Edmond, OK, is ready to turn up the volume on reading this summer. Whether you’re a parent looking to keep your child’s brain busy, a student hoping to get ahead, or a visitor just passing through, Edmond’s summer reading scene has something for everyone. Let’s dive into what’s happening in 2025 and why you’ll want to grab a book, a library card, and maybe a paintbrush.
Summer Reading 2025: Art, Color, and Creativity
This year’s statewide theme is “Color Our World,” and it’s all about art, creativity, and imagination. Libraries across Edmond and Oklahoma are rolling out colorful programs, hands-on activities, and reading challenges. Expect everything from craft projects and workshops to reading logs with prizes. If you’ve ever wanted to see your child get excited about both books and glue sticks, this is your year.
Why should you care about summer reading? Studies show kids can lose up to two months of reading skills over the summer if they don’t keep reading. That “summer slide” can add up by middle school. Luckily, Edmond’s libraries are on a mission to make reading fun, rewarding, and maybe a little bit messy (in a good way).
Who Can Join? (Spoiler: Everyone)
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Toddlers and Preschoolers: Storytimes, crafts, and listening to books count too.
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Kids and Tweens: Reading challenges, art workshops, and live performances.
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Teens: Book clubs, creative contests, and volunteer opportunities.
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Adults: Yes, you can join too. There are reading challenges, art events, and even prizes for grown-ups.
Registration is easy. Stop by your local library or sign up online. Track your reading, complete activities, and watch the points (and prizes) pile up.
2025 Oklahoma Summer Library Program Performers
This summer’s performer lineup is a showstopper. Edmond libraries are bringing in magicians, musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, and even live animal encounters. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the acts lighting up library stages:
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Doc Rogers: Magic, comedy, and stories that make kids (and grown-ups) laugh out loud.
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Mad Science Art-splosion: Science meets art in a show full of color, experiments, and surprises.
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Spaghetti Eddie: Songs that are catchy, silly, and secretly educational.
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Will Stuck: Storytelling with a twist, perfect for kids who love a good tale.
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Rocky Mountain Puppets: Puppets, jokes, and interactive fun for all ages.
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Extreme Animals: Get up close with fascinating animals and learn about their habitats.
Check your local library’s calendar for show dates and times. Most events are free and open to all.
The University of Oklahoma’s Summer Reading Skills for Every Grade
Looking for something a bit more structured? The University of Oklahoma Outreach offers Summer Reading Skills Programs right here in Edmond. These programs are designed for every grade level, from pre-K to high school, and focus on building real reading skills—not just logging minutes.
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Younger kids work on phonics and sight words.
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Older students tackle comprehension, textbook strategies, and writing skills.
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All programs are taught by experienced teachers from the Institute of Reading Development.
Classes are live and online, so you can join from home or on vacation. Each week, students meet with their teacher, discuss great books, and practice new skills with fun, interactive lessons. There are weekday and weekend options, making it easy to fit reading into your summer plans.
Bonus: Every student gets age-appropriate books, group activities, and one-on-one support if needed. At the end of the program, you’ll get a progress report and a certificate to show off.
Find out more or sign up at the OU Outreach website.
Edmond Schools and Summer Reading
Edmond Public Schools encourage students to keep reading all summer long. Their summer reading lists and resources are available online and at local libraries. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a bookworm, there’s a recommended list to match their interests and reading level.
Teachers suggest mixing it up—graphic novels, nonfiction, classics, and new releases all count. Listening to audiobooks or reading aloud as a family is also encouraged. The goal is simple: keep reading fun and stress-free.
Prizes, Perks, and Surprises
What’s summer reading without a little motivation? Edmond libraries and partners are handing out prizes for readers of all ages. Complete your reading log, and you could win:
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Free books
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Gift cards
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Book bags
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Coupons
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Entry into grand prize drawings
Special perk: Check out the book Juniper’s Butterfly Garden from your library and get a voucher for free admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo for up to four people. Reading really does open doors—even to the zoo.
Quick Tips for a Colorful Summer of Reading
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Visit your library early. Grab a calendar of events and sign up for programs.
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Set a family reading goal. Make it a friendly competition.
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Try something new. Art books, poetry, or even a comic book can spark new interests.
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Share your progress. Post your reading adventures on social media or with friends.
Edmond’s 2025 Summer Reading Programs are ready to make your summer brighter, smarter, and a lot more colorful. Whether you’re here all summer or just passing through, there’s a story waiting for you.
Sources: outreach.ou.edu, oklahoma.gov, sunset.edmondschools.net
Header Image Source: Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
