June 1 – August 31

Children, teens, and adults are invited to participate in Summer Reading. Register and participate online at hcls.readsquared.com or download and print a paper copy. Check back throughout the summer for updates!

Customer Survey

What do you think about our Summer Reading Program? Please be honest! Your answers will help us improve for next year. Thank you!

Downloadable PDF
Spanish translation

¿Qué opina usted sobre nuestro Programa de Lectura en el Verano? ¡Favor de contestar de manera honesta! Sus respuestas nos ayudarán a mejorar este programa para el próximo año. ¡Gracias!

Sponsored by Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System

Children & Teens

Track your reading, play fun educational mini-games, and find missions full of activities. Discover HCLS eResources along the way. Earn points and unlock badges!

Earn 10 points to receive a free book! Earn 10 points by either logging your books online or in a paper reading log, and then visit any HCLS branch between August 2 – 31 to pick up your book. Limit one book per reader, while supplies last.

How it works

A new Mission every Monday through August 23.

Earn 1 point for each Mission activity you complete or book/reading activity you log.
Substitute reading for any activity.
Imagine Your Own 20-minute Reading Activity by reading any way you like: Read or listen to an eBook; a book you can hold in your hand; a chapter; a comic or graphic novel; or read a poem.
Accomplish 3 Mission activities or reading activities to complete a Mission.
Missions may be completed in any order.
Activities may be adjusted as appropriate for you. Or create your own activity.
When you reach a total of 10 points, you have officially completed Summer Reading and may visit any HCLS Branch to pick up your book prize beginning August 2nd. (While supplies last; limit 1 book per reader).

What happens after you earn 10 points? Keep reading, logging books, and completing Missions to earn up to an additional 4 points and 4 badges.

Adult Summer Reading

Summer Reading is back and better than ever! Give yourself some time to read, relax and learn this summer by participating in our Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

How it works

We encourage you to read in whatever format you like the most: audiobooks, e-books, graphic novels, and hold-in-your-hands books — they all count towards your summer reading goal!

Earn 2 points for each book you log. Earn a total of 10 points to be automatically entered into the end of summer prize drawing! 10 lucky winners will be selected to receive an exclusive HCLS Prize Bundle. To be entered into the drawing, participate online or return your completed printed log to any HCLS branch between August 2 – 31. Create your own summer reading challenges or use our list of suggestions. All challenges can be repeated as many times as you like!

Reading Lists & Book Promotions

Book Promotions

If you are looking for a good book to read this summer but can’t decide what to read first, watch book promotion teasers from some of our summer book lists. Pre-recorded 1-5 minute summer reading book promotion videos are available on our playlist HCLS Summer Reading Challenge. Check back often.