Summer Reading 2025

The Detroit Public Library is excited to partner with a wide variety of organizations throughout our Summer Reading programming. Our 2025 partners include the Detroit Lions, Wayne RESA, Detroit PBS Kids, Vision to Learn, and Forgotten Harvest.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are encouraging children and teens to read this summer by partnering with the Detroit Public Library's Summer Reading Program. Reading throughout the summer is one of the best ways to prevent the summer slide and prepare for the up-and-coming school year. What better way to spend your summer than reading and attending exciting events at the library. Children and teens who complete the Summer Reading Challenge will have a chance to win the Detroit Lions Ultimate Experience. Come to your local DPL and learn more about Summer Reading.

Wayne RESA

Wayne RESA is a Regional Educational Service Agency that offers services throughout Wayne County to improve student achievement. This summer, they will provide their popular “Pop-Up Lit Lab” at two Detroit Public Library locations in the month of the July. Families will be introduced to new and exciting science, math, and reading activities at the Chandler Park Branch and the Children’s Library at Main.

Chandler Park Branch

• Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
• Hands-on science, art and literacy activities for kids from preschool through 5th grade. Read-aloud stories, Nutty Scientist Labs, Artmaking and Design along with weekly take home materials will be includes

Children’s Library at Main

• Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 1:00 pm
• Join us each Tuesday for a fun filled, hands-on pop up. Kids will be immersed in Literacy & STEM activities that will wow them! Kids of all ages welcome.

Detroit PBS KIDS

Detroit PBS KIDS is joining forces with the Detroit Public Library this summer! Partnering programs include:

• Library Kick Offs: You will find a friendly PBS Education Team member at all library kick offs and a visit from a furry PBS KIDS or Michigan Learning Channel friend at each event as well!
• ODD SQUAD Experience: Odd Squad is a TV show for children ages 5 to 8. The show is designed to help kids learn math concepts while solving strange and hilarious cases. It's part of the PBS KIDS educational programming and is available on TV and online. Our team will be bringing this to life with video clips, books and activities at each branch.
• Peg + Cat Experience: Peg + Cat follows the adorable, spirited Peg and her sidekick Cat as they embark on adventures, solve problems together, and learn math concepts and skills. Peg + Cat is an animated math-based series for children ages 3-5 years old. Our team will be bringing this to life with video clips, books and activities to each branch.
• Building the Reading Brain: Screening for adults of “Building the Reading Brain.” Targeted for caregivers and parents of young children learning to read, participants will explore the science of reading and ways to help ready your child for this complex task. Reading is essential for daily life, but humans are not born with the ability. Experts in education and neuroscience explain the science of how neuropathways are built, the brain’s reading centers, and their impact on early childhood literacy, skill development, and school readiness.
• Summer Reading Finales: Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with a friendly PBS Education Team member and a visit from a furry PBS KIDS or Michigan Learning Channel friend at each event as well!

For all dates, times, and locations of each activity, please see the Detroit PBS Kids Summer Reading Schedule.

Follow Detroit PBS KIDS on Facebook for additional information.

Vision to Learn

The Detroit Public Library is excited to partner again with Vision To Learn, a national program which provides free eye exams and glasses for children and young adults aged 4 – 21. Vision to Learn operates mobile clinics across the country, bringing vision screenings and eye care so far to 3.4 million children and supplying over 500,000 pairs of glasses.

This Summer, the Library will be hosting the Vision to Learn mobile clinics at Main Library and branches across the city. To schedule an appointment, call 313-413-4899.

• Thursday, June 26 at Campbell Branch
• Wednesday, July 9 at Chandler Park Branch
• Monday, July 14 at Knapp Branch
• Thursday, July 24 at Campbell Branch
• Friday, July 25 at Conely Branch
• Monday, July 28 at Duffield and Franklin Branches
• Wednesday, July 30 at Chandler Park Branch
• Friday, August 1 at Elmwood Park Branch and Main Library
• Monday, August 4 at Wilder and Sherwood Forest Branches
• Tuesday, August 5 at Franklin Branch
• Wednesday, August 6 at Chase and Chaney Branches
• Monday, August 11 at Knapp Branch and Main Library
• Thursday, August 14 at Hubbard Branch
• Tuesday, August 19 at Lincoln and Chase Branch
• Thursday, August 21 at Campbell Branch
• Friday, August 22 at Redford and Edison Branches
• Monday, August 25 at Bowen and Chaney Branches
• Wednesday, August 27 at Jefferson Branch
• Friday, August 29 at Redford Branch

Summer Lunch Program

The Detroit Public Library partners with Forgotten Harvest to provide lunches at library locations throughout the summer. Please call the branches for more detailed information regarding dates and times of the lunches.

Participating locations:

• Chandler Park Branch
• Chaney Branch
• Children’s Library at Main
• Conely Branch
• Duffield Branch
• Edison Branch
• Elmwood Park Branch
• Franklin Branch
• Hubbard Branch
• Jefferson Branch
• Knapp Branch
• Lincoln Branch
• Redford Branch
• Wilder

Don't miss the Summer Reading fun happening at your local library branch! Check out the links below to view Summer Reading programs taking place across Detroit Public Library locations:

• Bowen Programs
• Campbell Programs
  
• Chandler Park Programs
• Chaney Programs
• Chase Programs
• Conely Programs
• Duffield Programs
• Edison Programs
• Elmwood Park Programs
• Franklin Programs
• Hubbard Programs
• Jefferson Programs
• Knapp Programs
• Lincoln Programs
• Main Library Programs
• Parkman Programs
• Redford Programs
• Wilder Programs