GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Join us for a series of Summer Reading Celebrations at three different Grand Rapids Parks.
Brought to you by Read GR, Grand Rapids Public Library and 13 On Your Side, the celebrations will feature free book giveaways for every child, cool summer treats and other entertainment!
Special thanks to Independent Bank, Toys for Tots and the TEGNA Foundation for funding the purchase of books.
Did you know that if a child reads six books over the summer, they will likely retain much of their reading skills from the previous school year? We're here to help Stop the Summer Slide!
Check out these events below to keep your kids on track:
June 18, 2024 - Lincoln Park 6:30-8pm
Readers for Storytimes (6:30-7:30): Grand Rapids Public Schools, Men of Color Read and 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
Vendors and Activities:
- Summer Reading Challenge Signups!
- Kona Ice – a free Kiddie Kona for attendees
- Riverside Guitar School - free guitar lessons in a group setting
- Sister Cities of Grand Rapids – craft table
- Fig and Friends Pet Rescue – will have animals if it is not too hot
- Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
- League of Enchantment Cosplay characters
- Lawn Games
- Free books for youth 19 and under!
- Snacks and Water
- Enjoy Lincoln Park’s Splash Pad and playground!
July 16, 2024 - Roosevelt Park 6:30-8pm
Readers for Storytimes (6:30-7:30): Blandford Nature Center (30 minute story time and animal show-and-tell from 6:30-7 p.m., weather permitting for animal appearances), Neighborhood Readers, Men of Color Read and 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
Vendors and Activities
- Summer Reading Challenge signups
- Kona Ice – a free Kiddie Kona for attendees
- Riverside Guitar School - free guitar lessons in a group setting
- Sister Cities of Grand Rapids – craft table
- Fig and Friends Pet Rescue – will have animals if it is not too hot
- Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
- Cook Library Center/GAAH table
- Hispanic Center table
- Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association table
- League of Enchantment Cosplay characters
- Lawn Games
- Free books for youth 19 and under!
- Snacks and Water
August 13, 2024 - Mulick Park – 6:30-8pm
Readers for Storytimes (6:30-7:30): Wimee Puppet Storytime from 6:30-7 p.m., Men of Color Read and 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
Vendors and Activities
- Summer Reading Challenge Signups
- Kona Ice – a free Kiddie Kona for attendees
- Riverside Guitar School - free guitar lessons in a group setting
- DJ Redd – party music for the crowd
- Grand Rapids Children’s Museum - crafts
- Fig and Friends Pet Rescue – will have animals if it is not too hot
- Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
- Wimee - before and after Storytime
- League of Enchantment Cosplay characters
- Lawn Games
- Free books for youth 19 and under!
- Snacks and Water
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.