Make Reading a Summer Adventure!
Summer is the perfect time to turn kids into curious, confident readers! When school takes a break, young minds need a way to stay sharp—and that’s where reading comes in. Research shows that just 20 minutes of reading a day maintains and boosts literacy skills. 

   Let Them Choose the Books!
Children are more motivated when they read what they want,  So whether it’s a fantasy quest, sports,  a silly comic book, or a book about video games, allowing kids to explore their interests encourages independence and enjoyment while boosting proficiency and motivation.

   AudioBooks are awaiting: Listening to an AudioBook uses the same language-comprehension parts of the brain as reading physical text. It introduces them to higher-level vocabulary and keeps their imagination engaged while you are driving or they are coloring.   SORA is HRCSD digital library for Audio and Ebooks. Free for all. 

Visit a Bookstore: developing habits and modeling positive behaviors are developmentally enriching for lifelong learning. What you do, where you go, and what you decide to surround your children with will make a lasting impact.  Visiting bookstores, buying a new book, and checking out different libraries can all be part of a summer adventure. 

 

SUMMER LIBRARY EVENTS AROUND THE GORGE

Check out the links below to the library calendars for free events around the gorge

 

Hood River County Library:

• Hood River County Libraries Summer Reading Program: Come to any library location to register and receive a reading log or booklet with instructions! Kids, Teens and Adults, Prizes awarded. 

 

• Weekly Storytimes: Perfect for younger children, held on Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM at the main branch to build foundational early-literacy skills.

 

• Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Practice: For kids in 3rd–5th grade looking to stay sharp or get a head start on the school year's reading competition, the library hosts dedicated OBOB practice

             groups on Wednesday afternoons.there are also ebook and audio books available on SORA

 

• Odell Summer Reading: If you are closer to Odell, the library hosts dedicated summer reading programming at the Mercado Del Valle on Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

 

White Salmon Public Library:

• "Plant a Seed and Read" Summer Program: Starting in early June, you can pick up a specialized Activity Pack & Book Bingo for kids and teens (ages 0–18) at the White Salmon Valley Community Library. Kids track their reading and complete fun community challenges to earn digital badges on the Beanstack app and enter local prize drawings.

• White Salmon Farmers Market: Held every Tuesday afternoon in town. It is a highly family-friendly environment with live music, local foods, and community booths that often feature kids' literacy or art pop-ups.

 

The Dalles Public Library:

• Little Learners Lab (Kids in STEAM): Held on Tuesday mornings (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM) in the Children's Wing. This is a play-based, hands-on science and building lab for toddlers and preschoolers (parents must attend).

 

• Family STEAM Nights: Every Thursday evening at 6:00 PM, the library hosts family science events. Examples include a "Make Your Own Ice Cream" night where kids use plastic bags and ice salt to learn about endothermic chemical reactions.

 

• Fun Fridays: Held at 3:30 PM for elementary-aged kids (ages 5–10). Activities rotate weekly—for example, doing outdoor DIY Tie-Dye T-shirt making or giant board game nights.