40+ Prize Ideas for Library Games, Challenges, and Reading Programs
(Plus a Beautiful Google Sheet to Help You Track Donation Requests)
Yesterday my kids were happily digging into free ice cream at Applebee’s when it hit me … I should make a giant list of reward ideas for libraries.
It wasn’t a big leap, considering the sundaes were courtesy of coupons they’d earned from our public library’s summer reading program. But it is a bit overdue, since let’s be honest, I’m no stranger to reading rewards.
I volunteer on our school’s monthly reading challenge, where we use a mix of small, purchased gifts and coupons for treats from local businesses. These coupons include free cookies, scoops of ice cream, cakepops, and other fun surprises. I’m on coupon-design duty for the reading challenge. And today, I’m sharing all my ideas to help you score awesome rewards on a small budget.
This post is part prize idea list and part donation-finding toolkit, so you can stock your prize box without overspending. And I’ve put together a Google sheet to help you track your prize donations and sponsor contact information. You can grab yours in the vault, which you can gain access to by becoming a free subscriber. You’re going to love it!
Libraries are already magical places, but a little extra motivation can go a long way when it comes to getting kids excited about reading challenges, scavenger hunts, trivia games, and any other programs you’re offering.
1. Small-Budget Prizes Kids Can Take Home Today
Even with a tight budget, you can make kids’ faces light up with small prizes bought in bulk or from discount suppliers. These prizes are simple to store, easy to hand out, and easy on the library budget:
Erasers in fun shapes
Pencils or pens (increase the “wow” factor with scented pencils, rubber pencils, favorite character pencils, “spy pens” that glow under black light, etc.)
Glow sticks
Origami paper or mini craft kits
Bookmarks (themed, magnetic, or DIY)
Stickers or temporary tattoos
Slap bracelets
Jibbitz™ charms (bracelet or Crocs)
Candy or snack packs (mini chocolate bars, fruit snacks, lollipops)
Mini notebooks or journals
Fidget toys or stress balls
LEGO® mini sets
💡 Tip: Consider using community forums (Facebook groups, google groups, etc.) to get the word out about the types of things you’re looking. You may be pleasantly surprised at what donations you receive.
2. Chain’s That May Be Willing to Contribute (and Why They’re Good Candidates)
National chains can be a great starting point when soliciting donations. While I can’t make any guarantees, the businesses below made this list because they either: A) Explicitly mention donations or community programs on their website, B) Run their own reading challenge or youth incentive program, or C) Support schools, libraries, or family events in other ways (suggesting they may be open to partnering).
Give them a call and tell them what you’re doing. The worst they can say is “no”:
Applebee’s – Has a history of offering “Books Are A Blast” coupons for free kid’s sundaes. Their community page shows educational support, and many local franchises run literacy-related giveaways. Learn More: https://nrpneighborhood.com/a-is-for-applebees/
Red Robin – Lists “Celebrate Everyday Heroes” on its community page, offering meal vouchers for local causes. This suggests they’re open to partnering with literacy programs. Learn More: https://www.redrobin.com/community
In-N-Out Burger – Runs community programs that highlight youth and family initiatives. While not reading-specific, their outreach to schools and nonprofits makes them a likely candidate. Learn More: https://www.in-n-out.com/community
Culver’s – Offers Scoopie Tokens and free custard with kids’ meals. Many locations have “Give Local” programs supporting education and youth. Learn More: https://www.culvers.com/about-culvers/give-local
Bowlero / AMF Bowling – Runs Kids Bowl Free programs and sometimes donates free game passes for youth activities. Learn More: https://www.bowlero.com/blog/kids-roll-free-summer
Chuck E. Cheese – Offers a downloadable Reading Rewards calendar, trading two weeks of reading for free play points with a food purchase. Learn More (search “reading rewards” on this page): https://www.chuckecheese.com/darien-il/activities-and-downloads/
Wendy’s – Known for Frosty Key Tags and seasonal coupons. While their reading tie-in is not formal, they frequently provide small coupons to schools and nonprofits. https://www.wendys.com/csr-what-we-value/people/community
Chick-fil-A – Many local operators offer “Be Our Guest” cards for a free menu item. Their strong community giving culture makes them worth approaching. https://www.chick-fil-a.com/global-impact/community
Krispy Kreme – Has rewarded good grades with free donuts in the past and has strong youth engagement programs. Could be approached for reading rewards.
Sky Zone / Urban Air – Many parks have community partnership or donation request forms and are known to donate jump passes for fundraisers.
