This year's Milwaukee-area library summer reading programs give out some cool prizes. Here are 15 of them.

Amy Schwabe
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Reading pays off with prizes during library summer reading programs.

When I was a child, I remember walking the two blocks to Zablocki Library at the beginning of summer vacation every year, with my mom when I was little and by myself when I was old enough.

I would check out a huge stack of books to celebrate my freedom from schoolwork and sign up for the summer reading program. And I always counted on earning a few great prizes — my favorite was always the free admission to a Milwaukee County pool.

As an adult, I always make sure to sign up my own kids for the summer reading program. And we still look forward to the same types of prizes, including free admission to Milwaukee museums and the zoo. What better way is there to spend one of the long days of summer vacation with a free day-long activity?

Michael Koszalka, director of the West Allis library, said, "Unsurprisingly, we've found that incentives work great in getting kids to read during the summer months. Our goal is to help bridge the reading gap between grades for kids during the summer, and prizes help motivate kids to do just that."

Reading results in great prizes

Milwaukee, Waukesha and Jefferson County libraries have congratulations packets for kids who reach summer reading goals. Those packets include tickets and coupons to various kid-friendly venues, stores and restaurants. Here are just a few of the prizes available (Check with your own library to see if specific coupons are available.)

  1. Free child admission to Betty Brinn Children's Museum
  2. Buy-one-get-one admission to Big Backyard
  3. Free youth admission to Milwaukee Public Museum
  4. Free voucher for a Milwaukee Wave game
  5. Buy-one-get-one admission to Old World Wisconsin
  6. Free kids meal at P.F. Chang's
  7. Free pan pizza at Pizza Hut
  8. Free youth skating admission at the Pettit
  9. Free youth admission to Wisconsin State Fair
  10. Free youth admission to Waukesha County Fair
  11. Buy-one-get-one admission to Sky Zone
  12. Coupon for The Learning Shop
  13. Buy-one-get-one admission to Country Springs water park
  14. Free admission to Cool Waters water park
  15. Free voucher for a Milwaukee Bucks game

In addition to the coupon packs for discounts at local kid-friendly venues, many libraries give other prizes, from free books and toys to raffles tickets for gift cards to the chance to get on-field recognition at a Brewers game.

But the coupons are arguably the most sought-after prizes.

Shorewood librarian Heide Piehler said, "The tickets and coupons are definitely motivators for our young readers. We are always pleased to see so many organizations support literacy and libraries."

Check out your own local library to see what prizes are available and to sign your kids up for the summer reading program.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/wisconsin-family/2018/06/12/milwaukee-area-2018-summer-reading-programs-give-out-great-prizes/672001002/
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