Adult Summer Reading 2017

When it comes to building a better world, why should kids have all the fun?

The Adult Winter Reading Program has migrated seasons to merge with the youth-focused Summer Reading Program, creating one great reading challenge for all ages. It's still the same enjoyable, lively, self-directed bookish experience from years past, but this year grown-ups get to read along with the younger set!

While the youth of Kansas City will be "Building a Better World," we encourage the adults to do the same and "Push Your Shelf." Read a book outside your comfort zone; explore new reading formats such as audiobooks or eBooks; discover different titles using the Library's new online catalog; or get fresh reading suggestions by completing a Personalized Reading Profile or using the NoveList database.

You can also go beyond the books by finding ways to challenge yourself and take part in activities that enrich yourself or our community. Attend a special Library event. Read to a child. Build your own recommended reading list in the Library catalog. Join a book club. Volunteer at your favorite local non-profit agency.

There are a wealth of ways to Push Your Shelf and read beyond boundaries. How will YOU build a better world this summer?

New This Year

The Library is introducing a new digital service for both Adult and Youth Summer Reading programs. Using this online book logging tool, both adult readers and parents of young readers will have a greater ability to record and manage completed books, get ideas for further reading selections, and browse activities and events that will enhance the reading experience. (But analog paper versions will still be available at Library locations!)

And in line with the Push Your Shelf theme, there’s a new way to participate in this year’s program. In the spirit of trying new things and getting outside one’s usual routine, we've created a list of Suggested Activities to consider during Summer Reading. Completing five activities earns you an additional prize... check out the list here!

Summer Reading Registration

Go to our new Summer Reading site and follow directions to enroll in the Adult Summer Reading Program.

1. At the prompt, select Register as an Individual or Family.
2. Select I am registering myself (Parents can also register children for Youth Summer Reading).
3. Complete the mandatory fields and select a username and password. Enter your year of birth and select Adult under Grade Level to ensure enrollment in Adult Summer Reading.
4. From there you can begin logging your books or activities.
5. Once you have met the reading and activity goals, you can visit any Library location to claim your rewards. Library staff will check your record to confirm you have completed the reading or activity criteria.

You can also bring a completed paper Reading Log to any Library location and a staff member will get you signed up in the system.

Download PDF of Reading and Activity Log »

Suggested Reading

Library staff have put together a brief guide to the many exemplary books (and authors!) that are official Push Your Shelf selections. All of these titles are available for checkout from the Library. Paperbacks, large print, ebooks, and audio formats may also be available.

The 2017 Adult Summer Reading Program also offers book discussion groups where readers may join in smart conversations about select suggested reading titles.

Push Your Shelf Summer Reading 2017 Suggested Reading

The Library's reading programs celebrate ideas and promote understanding through the power of books. This year's Push Your Shelf Summer Reading theme is about building a better world by opening minds to varied views, but we're also encouraging readers to do positive things for our community. Much like our Suggested Reading selections, we've created a list of Suggested Activities below. You can log these along with your completed books—and feel free to include others of your own!

1. Choose any 5 ways you commit to Push Your Shelf.
2. Record your completed activities online.
3. Get a free book from our special giveaway collection of hardbacks and paperbacks!

Activity Options

• Try out the Library's personalized reading profile service: Get reading recommendations from our expert librarians, tailored specifically to your tastes. Give it a try online or ask a Library staff person about it. See all our Readers Services »
• Make a reading list using the Library's online catalog: One of the new catalog's features is the ability for patrons to create and share their own reading lists. Try it out and make lists for yourself or for others to enjoy. Visit the Catalog »
• Act of service: Whether you're volunteering for a cause you care about or raising awareness and support for a local organization, the Library encourages you to do something that positively impacts our community.
• Visit a Library location: Did you know the Library has 10 locations throughout the metro? We invite you to visit a site other than your usual neighborhood branch. Or if you've never been in a physical branch, come and see us. See all our Library locations »
• Try a different reading format: Never tried an eBook or digital audiobook before? Try services like OverDrive or Hoopla, or ask a Library staff person how they work... we'd be happy to show you. Visit our Digital Branch »
• Talk about a book with others: You don't have to be in a book club to talk about a title you enjoy. Strike up a conversation about your latest reading experience with friends, family, or colleagues. If you are looking to join a book group, several meet at various Library locations. See all our Readers Services »
• Attend a Library event: From family fun to notable speakers and authors, the Library's free public programs provide opportunities to hear different ideas and viewpoints about history, politics, culture, race, education, entertainment, and more. See our Event Calendar »
• Take a Shelfie: Share your current reading experience by taking a “shelfie” photo of you and your latest book, then post it to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #KCSummerReads (and tag the Library).
• Gift a book: Whether it's a birthday or just because you think a friend or acquaintance would enjoy a certain title, books make great gifts!
• Visit a community space: Public spaces are important for building community. Be it a park, a garden, a cultural center, or your neighborhood Library location, take time to share space and interact with others. And you can add other activities of your own!

Youth Summer Reading 2017

The Library invites kids and teens to Build a Better World by taking part in this year’s program! Complete activities to earn prizes, attend events, and have fun reading and learning!