This summer, the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the Charleston County School District (CCSD) are winding back the clock to a time of VHS tapes, parachute pants, and boom boxes to remind you that Reading Is Radical. Summer Reading 2023, presented by the Charleston Friends of the Library and South Carolina Stingrays, gives Charleston County residents a chance to win great prizes just by reading during the summer months.

Registration for Summer Reading is NOW OPEN. The programs for children, teens and adults run from May 15 through July 31 and feature a tubular lineup of free events and programs, as well as bodacious prizes (while supplies last) provided by our generous community sponsors.

“CCPL and CCSD have always been partners in educational success, and Summer Reading helps fight the summer slide and promote literacy throughout Charleston County,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “This year’s program takes us back to our roots and reminds us all of the simple joy and excitement of reading.”

CCPL and CCSD are now in the sixth year of their partnership to bridge the literacy gap for students during the summer months.

"Our district is passionate about literacy," explained CCSD Superintendent of School Don Kennedy. "Our goal is to have our fifth graders reading on grade level by June 2027. We are thankful our students have a program like CCPL's Reading is Radical to participate in this summer, which can help us achieve that goal."

How to Participate

Registration is NOW OPEN and you can begin logging your reading on May 15. Prize pickup begins June 1. Prizes are available while supplies last.

Want to join in the fun and win some prizes? It's easier than ever thanks to the launch of our new online platform, Beanstack, where participants can track and log their reading. Simply visit ccpl.org/summeronline, or your nearest CCPL branch to sign up for the program. You can then download the Beanstack app and log your reading right on your mobile device. Don’t have access to the internet or a device? Just request a paper reading log at your local branch.

Are you a CCSD student that goes to a school with Beanstack? If so, you can link your CCSD accounts with your CCPL accounts. You’ll need to create an account on CCPL’s Beanstack site. When you add your school information, add your school username when it asks for your school ID number or teacher’s email and your birthday. Then, click Link Account. Be sure to click it twice to complete the linking. Having trouble signing up? Check with your local library for help.

What’s in It for You?

Children, teens, and adults can win prizes for reading whatever they like! Prizes are awarded after reaching certain levels of reading (e.g. 5, 15, and 30 hours) and include Summer Reading t-shirts as well as vouchers for local restaurants, attractions, and sporting events. Just 5 hours of reading gets you free tickets to Library Night games at the Charleston RiverDogs (Aug. 6) and South Carolina Stingrays (Date TBA). 30 hours of reading earns you free tickets to watch the Charleston Battery play on Aug. 26 or visit Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum on Sept. 16! Please note that prizes are available while supplies last.

This year’s program also includes some far-out FREE programs at many CCPL branches. Highlights include:

- Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus Performance
- Retro Book Fair
- Summer Sips and Sing-alongs
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Workshop
- Silent Disco
- Japanese Drumming with Taiko Charleston
- The Final Girl Escape Room
- Criss Cross Mangosauce
- Jungle Jim’s Wild About Reading Balloon Magic Show
- West African Drumming and Dance with Wona Womalan

Event dates, times and locations vary and are subject to change. For a full list of events and event details, visit ccpl.org/calendar.

Summer Reading is made possible by community partners and sponsors, including this year’s presenting sponsors, the Charleston Friends of the Library and the South Carolina Stingrays Hockey Team. For a full list of community partners and sponsors, to register for Summer Reading, or for more information on the program, prizes and prize pickup, reading lists and more, visit ccpl.org/summeronline or contact your local library branch.    

Reading Is Radical Social Media Photo Contest

Reading is Radical, and so are you! Have a retro throwback photo of you enjoying a good book or hanging out at your local library? Share on social media using the hashtag #CCPLReadingisRadical for a chance to be featured in promotions for our Summer Reading program. Kids and adults can also dress up in attire inspired by that time period to enter. All entries will be entered into a drawing for an AWESOME CCPL Swag Pack!