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Summer Reading Challenge 2022

June 4 – August 13


Sign up for the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s annual Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win great prizes!

Read for fun and prizes this summer! Every 30 minutes you spend reading or listening to a book earns you an entry into a prize drawing at the end of the challenge. The more you read, the greater your chances of winning!  eBooks, eAudiobooks, comic books, magazines, reading to your child – all reading counts. Search the Library’s catalog to find great titles – all you need is a library card. Don't have one? Sign up for an eCard to get immediate access to our online library.

You can earn more chances to win by attending any library program. Every event you attend gets you an additional entry into the drawing. Just make sure to add it to your online reading and activity log.

Everyone who signs up for the Summer Reading Challenge is also eligible to receive two complimentary tickets to select 2022 Miami Marlins games. You will receive the redemption instructions after you sign up.

Avoid the Summer Slide

Children and teens who aren't actively reading or participating in other learning activities during the summer can succumb to the "summer slide," the loss of knowledge and achievement gains made during the school year.

Reading for just 20 minutes a day, listening to books and exploring new types of materials like magazines can help prevent summer learning loss and set kids up for success in the new school year. Best of all, all these materials are available for free with your library card!

Parents and caregivers can also help stem the summer slide by reading themselves, setting a good example for children who tend to read more when they see adults in their lives doing so.

Parents can also help their children stay engaged and continue learning through the MDPLS Homework Help & Tutoring Program. Free tutoring sessions with certified teachers will be available throughout the summer in person at select branches on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. from June 11 through August 13 and online on Wednesdays from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. from June 15 through August 10. Tutoring is available in reading, math and science. For more information, visit www.mdpls.org/tutor.

Explore Our Summer Programs & Events!

Sat, Dec 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Miami Springs Branch
Black out words with a marker on existing pages of text to create your very own poem, then embellish it to make a displayable work of art. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-805-3811 or mayerr@mdpls.org. Ages 12 - 18 yrs.

Thu, Jan 02, 10:00am - 11:30am
Miami Beach Regional - Miami Beach Virtual Programs Room
Join us online and discuss short stories from the "100 Great Short Stories" collection edited by James Daley. Copies available at the branch upon request. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Mon, Jan 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Fairlawn Branch - Fairlawn Virtual Program Room
Are you a book lover looking to discover new titles and discuss them with others? Join us online to explore and dive deep into books through fun and engaging conversations! Registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-261-1571 or recordr@mdpls.org. Ages 18 yrs.+

Tue, Jan 07, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch - Conference Room
Many literary passages in books have deep power and significance, and some resonate with us on a personal level. Join Dr. Lillian Schanfield, Professor Emerita of English at Barry University, in exploring these selections and their authors' visions and artistry. No experience or preparation is needed. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Fri, Jan 10, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Sat, Jan 11, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Coral Reef Branch - Auditorium,Coral Reef Virtual Programs Room
Join us in person or via Zoom for a monthly book discussion. The selected book is available for checkout at the branch or on Libby as an eBook or eAudiobook. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, contact the branch at 305-233-8324 or quiroslasom@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Sat, Jan 11, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Pinecrest Branch - Pinecrest Virtual Programs Room
Join us in person or online to read thought-provoking and influential books from the 19th century and talk about the ideas and emotions they provoke. Registration is required for online participation. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact 305-668-4571. Ages 19 yrs.+

Sat, Jan 11, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Coral Reef Branch - Coral Reef Virtual Programs Room
Do you enjoy tales of magic, zombie hordes and undeniable romance? Join us at the library or online via Zoom for a different sort of book club. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed for online participation within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information and for this month's book selection, please contact 305-233-8324 or quiroslasom@mdpls.org. Ages 18 yrs.+

Thu, Jan 16, 10:00am - 11:30am
Miami Beach Regional - Miami Beach Virtual Programs Room
Join us online and discuss short stories from the "Great Short Stories by American Women" collection edited by Candance Ward. Copies available at the branch upon request. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Thu, Jan 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Miami Springs Branch - Miami Springs Virtual Programs Room
Explore themes of unity and understanding based on the works of Dr. Martin Luther King and contemporary poets. Using a portion of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech and contemporary poets' work, participants will gain inspiration to write original poetry. You will need paper and a pen or pencil. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. Ages 14 yrs.+

