Make the Most of Your Summer Reading Spoils
As the end of summer approaches, more and more Summer Reading Challenge, opens a new window finishers are stopping by the library to claim their prizes, opens a new window, including art supplies for kids, big-ticket raffle items for teens and adults, the coveted “Dave” sticker from Wonder Fair for finishers of all ages, and a bundle of coupons generously donated by businesses across Lawrence.
LPLFF Program Coordinator, Angela Hyde, and her family have collected dozens of these coupons over the years. But she didn’t always feel like she made the most of those prizes. “I used to just keep them in my purse, and with my ADHD, they were out of sight, out of mind. Then two years later, I would find a coupon I completely forgot about.”
To address this problem, Angela created Summer Reading Prize Day — one exciting day at the end of the summer when she and her kids drive across Lawrence to redeem as many of their Summer Reading coupons as possible.
How Prize Day Works
Once the family members have all collected their prizes from the library, they map out a route with stops at each business that donated a Summer Reading coupon.
“If they've earned any coupons from school, we'll add those to the route,” Angela said. “And if they made any money over the summer and we’re already going somewhere like Squishingtons, they’re probably going to spend their own money there too.”
But it’s not just a celebration for the kids. Angela redeems her own coupons and gets the chance to treat herself along the way. “I really like the free protein ball at t.Loft,” she said. “And I like their juices too, so I always get a juice while we’re there.”
The family usually starts their route on the west side of Lawrence and travels east toward downtown. They end the day at Royal Crest Lanes to redeem their coupons for a free game of bowling and eat dinner at Wayne and Larry’s next door.
Beyond just redeeming their coupons, Prize Day also makes the process feel more special. “All day long, people are like, ‘Congrats on your Summer Reading!’ and ‘You're awesome!’” she explained. “Instead of spreading it out, they get to hear so many people in the community congratulate them all at once. It’s so nice.”
Tips for Planning Your Own Summer Reading Prize Day
With 2025 marking Angela’s fourth year of celebrating Prize Day, she has it down to a science. But that didn’t come without her fair share of lessons over the years. Here are some of Angela’s suggestions for making the day the best experience for you and your family:
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Plan the route and make a map ahead of time so you don’t have to zigzag too much across town.
The kids can help too, but you might want to supervise since they’re likely not thinking much about things like road construction and the cost of gas.
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Check what time and days each location is open.
Some businesses might be closed on specific days. And others might have adjusted their schedules since the last time you swung by.
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For activity-based coupons, check if you need to make a reservation or appointment.
Your one free class at Bluestem Yoga, for example, is a scheduled session. So you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance.
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Consider doing the trip on a weekday.
Take the day off work and school. You’ll be able to enjoy the day at a leisurely pace compared to the bustle of a Saturday downtown or condensed into a weekday evening.
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Bring along water and some snacks.
Although you will collect food prizes, many of them are mostly sugar-based. Having some more substantial snacks could save you and your kids from a mid-celebration stomachache.
You Can Still Complete the Summer Reading Challenge
It's not too late to sign up for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, opens a new window! Either log 30 hours of reading or 10 books to win prizes. And you can backdate any reading you've already completed since the start of the summer.
Finish the challenge and collect your prizes at the library by Saturday, August 16. You can also stop by the library lawn that day for our Last Bash & Multicultural Festival, opens a new window. Join us as we close out Summer Reading with a celebration of cultures through music, dance, crafts, games, and more.
Whether you like to take your time redeeming your coupons throughout the year or you’re intrigued by the gauntlet of Prize Day, every reader is invited to complete the challenge, collect their prizes, and celebrate together at the library.
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