What I learned from an adult summer reading program

If you know me you know I love libraries and books and have fond memories of growing up and picking out books to read and participating in the summer reading program. That’s why this summer I decided to sign up for the adult summer reading program.

It has been probably a good 17 years since I did a summer reading program so I didn’t know what to expect. I ended up really enjoying it. The only con I have is that I read a large volume of books really quickly to make sure I completed the activities. I think I read 18 books in July when I usually read anywhere from 4-12 books a month. I’ve slowed down this month and am just reading for enjoyment rather than tracking what I read.

My favorite part of the program is that it encouraged me to read a diverse stack of books. Here’s a look at what I read in the program.

Hours read: 13,560

Books read: 30

Read a book by an international author: A Burning by Megha Majumdar

Read a book by a Black author: The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Read a book by an Asian author: Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan

Read a book by an LGBTQ+ author: Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Read a book by a Latinx author: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Read a book suggested by a Librarian: Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

Read a graphic novel: Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Read a favorite book from your childhood: The Magic Treehouse #1

Read a book and then watch the movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Read a book about Indianapolis: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Listen to an audiobook: New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Check out a lucky day book on the Libby app: Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet

There were more books and more challenges but this is a good representation of what I read. Overall, I would participate in another summer reading program but think I would focus more on taking my time and enjoying the books rather then reading as many books as I can.

Did you participate in a summer reading program or have you before as an adult?