Chicago Public Library has free books for kids in reading program

Starting June 20 as part of the Chicago Public Library’s One Million Books Giveaway initiative, every child signing up for this summer’s reading program will receive 12 free books to build their personal collection.

“I’ve never got the reaction like when I tell a class full of kids they’ll get a bag of books to take home,” said Shannon Arends, head of the the Child Services Department at the Woodson regional library branch. “The classroom just stops.”

Students can register for the Summer Learning Challenge starting Monday through Sept. 1 to receive their books.

Studies have shown that book ownership is critical to early education. According to a news release from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office, “Many low-income families have less direct access to book ownership with just one book for every 300 children in low-income neighborhoods as compared with the 13 books for every child in middle-income neighborhoods.”

“This program is about parents reading to their children, about actively engaging kids over the summer, and putting books in kids’ homes,” said Brian Bannon, Chicago Public Library commissioner.

Every child under 5 will receive a free age-appropriate book through donations to the Chicago Public Library by KPMG, a tax, audit and advisory firm.

With books supplied by the self-styled “blood bank for books,” Bernie’s Book Bank, every child from 5 to 13 will take home 12 free books of their choice to start or build on their collection.

Some branches will offer “trading posts” for kids to swap books, said Elizabeth McChesney director of child services for the Chicago Public Library.

In addition to encouraging at least 20 minutes a day of reading, McChesney said the library has partnered with the Museum of Science and Industry to offer summer programs designed to keep their brains active.

“When they think of a library, they think of a quiet place,” Arends said. “When you tell them they’ll get to launch a stomp rocket across the lobby, they get excited.”