Thu, Jan 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
West Kendall Regional - West Kendall Regional Virtual Programs Room
Connect with other Civil War enthusiasts online and listen to Steve Norder discuss his book, "Lincoln Takes Command: The Campaign to Seize Norfolk and the Destruction of the CSS Virginia." Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact the library at 305-385-7135 or lopezp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs. +

Fri, Jan 17, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Sat, Jan 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Pinecrest Branch - Pinecrest Virtual Programs Room
Join us in person or online for a selection of fascinating titles from the 20th century to today that will spark minds, imaginations and great discussions. Registration is required for online access and a Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information contact 305-668-4571 or booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Tue, Jan 21, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch - Conference Room
Many literary passages in books have deep power and significance, and some resonate with us on a personal level. Join Dr. Lillian Schanfield, Professor Emerita of English at Barry University, in exploring these selections and their authors' visions and artistry. No experience or preparation is needed. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Fri, Jan 24, 10:00am - 11:00am
Sunset Branch
Participe de una grata discusión sobre el libro del mes. Se requiere inscripción. Para más información, comuníquese con la biblioteca al 305-270-6368 or duartel@mdpls.org. Para mayores de 19 años de edad.

Fri, Jan 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Naranja Branch
Join us for a lighthearted discussion of this fascinating yet disturbing genre. Limited copies of the book will be available for checkout at the library. For more information, please contact us at 305-242-2290 or gonzalezmi@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Fri, Jan 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Sat, Jan 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Kendall Branch
Join us for our monthly book discussion. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the circulation desk. For more information and this month's book selection, please contact the branch at 305-279-0520 or corredorj@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Sat, Jan 25, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Main Library
Join Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author to learn how to promote your work in an overcrowded market. Discover tips and strategies to build your audience and connect with readers and bloggers. Ages 18 yrs. +. Please bring paper and pencil. For information contact 305-375-2665 or author@mdpls.org.

Sat, Jan 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Westchester Regional - First Floor Auditorium
Disfrute una tarde llena de poesia, lecturas y verso. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con la biblioteca al 305-553-1134 o gonzalezja@mdpls.org. Para mayores de 19 años.

Tue, Jan 28, 10:00am - 11:30am
Pinecrest Branch - Meeting Room
Reúnase con nosotros el cuarto martes de este mes para la discusión del libro Los Abismos, escrito por Pilar Quintana. Si desea más información comuníquese con la biblioteca al 305-668-4571 o envía un email a ballesteri@mdpls.org. Para mayores de 19 años.

Tue, Jan 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
North Dade Regional
Join us the last Tuesday of each month for a book discussion. Please call the branch for this month's title. For more information, contact the library at 305-625-6425 or noelp@mdpls.org. Ages 18 yrs.+

Thu, Jan 30, 10:00am - 11:30am
Miami Beach Regional - Miami Beach Virtual Programs Room
Join us online and discuss short stories from the "Great Short Stories by American Women" collection edited by Candance Ward. Copies available at the branch upon request. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Fri, Jan 31, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Fairlawn Branch
Participe de una grata discusión sobre el libro del mes. Para más información, comuníquese con la biblioteca al 305-261-1571 o recordr@mdpls.org. Para mayores de 55 años de edad.

Fri, Jan 31, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Mon, Feb 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Fairlawn Branch - Fairlawn Virtual Program Room
Are you a book lover looking to discover new titles and discuss them with others? Join us online to explore and dive deep into books through fun and engaging conversations! Registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-261-1571 or recordr@mdpls.org. Ages 18 yrs.+

Tue, Feb 04, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch - Conference Room
Many literary passages in books have deep power and significance, and some resonate with us on a personal level. Join Dr. Lillian Schanfield, Professor Emerita of English at Barry University, in exploring these selections and their authors' visions and artistry. No experience or preparation is needed. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Fri, Feb 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Sat, Feb 08, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Pinecrest Branch - Pinecrest Virtual Programs Room
Join us in person or online to read thought-provoking and influential books from the 19th century and talk about the ideas and emotions they provoke. Registration is required for online participation. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact 305-668-4571. Ages 19 yrs.+

Thu, Feb 13, 10:00am - 11:30am
Miami Beach Regional - Miami Beach Virtual Programs Room
Join us online and discuss short stories from the "Great Short Stories by American Women" collection edited by Candance Ward. Copies available at the branch upon request. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Thu, Feb 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Miami Springs Branch
Black out words with a marker on existing pages of text to create your very own poem, then embellish it to make a displayable work of art. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-805-3811 or mayerr@mdpls.org. Ages 12 - 18 yrs.

