kid reads, they have to write about their favorite part in the journal. Once they reach their designated number of books to read, they return their journal in July and August to a Barnes & Noble and then get to choose their free book (book titles are listed in the Reading Journal). Note: Barnes & Noble has 2024 information on their site at the time of this story’s update, so I’m not 100% sure there is a 2025 program.
The Omaha Metro has two Barnes & Noble locations: 3333 Oak View Drive and 7949 Towne Center Parkway, Papillion, Neb.
Chuck E. Cheese Rewards Program allows parents to download and print out Chuck E.’s Awards & Rewards certificates, including a Super Student certificate. Kids can bring them in to Chuck E. Cheese’s for 10 free points to use on games, pizza and more.
Half-Price Books‘ Summer Reading Camp involves tracking progress with a reading log. You’ll have to go to the store (located at 12355 West Center Road) to pick up a reading log. As they track their reading, they can earn rewards. Head to the reading program website to find reading lists, coloring pages, craft ideas and more.
Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Bundts & Books Program is a reading program for kids pre-K through elementary age. Not all locations participate.
Panda Express’ Panda Cub Club offers book recommendations and activities based on age and reading goals. I’ve seen some posts by influencers suggesting there’s a way to kids meal coupons after reading a set number of books, but it looks like this needs to be set up by a teacher.
Pizza Hut’s Book It Program lives on with an app parents can use and have their kids set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards. From June to August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut single topping Personal Pan Pizza from participating locations. The program starts June 1.
Scholastic Home Base is a free digital destination which offers stories, characters, and games. From May 9 through Sept. 12, kids who track their daily reading can unlock more digital experiences. Personally, it’s not an ideal program since I spend most of my time telling my kids to get off screens in the summer but that’s just me.