💡 Tip: Some of these programs vary by location, so always contact the local manager or check the corporate giving page first.
3. Partnering with Local Businesses
Don’t just think about the big chains … many local small businesses love supporting community programs and getting their name in front of families. In fact, these partnerships are where we get most of the gifts for the monthly reading challenge I volunteer on. Some great places to reach out to include:
Bakeries – free cookie or cupcake
Ice cream parlors – free scoop
Pizza shops – free slice or small pizza
Art studios – free class or workshop
Toy stores – $5 coupon
Bookstores – free or discounted book
Dance studios – free trial class
Sports teams – free tickets to a game
To make it easy for the business, I offer to design, cut, and print the coupons kids use to redeem their prize. This is helpful because smaller businesses often don’t have the same graphic design and printing support as bigger chains. You can easily find a free “coupon” or “certificate” template on Canva and customizing it with details such as:
What the gift is
Business name and address
Who sponsored the gift (if different than the business name)
Valid dates (we do a week-long window and find that the short timeframe is easier on the business and fun for kids because they almost always see a friend or two redeeming their certificate at the same time)
If the coupon can be redeemed in-store only (this may be worth specifying if the store also offers delivery, etc.)
Any other details the business wants included
💡 Tip: It’s always a good idea to have the owner or manager approve the coupon before you print them all. Also, it’s good practice to recognize the business in library signage, newsletters, or social media.
4. Raffle Tickets for Bigger Prizes
If a business can only give one item instead of hundreds, turn it into a high-energy raffle!
Raffles are a great way to stretch a single donated item into excitement for dozens of kids. They add a layer of anticipation that can keep kids coming back for the chance to win. Here is a rough outline of how you can organize the raffle:
Each time a child completes a challenge, they earn a raffle ticket.
Tickets go into a drawing for a bigger prize, such as:
$25 gift card to a toy store
Family pizza night
Bowling or mini-golf outing
Tickets to a local zoo, aquarium, or museum
Escape room or arcade passes
Signed book by a local author
If multiple prizes are available, kids can put their ticket in the cup associated with the gift they want most
Set an official “draw date” so kids know when to expect the winners to be called. Depending on the number of patrons you serve, once per season is usually sufficient.
Don’t be afraid to use the raffle tickets as a prize for multiple activities (like all the scavenger hunts, trivia games, etc. you offer during a set period of time). The suspense of “Will my ticket get drawn?” keeps kids engaged and encourages them to participate again and again.
💡 Tip: Keep the raffle jars somewhere visible so kids can check their entries and size up the competition. And always mention which business donated the gift — they’ll appreciate the recognition!
5. Non-Material Rewards That Feel Special
Not every prize has to come with a price tag. In fact, some of the most memorable rewards are experiences that make kids feel recognized and connected to the library. These “insider” perks cost nothing but can have a big impact:
“Librarian for a Day” experience – Let the child help check out books, recommend a display, or stamp due dates.
Name featured in a new library book – Add a “Donated in honor of…” sticker inside the cover.
Pick a book for the children’s librarian to order – Gives them a sense of ownership and pride.
Behind-the-scenes library tour – Show them the book return system, staff area, and any “mystery” doors. (Can also arrange tours to other public buildings like the fire station, police station, water treatment plant, etc.)
Meeting with the Board of Directors – Invite the winners to a meeting with the Library’s BOD. The kids will appreciate the honor and you’re sure to get some great ideas.
6. National Reading Reward Programs
You don’t have to do all the work yourself to keep kids reading. Many national businesses and organizations offer their own reading reward programs, and you can easily point families toward these opportunities. They can be a perfect supplement to your library’s challenges, or a great option if you don’t have the capacity to run your own program.
Sharing these programs not only gives kids more chances to earn prizes, but also connects families to reading-friendly businesses in your community. Also, remember that these programs may vary by store or be discontinued, so always check with your local store.
National programs to check out:
Pizza Hut – BOOK IT! & Camp Book It! – Program Info: https://www.bookitprogram.com/
Barnes & Noble – Summer Reading Program – Program Info: https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/
Half Price Books – Feed Your Brain / Summer Reading Camp – Program Info: https://www.hpb.com/summer-reading.html
Chuck E. Cheese – Reading Rewards Calendar – Program Info: https://www.chuckecheese.com/darien-il/activities-and-downloads/ (search “reading rewards”)
Panda Express – Read-With-Me Program – Program Info: https://community.pandaexpress.com/read-with-me
Portillo’s – Reading Program – Program Info: https://www.portillos.com/readingprogram/
Books-a-Million – Summer Reading Adventure – Program Info: https://www.booksamillion.com/summeradventure
How to Find and Request Local Donations
Approaching local businesses doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little preparation and a clear plan, you can make the process smooth and successful.
