Turning Pages and Building Community: Kids’ Summer Reading Programs with Local Businesses

Summer is a time for adventure, imagination, and exploration—and not just at the pool or playground. Across the country, libraries, bookstores, and even local businesses are teaming up to encourage children to keep reading all summer long. These partnerships create powerful programs that promote literacy, reward young readers, and build stronger ties between families and local establishments.

Studies show that kids who don’t read during summer vacation can lose significant progress made during the school year—a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Summer reading programs help combat this by keeping young minds engaged. When businesses get involved, the incentives go beyond just good grades—they can lead to free ice cream, pizza, movie tickets, and more! Lucky for you there are lots of Fredericksburg business that are getting involved 

How Businesses Are Getting Involved

1. Barnes and Noble 

Barnes and Noble has launched there 2025 summer reading program for students and educators. For children ages 1st- 6th grade. 

How it works 

Print off the 2025 reading calendar ( click here for the english journal )  ( click here for the Spanish journal) and read any 8 books from the list, record them in the 2025 summer reading journal. Be sure to tell us your favorite part in that book and why. Once 8 books have been completed bring the journal to any Barnes and Noble location between July 1 - August 31 2025 and earn a Free Book ( journals are available in both english and Spanish) 

2. Level up your reading at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library 

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library has just kicked off their 2025 summer reading program. The three month long program challenges for childrens, teens, and adults to get points and prizes by logging their summer reading. 

How it works

The first step is to sign up for the Level up Reading program. You can either sign up for the Childrens, teens or adults reading program. Each level has its own specific rules and prizes. Once you have logged in you can start recording your reading. 

1 minute of reading = 1 point ( for the children and teen programs) 

1 book read= 300 points ( adult program only) 

Activity Badges = 25 points for an easy question, 35 or 50 points for a hard question

Book, TV, or Movie Review: 50 points* Completed Challenge: earn 2000 points. All of these points will soon turn into prises. For more information on prizes click here

3. Pizza Hut BOOK IT summer reading program 

Pizza hut believes that every story deserves a great reward and through the Pizza Hut BOOK IT program young readers can earn one free personal pizza in the months of june, july, and August. They can do this by completing their reading goals. 

How it works 

Parents download the BOOK IT Mobile app ( available in the app store and the google play store. https://www.bookitprogram.com Once the app is downloaded use it to set reading goals, track reading, and redeem rewards at participating Pizza Hut Locations. 

4. Chuck E. Cheese Reading rewards program

Do your kids love Chuck E. Cheese? Well if so make sure to sign them up for the Chuck E. Cheese 2025 summer reading program. 

How it works

Parents visit the READING REWARDS section of the Chuck E. Cheese website and print of this calendar. On each day of the Calender mark of each day that your child does some reading. Once 2 full weeks of reading has been completed take the certificate to your local Chuck E. Cheese to earn 10 free play points with a food purchase. A play pass activation fee is also required, according to fine print 

5.  Nothing bundt Cakes Summer Reading program 

Nothing Bundt Cakes in Fredericksburg Va has officially launched their 2025 Books and Bundts summer reading program. This program is designed for children aged preK-5th grade. It’s free, fun, and easy. Just visit your local Nothing’ Bundt Cakes for more information

These programs aren’t just about fun prizes—they build reading skills, spark curiosity, and foster positive habits. Plus, they’re a great way for businesses to give back and build meaningful relationships within the community.

So this summer, make books a part of your child’s adventure. Whether it's earning a free book from Barnes & Noble, pizza from Pizza Hut, or a sweet treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes, there's never been a better time to turn pages—and turn reading into rewards.

Let’s make 2025 the summer of stories, smiles, and sweet rewards—one book at a time!