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Youth Reading Challenges

Kids reading on a chair logo

1000 Books Before Kindergarten®

Did you know that the best way to help your child get ready for success in school is to read aloud with them every day? Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, toddler and/or preschooler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten.

Learn More

Summer Reading Challenge 2025

Reading sloth. Text reads: Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Slow Down & Read

June 4 - August 17

You are invited to slow down and read with us this summer. Stop by the Readers Services Desk to get started. When you sign up you will receive a reading log, a themed notepad, and a spin on the prize wheel!

Registration starts Wednesday, June 4

Summer Reading ends Monday, August 17

Read and win:

The Youth Services Summer Reading Challenge is open to all children from birth through those going into 8th grade in the fall.

Kids at all reading levels - including those not yet reading on their own - are encouraged to join the challenge. You must register in person at the Ask Me Desk.

Earn prizes as you read and complete small goals. After you reach your final reading goal turn in your log to win a free Slow Down and Read t-shirt.

snail siting on a mushroom reading a book

Important Dates:

Registration starts:
June 4

Beach Party Kickoff Event
Thursday, June 12
at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Sloth Encounter: Meet Stella
Tuesday, June 24
at 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Pics with Stella
Ages 3 - 12
Registration Required
Tuesday, June 24
at 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Last day to claim prizes:
August 17

To Register:

  1. Stop by the Ask Me Desk to register youth readers* from birth to 8th grade.
  2. Fill out your contact information and set your reading goal (15, 30 or 60 minutes per reading session).
  3. Congratulations! You just completed the first step! Don't forget to grab a few books on the way out.

*If you have a reader high school age or older, head upstairs to sign them up at the Readers Services Desk.

Log Reading:

  1. On your reading log, color in one section for each reading session. The length of your reading session should match your reading goal (15, 30 or 60 minutes).
  2. Read enough to color in each section, then claim a prize from the Ask Me Desk. Keep reading to claim all the prizes.
  3. Complete your log to win a free Slow Down and Read prize t-shirt!

Thank you to our partners:

A special thank you to the Friends of the Rolling Meadows Library for their continued support of our Summer Reading Challenges.

This year their funds helped purchase the Slow Down & Read t-shirt prize for the youth challenge.

Light blue shirt with a graphic showing a sloth reading a book and 'Slow Down & Read'

Partner with the library by sponsoring this year's Summer Reading program. Learn more about becoming a partner on our donations page.

If you need help registering for the Summer Reading Challenge or logging reading hours stop by or call the Ask Me Desk at 847-259-6065 x140.

Winter Reading Challenge 2024-2025

Winter Reading Challenge 2024-2025: The Future Is Bright

December 1 - February 28

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Winter Reading Challenge: The Future Is Bright.

Over 270 kids helped light up the library. We loved seeing so many kids back in the newly improved Youth Services.

Past Challenges

Summer Reading Challenge 2024

Summer Reading Challenge 2024: Adventure is Out There

May 25 - August 31

A big thank you to all who participated in our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge finishers.

It was a huge success! So many participants finished the challenge, we gave out ALL our summer reading tshirt prizes.

We loved taking this adventure with you.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Thank you to the Friends of the Rolling Meadows Library for their continued support of our Summer Reading Challenges.

This year their funds helped purchase the Adventure is Out There tshirt prize for the youth challenge.

Black tshirt with the 'Adventure is Out There' logo

Winter Reading Challenge 2023-2024

Winter Reading Challenge 2023: Birds of a Feather Read Together

December 1 - February 29

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Winter Reading Challenge: Birds of a Feather Read Together.

Red tropical bird plushieWhite and blue tropical bird plushieRed, yellow and green tropical bird plushie
Gray and white tropical bird plushieBlue tropical bird plushiePink tropical bird plushie

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Summer Reading Challenge 2023: Take a Bite Out of Reading

A big thank you to all who participated in our 2023 Summer Reading Challenge Take a Bite Out of Reading.

It was a huge success! We loved celebrating everyone on June 7 at the Kickoff event with a DJ, sidewalk activities, photo op, and ice cream truck.

This year we had 750 kids sign-up, a 72% increase from last year!

Thank you to our sponsors:

We couldn't have done it with out the help of our sponsors. Special thanks to Friends of the Rolling Meadows Library for their continued support making reading prizes like the Take a Bite Out of Reading t-shirt possible.

This year their funds helped purchase the Adventure is Out There tshirt prize for the youth challenge.

T-shirt with a graphic showing a fudge popsicle with a bite gone and 'Take a Bite Out of Reading'

Winter Reading Challenge 2022-2023

Winter Reading Challenge 2022: Snuggle up with Your Pup and Read

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Winter Reading Challenge: Snuggle Up with Your Pup and Read.

Over 270 kids gave a pup a loving home. We loved seeing so many kids back in the library. 

Summer Reading Challenge 2022

Summer Reading Challenge 2022: Oceans of Possibilities

A big thank you to all who participated in our Summer Reading Challenge Oceans of Possibilities. It was a huge success! This year we had 435 kids sign-up and those kids read over 2,100 hours!

Thank you to our sponsor:

We couldn't have done it with out the help of The Friends of the Rolling Meadows Library. Thank you for sponsoring reading prizes like the Oceans of Possibilities t-shirt.

T-shirt with a graphic showing boat made out of books and Oceans of Possibilities