Summer Lit League Returns to Cleveland Public Library

Experience the joy of reading at Cleveland Public Library. Our summer reading initiative, Summer Lit League, runs June 7 through July 31. Registration is now open for children of all ages. And there’s something for adults too. 

Summer Lit League is an eight-week program that challenges children to read to earn a chance to win prizes. Participants are separated into two age groups: Kids (0-11) and Young Adults (12-18). 

This year’s theme, A World of What-ifs, is a nod to the work of artist Kameelah Janan Rasheed. Her work is known to spark conversation and is the inspiration for Summer Lit League activities. “Rasheed tells stories through art. We will use her artistry to motivate Summer Lit League students to reflect on their thoughts through writing and reading,” said Erica Marks, Youth Outreach and Programming Coordinator at Cleveland Public Library.  

Rasheed will work with students at Cleveland Public Library this fall to create a community art piece as part of FRONT International 2022.  

Summer Lit League virtual themed sessions will focus on STEM, creative writing, visual art and more.  

• Maker Mondays: Join us for fun-filled STEM activities with the Great Lakes Science Center. Take-and-Make kits are available at our neighborhood libraries.  

• Tell-a-Tale Tuesdays: Weekly storytimes with special guests. 

• Write to Read Wednesdays: Grab a pen and write your world. Renowned authors and teachers with the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning will take children on new creative adventures. 

• Thoughtful Thursdays: Take a deeper dive into your what-if thoughts. Take-and-Make kits are available for pickup at Cleveland Public Library branches.  

• Free Raffle Fridays: Win cool prizes every Friday during Summer Lit League. 

Prizes include a PS5, an Apple iPad, Chromebooks, Nintendo Switch, and family passes to the Great Lakes Science Center. Summer Lit League will conclude with a family fun celebration on Thursday, August 5 at the Great Lakes Science Center. 

Activities will be offered on the Cleveland Public Library Youtube page or at select neighborhood branches. Families who need computer or Wi-Fi access can visit any Cleveland Public Library location. Those interested in outdoor programming should call their neighborhood branch. Visitors are encouraged to show their library love by wearing masks, practicing good social distancing, and staying home if they are sick. 

For Adults

Summer Lit League isn’t just for children. Aspiring adult and young adult writers are encouraged to join us for Why We Read Wednesdays with Literary Cleveland and Cleveland Public Library. Why We Read includes six community reading discussions about different genres, why they matter, and what reading them can do for us. Local writing groups will partner with local authors and organizations for this program. 

“Everyone is invited to participate in this summer reading program,” adds Marks. “Reading is fun and is crucial to developing the mind. Summer Lit League will help participants build vocabulary and gain stronger critical thinking skills.”  

To register for Summer Lit League and Why We Read, visit cpl.beanstack.org. 

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