Evansville Police Department Brings Back ‘Read to Succeed’ Summer Program

This summer, the Evansville Police Department is once again turning pages and building connections with local kids through its “Read to Succeed” Summer Reading Program.

What Is The Read To Succeed Program

The program gives children across Evansville the chance to stay excited about reading during summer break while also getting to know local police officers in a fun, relaxed setting. The initiative was first launched in 2024 thanks to partnerships between the Evansville Police Department, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, and Barnes & Noble.

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The goal is to encourage literacy, create positive mentorship opportunities, and strengthen community relationships one story at a time.

Where Families Can Participate This Summer

Throughout the summer, officers will visit several family-friendly locations across Evansville to read with children and interact with families, including:

• Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
• Barnes & Noble
• Little Blondies Playplace
• Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
• The Boys & Girls Club of Evansville.

Evansville Police Department

More than 20 reading sessions are scheduled between June and August, with organizers expecting to connect with hundreds of children throughout the community. Some events will feature smaller group settings that allow for more personal interaction, while others will welcome larger crowds for community-wide gatherings.

Free Books Help Keep Kids Reading At Home

One especially exciting part of the program is the department’s continued effort to put books directly into the hands of kids. Through additional funding and community support, the Evansville Police Department hopes to provide free books for children to take home and keep. The idea is to help spark a love for reading that continues long after summer vacation ends.

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Programs like “Read to Succeed” show how meaningful community engagement can happen in simple but powerful ways. Sitting down to read together may seem small, but those moments help build trust, encourage learning, and create positive memories for local kids and families.