Step 1: Find Potential Partners
Call local stores and ask for the manager or marketing lead.
Visit in person with a short, printed letter about your program.
Search online for “[business name] + community donation” or “[business name] + fundraising program.”
Check the footer of business websites for links like Community, Fundraising, or Donations.
💡 Tip: Keep a running list of which businesses have been approached, when you contacted them, and their response — it’ll make next year’s outreach much easier.
Step 2: Decide What to Request
When you reach out, be clear and specific. Examples include:
Food treats – ice cream scoop, cookie, cupcake, pizza slice, milkshake
Activity passes – bowling game, mini-golf round, arcade credits, trampoline park pass
Retail items – small toy, craft kit, bookstore gift card
*Bigger items may be more suitable as a raffle gift
Step 3: Prepare Before You Contact
Have your program details ready: dates, goals, and number of participants.
Bring or attach a short, printed letter with your request.
Be clear about how you’ll recognize the business (flyers, social media, signage).
Step 4: During the Ask
Phone Script Example – Requesting Prizes for Library Activities
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I help coordinate children’s activities at [Library Name]. We’re planning our [summer/seasonal] games and challenges to get kids in our community excited about reading and problem-solving.
I wanted to see if [Business Name] might be interested in partnering with us by donating a small prize, like [insert example they sell, like an ice cream scoop, mini-golf pass, or craft kit]. These prizes would be given to kids who successfully complete the activity.
We’d be happy to recognize your business in our newsletters, social media, and event signage. Could I send you more details or stop by with a short letter about the program?
Phone Script Example – Requesting Prizes for for Reading Challenge
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I help coordinate reading challenge at [Library Name]. We’re planning our [summer/seasonal] program to encourage kids in our community to read more. I wanted to see if [Business Name] might be interested in partnering with us by donating a small prize, like [example they sell].
We’d be happy to recognize your business in our newsletters, social media, and program flyers. Could I send you more details or stop by with a short letter about the program?
💡 Tip: If they seem interested but noncommittal, offer options: “Some businesses give a single big prize for a raffle, while others provide smaller coupons so every participant gets something.”
Email Script Examples:
Subject: Partnership Opportunity – Library Activities for Kids
Hi [Name],
I’m [Your Name], and I help coordinate special programs at [Library Name]. This includes things like scavenger hunts, trivia games, and escape rooms that get kids excited about reading and problem-solving.
This [summer/season/holiday], we’re looking for local businesses to partner with us by donating a small prize, such as [suggest an example they sell], that we can award to kids who successfully complete the activity.
We’d be happy to recognize your business in our newsletters, social media, and event signage, and we’ll make sure families know you helped make the fun possible.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support creativity and learning in our community.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Subject: Partnership Opportunity – Library Reading Challenge
Hi [Name],
I’m [Your Name], and I help coordinate reading challenges at [Library Name]. This summer, we’re looking for local businesses to partner with us in encouraging kids to read.
Would [Business Name] be willing to donate coupons for a small treat, like (suggest an example they sell) to reward our young readers?
We’d be happy to recognize your business in our newsletters, social media, and program flyers.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support literacy in our community.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Step 5: After the Ask
Follow up with a thank-you note or email.
Keep their contact info for future partnerships.
** Free Download: I’ve created a Google sheet to help you organize all your contacts and prize requests – it’s even pre-populated with the national chains mentioned above! You can grab your copy in the vault. Find the link in the welcome email sent at the time you subscribed.
Final Thoughts
The best library prize programs mix instant rewards with bigger, ongoing incentives. Add community partnerships, corporate freebies, and national programs, and you’ve got a summer (or school year) full of motivated readers.
And remember, a great reward doesn’t have to be big to make an impact. Sometimes it’s as sweet as a free Applebee’s sundae (just ask my kids!). That’s the magic of rewards: they’re not just about the treat itself, but the pride kids feel in earning it.
When we combine creativity, community connections, and a little bit of planning, we can create that same spark for every child who walks through the library doors. And who knows? Your next prize might just be the memory that keeps them coming back to the library again and again.
So the BIG question … what am I missing!? What other national chains sponsor prizes for library programs? Share your suggestions below!
With wonder,
Allison
Creator of Your Library Vault
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