The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) system is gearing up for a colorful and creativity-filled summer with the launch of its 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Your World.” Running throughout June and July at all ten library branches, the program invites readers of all ages to explore how art, literature, and imagination intersect in fun and meaningful ways.
📚 A Vibrant Theme for All Ages
This year’s theme, Color Your World, is more than a catchy title—it’s a call to action. The program celebrates how art enhances daily life and encourages readers to view books as doorways to new perspectives. Whether it’s painting, music, poetry, or storytelling, the library aims to nurture a love of reading through creative expression.
Designed with accessibility, enjoyment, and flexibility in mind, the program welcomes participants of all ages and reading levels. It’s not about how many books you can finish—it’s about engaging in meaningful reading experiences, at your own pace.
🖌️ Activities That Go Beyond the Page
Unlike traditional reading challenges that focus solely on numbers, Color Your World includes a broad array of interactive and imaginative activities:
-
🎬 Themed movie screenings
-
🎨 Creative arts workshops
-
📖 Special storytimes
-
🏆 Activity-based reading challenges
These events will be held across all library branches, turning summer learning into a celebration of exploration and fun.
📝 Track Your Progress & Earn Prizes
Starting May 27, participants can pick up Activity Trackers from any library branch—or download them from home. These trackers encourage fun, themed challenges such as:
-
Reading near water 🌊
-
Reading to a stuffed animal 🧸
-
Discovering a new author 🔍
-
Enjoying a book right inside the library 🏛️
Readers who submit completed trackers by July 19 will be entered into prize drawings. Many branches will also offer small incentive rewards throughout the summer to keep momentum and excitement high.
👧 Teens, Tweens & Volunteer Opportunities
The program thoughtfully includes something for every age group. Teens (ages 14–18) can apply for volunteer roles at select branches, earning community service hours while helping to run library events and programs.
For tweens and teens who want to join in the fun, there are age-appropriate book clubs, specialized storytimes, and creative programs tailored to their interests and maturity levels.
📉 Preventing the “Summer Slide”
Educators recognize the “Summer Slide”—a loss of reading and academic skills during the summer months. Children who read just 15–20 minutes daily are more likely to maintain or improve their academic progress.
The Color Your World program directly addresses this by ensuring access to engaging books and year-round literacy support. With regular events and reading opportunities, the library empowers families to keep learning alive—even when school’s out.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Reading Strategies
Parents play a crucial role in keeping kids engaged. The HMCPL offers practical strategies to turn reading into a family activity:
-
Pairing audiobooks with physical books for multisensory engagement
-
Watching movie adaptations after reading the book
-
Using books as inspiration for crafts, field trips, or imaginative play
For families wanting structured plans, the library provides school reading lists and a full calendar of events on their website at hmcpl.org/summer.
🎉 A Creative Summer for the Whole Community
Whether you’re a reluctant reader or a lifelong book lover, the “Color Your World” Summer Reading Program transforms summer reading from a chore into an exciting adventure. With something for everyone—young children, teens, adults, and families—this program proves that reading can be colorful, creative, and completely captivating.
