WAKE Up and Read’s Summer Reading Kickoff
- When: Friday, June 19, 2026, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Location: Gooch Sports Arena, 6400 Knightdale-Eagle Rock Rd., Wendell, NC 27691
- Cost: Free with Registration
WAKE Up and Read is hosting their annual Summer Reading Kickoff at the Gooch Sports Arena.
Families and friends will gather for a special afternoon filled with literacy, creativity, and community. Readers of all ages will enjoy a "Meet and Hear" experience featuring a read-aloud with author Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrator E.B. Lewis, and the source of inspiration, equestrian Caitlin Gooch, of the newly released children's book Riding Magic.
A variety of family-friendly activities, including a dance demonstration, an activity activation powered by Artspace, an interactive craft station and library card sign-up hosted by Wake County Public Libraries, will be available.
Food will also be available for purchase from a local food truck.
Come celebrate the start of summer with stories and hands-on fun for readers of all ages! Registration is required for entry. Register online.
- Website: app.smore.com
- Contact Name: Marissa Smith
- Contact Phone: (919) 694-8020
- Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Category: Library Programs
WAKE Up and Read is a WCPSS initiative that is a community coalition of 30+ agencies in Wake County committed to ensuring that ALL children across Wake County read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. As the local affiliate of the National Campaign for Grade Level Reading, we focus on three key areas: school readiness (birth-5), learning opportunities (K-5), and engaged families.
We align our work with the Pathways to Grade-Level Reading. The focus of our action teams is threefold:
School Readiness: Increasing the number of children arriving at kindergarten ready to learn.
Learning Opportunities: Expanding access to high-quality, birth-through-age eight learning opportunities and regular school attendance.
Families as Partners: Engaging and supporting families as partners in their child's learning.
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