Summer Reading
HCPL's Summer Reading is DINO-mite!
This summer, dinosaurs are taking over the library!
Join us June 1 - August 1 as we dig into tales of dinosaurs and exploration with fun programs and activities.
Log your reading all summer long to earn RAWR-some prizes! Early registration begins May 18. Help us reach our community goal of 7 million minutes read by August 1.
The More You Read, The More You Win.
Summer Reading FAQs
-
The Summer Reading Program is open to readers of all ages! There are four separate age groups for the program:
- Early Literacy (0-5 years)
- Kids (6-11 years)
- Teens (12-17 years)
- Adults (18 years and up)
-
No! You do not need a library card to sign up for the Summer Reading Program or to attend any library programs. However, you need a library card to borrow materials from the library or from the Digital Media Catalog. Visit the library card page to find the right card for you
-
Participate in the Summer Reading Program by creating an account on Beanstack.Â
Summer Reading Tracker
Registrations
16,052
Minutes Logged
4,337,470
Books Read
185,690
Summer Fun at your library
Grow the Vote Youth Civics Bootcamp
Library Art Explorers, part of a series
Robb Holladay: Magical Balloon Show
Afternoon Adventures- John O'Bryant Magician, part of a series
Grow the Vote Youth Civics Bootcamp
Library Art Explorers, part of a series
Robb Holladay: Magical Balloon Show
Afternoon Adventures- John O'Bryant Magician, part of a series
The More You Read, the More You Win
We have Reading Incentives for Everyone!
Early Literacy (ages 0 - 5 years)
Reach Level 1 (100 points) and you earn a book of your choice!*
Please note: books pictured here are examples. Actual titles may vary.
*Available while supplies last.
Kids (ages 6 - 11 years)
Reach Level 1 (100 points) and you earn a book of your choice!*
Please note: books pictured here are examples. Actual titles may vary.
*Available while supplies last.
Teens & Adults (11 years and up)
Reach Level 1 (100 points) and you earn a book of your choice!
Please note: books pictured here are examples. Actual titles may vary.
*Available while supplies last.
Drawings
When you receive a Beanstack Prize Pack Ticket for reaching your reading goals, AND you enter it in your Beanstack Summer Reading account, you will be eligible for the drawings to win one of these great prize packs.
HMNS Family Membership Drawing (Ends June 30, 2026)
In partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science, one lucky family at each branch will win a one-year Family Membership to the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
NOTE: The HMNS Family Membership drawing is over. Winners will be contacted soon.
CYCLE Houston Bicycle Drawing (Ends August 1, 2026)
In partnership with CYCLE Houston, HCPL is giving away a bicycle to one lucky child at every HCPL branch this summer! Use Beanstack to log your reading to earn a digital ticket to enter the CYCLE Houston Bicycle Prize Pack.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGES
THE LIBRARY IS FULL OF TREASURES WAITING TO BE UNEARTHED. Our Summer Reading Challenges provide prompts to help you discover new authors, uncover fascinating topics, and dig into genres beyond your usual reading habits.
Summer Reading Challenges
HCPL Summer Reading Sponsors
Thank you! HCPL is grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of our Summer Reading Program! Â
HCPL on Houston Life
Anjela Martinez, Assistant Programming Manager for Youth Services, and Delaney Daly, Branch Manager at Jacinto City Branch Library visit with the good folks at Click2Houston's Houston Life to talk about Summer Reading 2024.
Why summer reading?
Â
- Kids and teens who read for pleasure during the summer have to spend less time and energy relearning lost skills when school starts.
- As little as ten minutes a day of reading works wonders for children's language skills.
- All the special, fun summer activities at the library can motivate reluctant readers.
- Tracking the time they spend reading or the number of books they have read gives children a sense of accomplishment.
- HCPL's Summer Reading Program is fun for the whole family--from baby to seniors.
- You earn cool prizes for reading, attending library programs and doing other activities.
Get a Library Card
HCPL offers a variety of library cards- All free and available to Harris County residents! Find the right card for you and see all that the library has to offer.