Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Color Our World

School is out, it’s officially summer, and we are gearing up for the launch of our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme —“Color Our World”— is a celebration of the many ways both art and reading can connect us to one another and enrich our lives. Starting June 1, we invite you to join us for a summer full of reading, art, and creativity. Read on to learn more about this year’s challenge and upcoming events!

BEAT THE SUMMER SLIDE

Summer Reading can play an important role in helping beat the “summer slide,” a concept coined by researchers to describe the significant loss of knowledge young learners experience “in reading and math over summer break, which tends to have a snowball effect as they experience subsequent skill loss each year” (Scholastic). Luckily, there are plenty of ways to beat the slide. Playing games, getting out of the house, using your imagination, and reading (our personal favorite J) are great ways to stay engaged throughout the summer.

Of course, reading is beneficial for everyone, not just kids and teens. That’s why we’re challenging everyone —you too, adults!— to read 1,000 minutes by August 1. Here’s how the challenge works:

• STEP ONE: Sign Up. Stop by any HCPL library starting June 1, or visit us online to sign up through Henrico Library’s Beanstack page. Earn a pencil, bookmark, and reading log just for signing up.

• STEP TWO: Log Your Reading. Earn prizes throughout the summer by logging the number of minutes you read. You can log your reading and book reviews online, through the free Beanstack app, or on a paper log from your library.

• STEP THREE: Earn Prizes!
• Read 500 minutes and pick up a midpoint prize starting July 1. Midpoint prizes include:
  • Pre-Readers: Free Book
  • Kids: Free Book
  • Teens: Free Book OR Blank Sketch Book
  • Adults: Book Sale Voucher OR Blank Sketch Book

• Read 1,000 minutes to complete the challenge, earn a finishing prize, and an entry into our Grand Prize Drawing. Finisher prizes include:
  • Pre-Readers: 5-Color Fun Crayon
  • Kids: Colored Pencil Set
  • Teens: Clip-On Ring Light
  • Adults: Collectible Coffee Mug

• Log additional reading (1500/2000/2500 minutes) to earn up to three additional Grand Prize Drawing tickets. Grand prizes include:
  • Pre-Readers: Wonder Magnetic Building Tiles and Light Table
  • Kids: Creality K1 SE 3D Printer OR an Apple iPad (10.9 inch) 64GB with Apple Pencil
  • Teens: Creality K1 SE 3D Printer OR an Apple iPad (10.9 inch) 64GB with Apple Pencil
  • Adults: Cricut Maker 3 Crafting Machine

• Plus, visit your local branch to learn about Branch Prize Drawings:
  • Pre-Readers: Lego Duplo - Deluxe Brick Box
  • Kids: Lego Classic - Vibrant Creative Brick Box
  • Teens: Polaroid Go Mini Instant Film Camera
  • Adults: Michael’s $50 Gift Card

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Attend a kickoff party and get motivated for this year’s challenge. Plus, be sure to browse our online calendar for more art-themed programs and Summer Reading fun at a library near you.

STAY CONNECTED

Get updates on the challenge by staying tuned to our website, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter). 

And last but not least, we would like to thank the Friends of Henrico County Public Library for sponsoring the Summer Reading Challenge!