Check back soon for 2024 Summer reading information.

Howard County Library System invites everyone of every age to spend time with the library this summer. It’s easy to participate: pick the game that’s right for you and then start reading to win prizes!

GET STARTED

Find the summer reading adventure that’s right for you and your family. Separate gameboards are available for each age group.

READ & DO ACTIVITIES

Each time you read or do an activity you complete a step toward finishing the game. Reading includes print books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines — whatever you like! Suggested activities are on the gameboard, but you can create your own.

WIN A PRIZE

When you complete all your adventures (reading and activities), fill out the finisher’s form available at any HCLS location and pick up a prize while supplies last (August 1 – 31).

All Ages

Age 0-5 gameboard

Ages 6-10 gameboard

Ages 11-17 gameboard

Age 18+ Reading challenges

Prizes vary based on age and are available at any HCLS Branch, while supplies last.

June 1: Gameboards and starting prizes begin
Aug 1-31: Finisher forms and prizes begin

Finisher form

Printable Finisher form

Completion certificate Ages 0-5

Completion certificate Ages 6-10

Completion certificate Teens

Completion certificate Ages 18+

Children’s

Infant - Pre K

Kindergarten - Grade 1

Adults

Middle School booklist

High School booklist

Adult booklist

Discover summer reading adventures at the library.

All Summer Reading Adventures series

Enjoy one or all of these celebrations, which spotlight their community and encourage summer reading

Sat Jun 10, 10 am – 5 pm Elkridge Branch
Wed Jun 28, 5 – 8 pm Central Branch
Wed Jul 12, 3 – 7 pm Glenwood Branch
Sat Jul 15, 11 am – 2 pm Savage Branch
Fri Aug 4, 11 am – 2 pm East Columbia Branch
Thu Aug 17, 6 – 8 pm Miller Branch

Summer Reading celebrations

Looking for more summer fun? Play online with READSquared

READSquared

Reading includes print books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines

View eResources

Ages 0-5

Choose your own adventures as you talk, read, sing, write, and play!

Each time you read or complete an adventure, color in a block on the gameboard. It’s easy-peasy!

Summer Reading prizes for Children 0-5

Starter Prize: Mini beach ball
Beginning June 1 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

Finisher Prize: Receive a book
Between August 1–31 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

More adventure ideas

ATTEND a library class, in person or online.
READ a nursery rhyme.
READ a book with numbers in it.
BUILD any object (like a fort!) out of things found around your home.
READ a book about art, an artist, colors, or shapes.
DRAW a picture, and then send it to a friend or family member.
READ outdoors.
EXPLORE your neighborhood – check out a nearby park, hiking trail, or walking path!
OBSERVE clouds in the sky. Describe the shapes you see.
READ a book about something that is true.
OBSERVE an animal or bug and TALK about what you see.
READ a book where the title or cover has your favorite color.
SORT items in your home by color (shoes, clothes, food, etc.).
READ a book about food.
SING and DANCE to a new song.
VISIT a historical site near where you live.
BORROW a toy and play with it.

Ages 6-11

Are you ready for a summer reading adventure? Then write your name on the front of the gameboard, draw a self-portrait in the rocket window, and get ready for liftoff! Oh, and don’t forget to tell Library staff you’re playing to pick up a prize* between Jun 1 and Jul 31.

Summer Reading prizes for Children 6-10

Starter Prize: STEM/STEAM book
Beginning June 1 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

Finisher Prize: STEM/STEAM Kit
Between August 1–31 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

Gameboard

Booklists

Kindergarten - Grade 1

Grades 2-3

Grades 4-5

Printable Booklists

K- Grade 1 booklist

Grades 2-3 booklist

Grades 4-5 booklist

Reading Ideas

book you choose
story set somewhere exciting
poem or a book in verse
book about history or historical fiction
graphic novel or illustrated book
fantasy or science fiction story
survival story
cookbook (and try a recipe)
STEAM activity book (and try one)
book with your favorite color
book about someone who inspires you
book about our solar system
book about art or an artist

Adventures

Age 6-11 events

Summer Reading celebrations

Activity Ideas

Attend a library class, in person or online. Art, science, and more – for free!
Go to a library branch new to you
Ask library staff for a recommendation
Find something new to borrow, like a ukulele, Playaway Launchpad, or literacy activity kit
Visit the Enchanted Garden at Miller Branch or the Builders’ Barn at Glenwood Branch
Explore a park. Hike a trail. Take a walk. Write about your summer adventures
Record observations about an animal or bug
Visit a historical site
Write a letter or draw a picture and send it to a friend or family member
Write about your activities and adventures
Build a bridge or structure using household items
Create sidewalk art
Create a piece of art inspired by a book

Event spotlight: bookmark contest

May 31 – July 31

We want to see what you can imagine! Learn More

Teens

Join the Quest! Earn treasure as you travel through books, stream music or movies, and have fun with experiments and games. Your local library contains everything you need to succeed. Visit online and in person with your ideas, questions, and enthusiasm.

Prize information for Teens 11 – 17

Starter Prize: T-Shirt

Beginning June 1 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

Finisher Prize: Water bottle and a chance to win Beats by Dre wireless headphones or an Amazon Gift Card.

Between August 1–31 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

Gameboard

Booklists

Middle School

High School

Printable Booklists

Middle School booklist

High School booklist

Adventures

Middle School events

Summer Reading celebrations

Save the Date: HiTech for Middle & High School students

Weekly classes June 26 – August 4.

Sign up to receive email updates at hclibrary.org/new-a-main/hitech

Explore a subject of interest in a small class setting with hands-on style teaching. Classes include Robotics, Python, Photography, Animation, and Engineering — to name a few!

Adults

Adult Summer Reading Adventures

If you thought that all the Summer Reading fun at the library was just for kids, think again! We have Summer Reading Adventures for everyone. Visit any HCLS Branch to pick up a limited edition reading journal (while supplies last), or participate online using ReadSquared.

Kick off your summer reading journey with the online Adult Summer Reading Showcase on Tuesday, June 6, 7 pm (Online). Join our instructors online as we share our top picks for summer reads!

To complete your Summer Reading Adventure, finish any three challenges or read three books of your choosing. Between August 1 – 31, visit any HCLS branch to complete a finisher’s card. Finishers are then entered into our end-of summer prize drawings and receive a limited-edition tote bag (while supplies last).

Prize information for Adults 18+

Starter Prize: Limited Edition Reading Journal
Beginning June 1 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last

Finisher Prize: Limited Edition Tote bag. All finishers are also entered into our End-of-Summer Prize drawings, including gift cards, books, and HCLS swag!

Between August 1–31 | at All HCLS branches | while supplies last