Kids

Kids (ages 0-12) and your adult, guardian, family member or friend, get inspired and Let Freedom Read! Discover the wonderful world of books by reading at least 12 hours this summer! Track the reading and collect prizes along the way. Reach 6 hours and 12 hours to earn prizes for spending time reading a good book.

Summer can be busy, but “many studies suggest that an hour a day spent on reinforcing key skills from the previous academic year can limit the amount of summer skills loss.” Learn more here.

Need some awesome reading suggestions? Select a grade level, found below, and explore some amazing books picked out by our wonderful Delaware County District Library staff.

Let Freedom Read!

Reading Suggestions, CLICK HERE

Reading suggestions, CLICK HERE

Schiffel’s Safety Scholars is a summer program and contest sponsored by the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.

“You Be the Author” Book Writing Contest is open to elementary aged students in Delaware County. Click here to download the contest flier. All entries are due July 31, 2026.

The story must include 10 to 12 pages of content (including illustrations) and a message about why drugs/alcohol/vaping/tobacco/marijuana are bad for kids
The winning book(s) will be published by the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office
The winning author(s) will enjoy a book signing at Bean Bag Books
Completed books can be turned into your local library, mailed/dropped off to the Prosecutor’s Office at 145 N. Union Street, 3rd Floor, Delaware, OH 43015, or scanned and emailed to borsini@co.delaware.oh.us.
All entries due July 31

For contest rules visit, tinyurl.com/DCPOSummerContests or if you have additional questions, contact Brandi Orsini at 740-833-2755 or borsini@co.delaware.oh.us

Pick up a reading log for kids from your local Delaware County District Library branch, from our summer “Check it Out” newsletter or download the reading log for kids now.

Whether you like books, comics, eBooks, audiobooks, or being read to by a family member or a friend, remember all of that counts toward your summer reading total!

Prizes may be picked up from June 2 – July 31. Summer Reading Club and read-on bonus prizes vary and will be limited as supplies are available.

6-Hour Prize*: Let freedom ring with a summer beach ball! You’ll receive it in a bag provided by Schiffel’s Safety Scholars, packed with coupons from local businesses for sweet treats, fun family adventures, and more!

12-Hour Prize*: Select a book of your choice to keep.

When you complete a reading log, you’ll receive a read-on bookmark to help keep track of more reading! Each completed bookmark earns you an entry into our prize basket drawing!

*Limit one six-hour and 12-hour prize per reader, please. Prizes provided by the Friends of the Delaware County District Library and the Delaware County Foundation.

Join the Preservation Parks’ for their annual Summer Letterbox Adventure.

Begin the Adventure!

The Summer Letterbox Adventure begins in your local parks on SATURDAY, MAY 23. Get ready to win a fun prize pack just by exploring parks close to home. Find at least 4 letterboxes at any park to win a prize, while supplies last.

Register online at the Preservations Parks' website, stop in at Deer Haven Park, or pickup your booklet at the any Delaware County District Library (DCDL) branch.

Let Freedom Read! in books, creativity, read-alongs, film, and more.

Celebrate History!

July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, known as the Semiquincentennial. Join the Delaware County District Library as we host exhibits, share books, and provide programming to honor 250 years of United States history. Visit our America 250 webpage for information about library activities as well as local and statewide events and resources connected to the America 250 celebration across Ohio.

Discover more

Personalized Picks are returning for Summer Reading Club!

Let's Get Personal!

Beginning June 1 you can sign-up to receive a personalized booklist for the Summer Reading Club! To begin, visit the Personalized Picks page, fill out the request form, and you’ll be on your way to your next great book.

Looking for book titles that go with our “Let Freedom Read!” theme? Click the following links for suggestions from our DCDL staff!

Discover A Book

Thank you partners!

We’d like to express our profound gratitude to the Friends of the Delaware County District Library for their generous monetary gift to make this Summer Reading Club possible.

Additionally, we thank the Robert Weiler Family Fund and the Harold L. and Donna J. Sahr Endowment Fund of the Delaware County Foundation for their gift to the Friends of the Library, which covered more than half of the costs of the 2026 Summer Reading Club prize books.

Mission Statement

We open doors to imagination, knowledge, connection, and discovery.