Library Kicks off Summer Reading Saturday
Summer is here. School is out and the kids are trying to adjust to the change in schedule.
But the Huntsville Public Library is making time for readers of all ages designed to maintain their reading skills during the summer by encouraging a fun summer of reading.
The 2025 Summer Reading Program themed “Color Our World” will take place from May 31 to Aug. 2.
Readers ages 0-17 can participate by recording the number of minutes read to earn level prizes, and adults will record the number of books read.
Librarian Lisa Lance said audiobooks do not qualify for this year’s program. She explained that the program includes early readers (ages 0-7), juniors (ages 8-12), teens (ages 13-17) and adults (18+).
Download the free ‘read2′ app to participate and track reading. Register online at https://huntsvilletx.readsquared.com/.
During Summer Reading, the library will be hosting special activities and programs to keep readers engaged, including a Bookmark Contest.
“All ages are invited to submit an original bookmark design for our Second Annual Summer Reading Bookmark Contest,” Lance said.
Entries will be accepted from June 2 through July 3 at the circulation desk. The theme is “Huntsville Public Library, our books, and the fun and adventures of reading!” One bookmark entry is allowed per person. Any 2D art medium may be used. Age categories include 0-7, 8-12, 13-17 and 18+. More details can be found on the official Bookmark entry form, which can be picked up at the Library or printed from the library website.
Story Times at the library are held Mondays at 10:45 a.m. for Book Babies, ages 2 and under; at 5 p.m. Mondays for Evening Family Story Time; at 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays is Story Time for ages 6 and under; and at 10:45 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays for Family Story Time.
Several special guests are planned, including Touch-A-Truck with Texas A&M Forest Service at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, June 14, and at 10:45 a.m. Friday, June 20, with Five Loaves Deli.
The Junior Master Gardener Program will host an 8-week summer program for kids ages 8-12 to come and complete the “Wildlife Gardener” unit and earn Junior Master Gardener titles and awards. The program will run every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 10 through July 29. Participants are asked to arrive at 10:15 am for check in so that class can begin on time. Online registration is required via the library’s website, and it is recommended to attend all eight classes to get the full certification. Classes are taught by Walker County Master Gardeners, and all supplies are provided.
Lance added that there are a plethora of programs happening at the library in June. Some of those programs include:
* – Kids Coding Class
* – Crochet Lessons
* – S.T.E.M. classes
* – Tween Book Club
* – Builders Club
* – Chess Club
* – Artist Trading Cards
* – Teen Thursdays
* – Art Fun for Everyone
* – Gator Talk
* – Immunization Satellite Clinic
* – Board Games and Puzzles
* – Spelling Bee
* – Pressed Flower and Herb Workshop
* – Puzzle Swap
* – Family BINGO
* – Family Painting Class
* – Beginner’s Spanish Class
* – Adult Video Game Night
* – Fiber Arts
* – CANVA Basics
* – Adult Coffee and Coloring Group
* – Piney Woods Writers Group
* – Untold Stories of Huntsville
* – Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club
* – Workforce Solutions Job Seminar Modules
* – Adult Art Class
* – Adult Movie Matinee
* – Adult Trivia Night
* – Open Mic Night – Poetry and Spoken Word
* – Steel Drum Concert
* – and more!
