The Story Doesn’t End When You Close the Book

When many people think about the Summer Reading Challenge, they think about reading logs, books, and tracking progress.

Those are certainly part of the experience, but they are only part of the story.

The Summer Reading Challenge is built around a simple idea: reading can inspire us to learn more about the world around us.

A great book can spark an interest in dinosaurs, science, history, art, music, nature, or a place you’ve never visited. Sometimes a story introduces a new idea. Sometimes it inspires a new hobby. Sometimes it simply leaves us wanting to know more.

That sense of wonder is at the heart of this year’s Unearth a Story™ theme.

Sometimes a book sends us looking for answers. Sometimes an experience sends us looking for a book. The Summer Reading Challenge is designed to encourage both.

Throughout the summer, we host programs and events that help bring stories, ideas, and interests to life. You might read about fossils and then attend a science program. You might discover a new culture through a book and then experience a live performance. You might attend a craft program that inspires creativity or participate in a hands-on activity that introduces you to something entirely new.

Reading and learning work together. One often leads to the other.

That is why the Summer Reading Challenge includes opportunities to read, create, learn, and connect with others throughout the community.

Whether you’re attending a family storytime, building something during a STEAM activity, listening to live music, participating in a workshop, or joining one of our dinosaur-themed adventures, each program offers a chance to learn, create, and connect with others.

The best part? There is no right way to participate.
Some people will spend the summer working through a stack of books. Others will attend programs with friends and family. Many will do both.

However you choose to participate, the Summer Reading Challenge is an invitation to follow your interests, try something new, and make learning part of your summer.

While you’re tracking your reading this summer, consider adding a few events to your calendar as well. You never know where the next story might lead.

View upcoming Summer Reading Challenge events on our online calendar and see what is happening at your library this summer.