Summer Wonder at KDL

2023 is all about nature and the world around us.

This year, KDL will take you on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and exploring through the great outdoors right here in Kent County.

  • Activities for the whole family: Outdoor scavenger hunts, StoryWalks, park exploration and more.
  • Take the self-guided Summer Wonder Challenge of reading, writing and STEAM experiments (that's science, tech, engineering, art and math).
  • It's easy. It's fun. It's free. It's for all ages. You can participate from anywhere. Last but not least – there are PRIZES!

To get ready for all of the fun, sign up on Beanstack (you can also download the Android App or iOS App) or stop by any KDL branch to pick up a paper tracking log. We'll see you on June 5, friend!

Track Your Activities, Win Prizes

Tracking Log (PDF)

Workbook (Online)

On Paper

  • Find a paper tracking log in the Summer Wonder Workbook (available at any KDL branch).
  • Pick up additional paper logs at any branch or print the PDF.

Online

  • Login to Beanstack and register for Summer Wonder.
  • Contact us if you need any help.

Beanstack helps you track activities for multiple people. Simply install the app or login to the Beanstack website.

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 cards
  • Chance to win a gift basket

Keep your child's brain active with 30 days of any of these activities:

Prizes:

  • A free book for all completers
  • Chance to win $100 Meijer gift cards
  • Chance to win a gift basket

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 picnic blanket.
  • Chance to win $100 Meijer gift cards
  • Chance to win a gift basket

Summer Events

KDL will offer many wonderful programs this summer. Some branches will provide outdoor programming. Check the Facebook page of your preferred branch for the latest event details!

Find Curi

Get outdoors with our Find Curi scavenger hunt in select Kent County Parks. Contest begins June 5. You could win an outdoor activity bag!

StoryWalks

Walk along, read along! Kent District Library teams up with Kent County Parks to bring you special outdoor StoryWalks to enjoy with your family.

All-Star Readers!

Reach 45 days of activities between June 5 and August 12 (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 5.

Free Lunches

We are partnering with Feeding America of West Michigan to provide free lunches to students on weekdays from June 5 - August 11.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Discover New Summer Reads

Books for School Age

Summer Wonder Youth: Picture Books

Enjoy these picture book favorites all summer long.

Summer Wonder Youth: Early Readers

Enjoy these early reader favorites all summer long.

Summer Wonder Youth: Junior Early Chapter Books

Enjoy these junior early chapter book favorites all summer long.

Books for School Age

Summer Wonder Youth: Chapter Books

Enjoy these chapter book favorites all summer long.

Summer Wonder Youth: Nonfiction

Enjoy these nonfiction favorites all summer long.

Summer Wonder Youth: Beaches

Feel the sand between your toes with a good beach read!

Track Your Points on Beanstack

Books for Tweens

Summer Wonder Tween: Fiction

These titles are perfect for tweens, ranging from graphic novels to anthologies, from humorous to dramatic, and from fantastic to realistic.

Summer Wonder Tween: Mystery

Your search is over for a super sleuth read.

Books for Teens

Summer Wonder Tween: Fiction

These titles are perfect for tweens, ranging from graphic novels to anthologies, from humorous to dramatic, and from fantastic to realistic.

Summer Wonder Teen: Fiction

Whether you’re a fan of history, mystery, fantasy, or realistic fiction, this list has something for every teen reader to enjoy.

Summer Wonder Teen: True Crime

Books about real people and real crime.

Books for Adults

Hello Beautiful

Sometimes you just have to wait. Fear not! KDL has some fantastic novels with similar and equally compelling storylines with no wait!

Summer Wonder Adult: Family Tree Finds

Fiction and Nonfiction for Genealogy Buffs

Summer Wonder Adult: Gardening

Projects, Planting and Growing - Practical and informative guides to inspire both beginner and advanced gardeners.
Back to Top