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Best Summer Reading Events For Kids In Chicago

Although many parents tend to focus on the importance of sporting activities in their young children, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of encouraging the love of books. Books stimulate imagination and creativity, while giving them a great foundation for later years in education. Chicago has a number of events and activities that are perfect for children of all ages in terms of getting involved with reading and books. Give your child some options in varied activities during summer break by instilling a love of reading at an early age.

Printer's Row
(Credit: chicagotribune.com)

Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest
435 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 222-3232
www.chicagotribune.com

Dates: June 8-9, 2013

This is the Midwest's largest literary event and is the 29th year it is being held. Last year, there were over 150,000 people and expectations are high for the 2013 event. This is an outdoor event being held in the 600 and 700 blocks of South Dearborn Street and Polk Street from Plymouth Court to Clark Street. Thousands of new, used and rare books will be for sale or on display for browsing. Entry is free and all featured authors stay an hour after closing for those looking to have their books signed. Families with small children will enjoy the Lil' Lit Park area where there will be story time, characters in costume, sing-alongs, performances and much more.

Caption: Sara Lugardo

Newberry 29th Annual Book Fair
The Newberry
60 West Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-9090
www.newberry.org

Date: July 25-28, 2013

This is a used book fair with over 120,000 books to choose from. Categories include everything from collectibles to children's literature. With most of the books priced at $2 or under, this is a great book fair for those looking to expand their children's library. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Spring Preschool Story Time
Blackstone
4904 S. Lake Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 747-0511
www.chipublib.org

Date: June 4, 2013

This is an event held by the Chicago Public Library as part of the Chicago Public Library Kids program. It is geared towards children three to five years old and is open to children up to six years of age with a free admission. There will be a themed story time activity with picture books, songs, activities and flannel board stories.

Related: Best Places For Kids' Summer Art Activities In Chicago

Spring Story Time
Austin-Irving Branch
6100 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60634
(312) 744-6222
www.chipublib.org

Date: June 4, 2013

This is a story time event held by the Chicago Public Library. While it can be difficult to find reading activities for younger toddlers, this is an event geared towards those of 18 to 35 months of age. However, the event is welcome to children up to three years of age. No registration is required and admission is free.

Credit: Sara Lugardo

Story Studio Chicago
Chicago Loft Studios
4043 N. Ravenswood, Suite 222
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 477-7710
www.storystudiochicago.com/youth-classes

Date: Differing times are available for both summer sessions running June 24-28 and July 22-26, 2013

Youth classes offered by Story Studio Chicago are geared toward young writers and readers in grades six through 12. The creative writing summer camps help develop writing and reading skills. The hands-on workshopping and individual teaching attention helps to make this camp different than other summer camps. You can register your child for a one-week session or for both, with differing prices yet to be announced.

Related: Summer Camps & Workshops For Teens

Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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