Explore the Library for your Next Great Masterpiece!
“The more you read, the more things you will know.” ~ Dr. Seuss
Get ready to transform your summer from ordinary to extraordinary! This year, our library's summer reading program isn't just about reading. It's about experiencing the Art of Reading.
We invite you to become a connoisseur of stories, a curator of characters and a critic of captivating narratives. Think of each book as a vibrant canvas, each chapter a brushstroke and each completed page a step closer to creating your masterpiece of literary appreciation. Join us as we embark on a journey through the galleries of imagination!
The Summer Slide
According to the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), summer learning loss (aka “summer slide”) is no joke, especially for elementary and middle school students. School-year gains in reading and math may decrease as much as 20 – 50%.
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) and its partner programs are a cornerstone for summer library activities. Kids and their parents have 24/7 access to downloadable and streaming avenues for learning, fun and research. Take an entire bookshelf of titles everywhere and prevent the summer slide while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Tip for families: For a truly immersive reading experience, mirror an eBook from your smartphone or tablet to your TV using a smart or streaming device.
The Summer Challenge
Readers of all ages can join us this summer to track reading and earn rewards. Get the credit you deserve for every chapter by going to hcplc.beanstack.org. Beanstack is a next-level website (and app!) for capturing your personal reading progress.
Once enrolled in the summer challenge, you can track the reading time and be eligible for prizes from our SRP partners – plus digital badges for bragging rights!
The Summer Start
The HCPLC tagline is Discover * Engage * Transform. We look forward to blending the art of reading through discovering, engaging and transformative experiences throughout the summer! Here are a few titles for your artistic inspiration.
- PreK: “See Marcus Grow” by Marcus Bridgewater (2025)
- Kids: “Head Full of Clouds” by Joanne Schwartz (2025)
- Tweens: “Fake” by Ele Fountain (2022)
- Teens: “Hangry Hearts” by Jennifer Chen (2025)
- Adults: “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law” by Mary Roach (2021)
READ MORE:
- Get Creative! With Your Public Library
- Ways Kids Can Help Save The Earth with Your Public Library
- Best Library Apps for Road Trips to Make Travel Fun and Easy
Originally published in the June 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.