Howard County Public Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge: Fun for ALL Ages
Hi friends! So I was poking around for fun (and free!) things to do this summer and stumbled across the Howard County Public Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. And wow, I knew HCLS had great programs, but I didn’t realize just how much they pack into summer.
Spoiler: It’s not just for kids. Whether you’re a toddler, teen, parent, or “why do I still love YA novels in my 30s?” kind of reader (hi, it’s me), there’s a challenge designed just for you. I haven’t tried all of these yet, but I’m genuinely tempted to do, well… maybe most of them? Here’s the lowdown:
For Littles (Birth-4):
The tiniest bookworms get to start their journey with a super sweet balloon-themed gameboard. Each time you read together, sing a song, or do a simple activity, color in a balloon. It’s low-pressure, super cute, and such a lovely way to build early literacy skills.
Finisher prize: A free book (yes please).
Available at ALL HCLS branches, June 2–August 31.
Here’s the Infant to Pre-K Book List if you want some ideas to get started.
Kids (Ages 5 - 10):
Okay, this gameboard is candy-themed. Yes, candy! Each time your kiddo reads or finishes a fun activity, they color in a candy shape. As someone who would’ve been all about this at age 8, I love this.
Finisher prize: Another free book!
BONUS: All finishers are entered into the End-of-Summer-Prize drawings, which includes a gift card!
Runs June 2- August 31 at ALL HCLS branches.
Teens (middle school and high school):
This one’s set up kind of like a challenge tracker, every time your teen reads, attends classes, borrows items, or complete challenges, they earn raffle tickets. Rack up 10 tickets and boom: you get a prize and a chance to win a grand prize. I mean, yes, please.
Gameboards available at ALL HCLS branches, June 2–August 31.
HCLS even made curated lists for Middle School and High School readers, because yes, they understand teens have specific tastes.
This one is definitely tempting me, like, do you think they’d notice if I tried to sneak into the teen challenge?
Beyond Words (For Teens & Adults with intellectual Disabilities):
I really love this one. It’s based on HCLS’ inclusive Beyond Words classes, and it’s open to teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a vibrant and inclusive monthly class. The gameboard is designed to be accessible and fun, and finishers can choose a tote bag or the standard teen/adult prize.
Finisher prize: A Beyond Words tote or regular prize option.
Available at ALL HCLS branches June 2- August 31.
Adult:
So yes, grown-ups are invited too! In all honesty, in past summers I haven’t done the reading challenge. I always say I’m going too and then life gets busy. But, this year I’m very intrigued and I want to give it a try!
HCLS is offering this really cool Reading Journal for adults—basically a little booklet with 13 curated prompts to help guide your reading. It’s not a competition, there’s no leaderboard, and you’re not expected to fly through 50 books in 3 months. The vibe is more: “Hey, let’s get out of our comfort zones and read something we didn’t expect to love.” And I’m kind of into that idea.
Journals are available at ALL HCLS branches.
The challenge runs June 2–August 31 (but you can journal all year).
I love that it’s both low-pressure and kind of motivational. Plus, I’ll admit, I’m curious to see what I gravitate toward once I’m nudged out of my usual reading bubble (which is 80% thrillers and 20% “that book that made me cry on Instagram”).
Summer Events & Celebrations:
HCLS isn’t just about reading quietly (although I do love that vibe). They also host events all summer long, and they sound so fun. Past celebrations have included:
Party on the Patio
Summer Reading Carnival
Mythological Creatures of Legend
Summer Safari
Passport to Adventure
They haven’t dropped the full 2025 event schedule yet, but I’ll be watching the main summer page for updates. If you’re local, these events are a great way to connect in real life, books, snacks, maybe even live music? Count me in.
How to Join:
Getting started is super easy:
Swing by any HCLS branch.
Pick up a gameboard or reading journal (or both—no judgment).
Start reading, tracking, and checking off your challenges.
Prizes are available while supplies last, so don’t wait too long to grab your materials.
I honestly love that this challenge is for everyone. Whether you're helping a toddler count balloons or challenging yourself to read more intentionally as an adult, HCLS has made it joyful and accessible.
Let me know if you’re doing it, maybe we can even trade recommendations! I’ll be the one journaling with a latte and probably overthinking which genre to try next.