Fri, Feb 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Sat, Feb 15, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Pinecrest Branch - Pinecrest Virtual Programs Room
Join us in person or online for a selection of fascinating titles from the 20th century to today that will spark minds, imaginations and great discussions. Registration is required for online access and a Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information contact 305-668-4571 or booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Tue, Feb 18, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch - Conference Room
Many literary passages in books have deep power and significance, and some resonate with us on a personal level. Join Dr. Lillian Schanfield, Professor Emerita of English at Barry University, in exploring these selections and their authors' visions and artistry. No experience or preparation is needed. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Thu, Feb 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
West Kendall Regional - West Kendall Regional Virtual Programs Room
Connect with other Civil War enthusiasts online and listen to Scott Mingus Sr. discuss his book, "If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania: The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac March to Gettysburg." Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact the library at 305-385-7135 or lopezp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs. +

Fri, Feb 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Naranja Branch
Join us for a lighthearted discussion of this fascinating yet disturbing genre. Limited copies of the book will be available for checkout at the library. For more information, please contact us at 305-242-2290 or gonzalezmi@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs. +

Fri, Feb 21, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Join Sports Konnect for this unique program that blends fitness with literature, encouraging kids to stay active while fostering a love for reading. By combining physical activity with engaging stories, FitLit supports healthier lifestyles and builds critical thinking skills in an enjoyable, enriching way. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-584-4100 or rubiob@mdpls.org. Ages 8-14 yrs.

Sat, Feb 22, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Kendall Branch
Join us for our monthly book discussion. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the circulation desk. For more information and this month's book selection, please contact the branch at 305-279-0520 or corredorj@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Sat, Feb 22, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Westchester Regional - Second Floor Auditorium
Disfrute una tarde llena de poesia, lecturas y verso. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con la biblioteca al 305-553-1134 o gonzalezja@mdpls.org. Para mayores de 19 años.

Sat, Feb 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Dade Regional
Join us in this poetry presentation in the format of a TEDTalk presented by the InspiREADERS Book Club. It will delve into the written word, life and the journey taken to unmask humanity from the poet's perspective. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-625-6424 or noelp@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs +

Sat, Feb 22, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Coral Reef Branch - Coral Reef Virtual Programs Room
Do you enjoy tales of magic, zombie hordes and undeniable romance? Join us at the library or online via Zoom for a different sort of book club. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed for online participation within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information and for this month's book selection, please contact 305-233-8324 or quiroslasom@mdpls.org. Ages 18 yrs.+

Official Guidelines
  1. All Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) cardholders are eligible to participate. If you don’t have a card, click here to register for an eCard online, which will be emailed to you, or sign up for a physical card at any library location.
  2. Participants may sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and submit their reading/activity logs online at www.mdpls.org/2022summerreading or visit any MDPLS location for assistance.
  3. Every half hour of reading time earns you one entry into the prize drawing. Reading time should be reported in increments of 30 minutes. Books, eBooks, magazines, audiobooks, reading to a child – all reading counts!
  4. Participants may also submit any library programs attended, whether in person or online, to receive additional entries into the prize drawing (one additional entry per program attended). 
  5. Participants may submit any Homework Help & Tutoring Program session or Adult Learning Academy class attended (one additional entry per session or class attended).
  6. Parents or legal guardians may create a family account and submit a reading/activity log on behalf of their children.
  7. Participants may use the downloadable reading and activity log to keep track of their progress. All reading/activities must be submitted online to earn a prize entry.
  8. Participants may continue to submit and/or update their reading/activity log online from June 4 – August 13, 2022.
  9. All electronic entries received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 14, 2022, will be entered in the prize drawing. No entries will be accepted after August 14, 2022.
  10. The prize drawing will be held the week of August 22. Winners will be notified no later than August 29, 2022.
  11. Employees of the Miami-Dade Public Library System are ineligible to participate in the prize drawing.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support.

Wendy's Logo      Frost Museum of Science Logo          Friends Logo        Miami Marlins Logo      History Miami Logo      Fairchild Tropical Gardens Logo