See you in Summer 2025!
This year, we will take you on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and experiencing!
The challenge is designed for multiple learning styles to keep families engaged and inspired. KDL is excited to bring you a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities and lots of fun for everyone.
Prizes
All Summer Wonder completers will receive a prize:
- Birth through age 17 will choose a free book.
- Adults will receive a tote bag.
- All completers will be entered in the drawing for Meijer gift cards and gift baskets.
Find Curi
All-Star Readers!
Reach 45 days of activities between June 3 and August 9 (that's 15 extra days) for a chance to win a $50 Schuler Books gift card! Log those extra days in Beanstack or ask a librarian for an All-Star Reader paper log starting on July 2.
Free Lunches
We are partnering with Feeding America of West Michigan to provide free lunches to students on weekdays from June 3 - August 9.
Use any of the "Kent County Success Basics" for 30 days:
- LOVE: Maximize love and minimize stress
- TALK, sing and point
- COUNT, group and compare
- PLAY: Explore through movement and play
- READ and discuss stories
Prizes:
- A free book for all completers
- Chance to win $100 Meijer gift card
- Chance to win a gift basket
Keep your child's brain active with 30 days of any of these activities:
- READ for at least 20 minutes. Choose from books, magazines, graphic novels,
comics, audiobooks, or have a book read to you. - WRITE a story, a letter, journal entry or try our writing prompts.
- DO one of our awesome and easy STEAM activities.
- ATTEND a library program or visit a KDL branch you haven't been to.
Prizes:
- A free book for all completers
- Chance to win $100 Meijer gift card
- Chance to win a gift basket
Writing Prompts
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Imagine that you own your very own island. What rules would you set on this island? Who would be allowed to stay on this island? What would the creatures and animals on this island get to do?
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Write a how-to guide on planning the best picnic ever!
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You are going to the seaside. Make a list of 10 things you need to pack into your suitcase and explain why you need each item.
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Have you ever gone to a summer camp? What was it like? If you haven't been to a summer camp, write a fictional story about your ideal experience.
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One day you are flying a kite in your backyard when all of a sudden...
Learn and grow with 30 days of any of these activities:
- READ for at least 20 minutes. Choose from books, magazines, graphic novels, comics and more.
- WRITE a story, letter, journal entry or poem.
- LISTEN to an audiobook or have a book read to you.
- DO or explore something new.
Prizes:
- Teens (11-17) get a free book
- Adults (18+) get a tote bag
- Chance to win $100 Meijer gift card
- Chance to win a gift basket
Suggested Activities
- Visit a KDL branch you haven’t been to before.
- Hike a nature trail. Check out kentcountyparks.org for suggestions.
- Practice a new language (Try Rosetta Stone or Mango).
- Recycle old magazines to create a vision board or dream journal. Check out your library’s book sale for materials.
- Create a photo tour of an outdoor space. Capture sights to share with others.
- Plant a native flower in your yard or in a pot to support pollinators.
- Write a story to tell around a campfire.
- Visit a partner organization from KDL PerkPass
- Clean and save recyclable materials to donate to school art projects.
- Try a mindfulness activity. Choose a flower or leaf. Concentrate on it and list every detail in your mind – texture, color, features, outline, smell.
- Attend a summer festival, parade or a KDL event.
- Start a journal. Check out a book or blog on different styles – bullet, art, dot, nature, travel, etc.
- Watercolor or fingerpaint!
- Watch a movie or listen to local music. Browse Kanopy for movies or KDL Vibes for music.
- Select a recommendation from our KDL Staff Picks.
- Play a new board, video or card game.
- Find support for your hobby or discover a new one.
- Try international cuisine at a local restaurant or check out a cookbook to try recipes from around the world.
- Make a card for or write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Events
From captivating animal programs to mesmerizing magicians and beyond, KDL brings you an array of exciting free events for all ages this summer!
Discover New Summer Reads
Books for School Age
Summer Wonder Youth: Junior Early Chapter Books
Books for School Age
Books for Tweens
Summer Wonder Tween: Fiction
Books for Teens
Summer Wonder Teen: Read Around the World
Summer Wonder Teen: Graphic Novels
Summer Wonder Teen: Fiction
Books for Adults
Hello Beautiful
Summer Wonder Adult: Gardening
Illustrations by Anthony Carpenter | Sketchman66@gmail.com