Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs

Millie's Ice Cream and Pizza Hut are sponsoring summer reading programs to keep children engaged and learning while school is out and to inspire a love of literature by rewarding reading.

Millie's Sweet Reads Summer Reading Program serves K-12 students, while Pizza Hut's Camp BOOK IT serves Pre-k-6th grade students (ages 4-12), rewarding each with treats from their menus.

About Millie's Sweet Reads Summer Reading Program

Sweet Reads is a summer reading program for K-12 students that began in 2021 as a partnership between Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA), and White Whale Bookstore. The program aims to support local bookstores and libraries while also serving children.

How does it work?

Participating in Millie's Sweet Reads Summer Reading Program is easy. Simply:

  1. Obtain a physical bookmark at any Millie’s location or select libraries across the county or print a digital copy from the Millie’s website.

  2. Have your child read five books (or read the books to them). Any book or periodical will do.

  3. Validate the bookmark at your local library. Please note: the library does not have to be a participating Sweet Reads library. Just ask your favorite librarian to sign the dotted line.

  4. Bring your validated bookmark to one of eight eligible Millie’s locations for a free scoop of your child's choice.

Find a list of participating libraries and eligible Millie's locations on the Millie's Ice Cream website.

When will bookmarks be available?

Physical bookmarks will be available at any participating library or Millie's Ice Cream location during operating hours, all summer long. Digital bookmarks can be printed at any time.

Which Millie’s locations will redeem my free scoop?

You can redeem your free scoop at any of the eight Millie's brick and mortar shops. Free scoops are not redeemable at the Kennywood location or at any other Millie’s third-party licensed location or seasonal kiosk.

When does the program end?

The program expires Monday, September 4, 2023, so be sure to visit a Millie's and redeem your child's free scoop before then!

Can I redeem more than one time?

Millie's asks that you only redeem one free scoop per summer, but encourages your children to read as many books as they like. The Sweet Reads redemption model operates on the honor system.

What if my child can’t eat ice cream or dairy-free gelato? What if I can’t get to a Millie’s?

You may redeem your bookmark for a free sticker in the store or via snail mail. Just email hello@millieshomemade.com and Millie's will be sure to mail you one.

About Pizza Hut's Camp BOOK IT!

Since 1984, the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program has been dedicated to encouraging reading nationwide. Camp BOOK IT! is open to all families with Pre-k - 6th grade students (ages 4-12). The goal of the program is to get children excited about reading and to turn “have to read” into “want to read.”

How does it work?

To participate in Camp BOOK IT!, parents utilize a digital dashboard to set goals, track reading, and reward their students. Interested in involving your child in Camp BOOK IT!? Simply:

  1. Enroll your child on the BOOK IT! website. Please note: Only one enrollment per household (for up to five children) will be accepted. Duplicate enrollments will be voided. If a change needs to be made to your enrollment after you have submitted, for example you have moved, please call 800.426.6548.

  2. Have your child read books, magazines, eBooks, and anything else fun.

  3. Enter your child's reading progress in Pizza Hut's digital dashboard for June, July, and August.

  4. When your child meets their goal, move the slider all the way over to receive their certificate for a Personal Pan Pizza in your email.

  5. Use the serialized code on your child’s certificate to redeem! You’ll find more instructions about how to redeem on the certificate.

When does the program run?

Camp BOOK IT! runs from June to August. You can enroll your child at any time during these months.

How many reading certificates can my child earn through Camp BOOK IT?

BOOK IT! is a monthly rewards program, so students may earn and/or redeem one Reading Award Certificate per month.

How do I redeem my child's reading certificates?

Once you receive their certificate in your email, take the printed or digital certificate to a Pizza Hut near you or use the redemption code to order online. The certificate must be used to reward the student who earned it.

How long do I have to redeem my child's reading certificates?

The summer reading certificates for June, July and August all expire on September 15.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Millie's Ice Cream and Camp BOOK IT! websites.