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).
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
Discover summer reading adventures at the library.
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
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!
Adventures
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.
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.
Printable Booklists
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
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
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.
Gameboard
Booklists
Printable Booklists
Adventures
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!
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
Gameboard
Online Booklists
Printable Booklists
Adventures
Adult Summer Reading Showcase
Tue Jun 6, 7 pm online
Venture into adult summer reading guided by an adventurous crew of HCLS Instructors. Explore the Adult Summer Reading 2023 list, discover how to participate, and learn about upcoming events.
Thanks to our sponsors
Presidential Circle
- Friends & Foundation of HCLS
- Yolanda & Francis Bruno Family Fund
- The Horizon Foundation
- Howard County Public School System
- Howard Hughes Corporation
- M & T Charitable Foundation
- Josephine B. Scheffenacker Education Trust
- Maryland State Fair
- Maryland State Library
- Kathleen S. Glascock Tribute Fund for Children/Youth Literacy & Education
- Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City
- Wendy’s
