We’re off to the library for a Summer Reading Challenge adventure for all ages!
Whether you’re a little duckling who wants to see what’s over the hills and far away, a mischievous magician-in-training waiting for a mystical train, or a child-at-heart planning your next chapter, we invite you to start your summer adventure at Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL).
Beginning on Friday, June 14, come into any MCPL branch to sign up, get your activity log, and pick out a free book. For Summer 2024, everyone gets to come along for the adventure, with reading challenges for all ages, from birth to 100+.
Your summer adventure, will also benefit the Montgomery Parks Foundation. You’ll increase accessibility to our local parks with the Trailblazer e-badge, preserve our county’s history with the Time Traveler e-badge., and keep Montgomery County parks beautiful with the Park Protector e-badge.
Every adventure deserves a bright beginning, so we are kicking off the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge with six special celebrations across the county. Check out the full list of kickoff events, starting June 15.
Then keep exploring with us all summer long! Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library Montgomery County, Inc. (FOLMC), library branches around the county will host musicians, magicians, dancers, live animals, science programs, and more. Visit our Events page for a complete schedule and more information.
For Children
Children ages 0-12 years can be registered by a parent or guardian, either virtually through READsquared or in person at any MCPL branch. They will then receive their Adventure Starts Here passport—and a free book! Kids can read books or complete activities throughout the summer to earn collector cards, e-badges, and other prizes, including tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game and a voucher for a free book from the FOLMC bookstores (while supplies last).
For Teens
Teens ages 13-17 years can register themselves virtually through READsquared or in person at any MCPL branch. They will receive an Adventure Starts Here bingo-style game card that they can use to earn raffle tickets for awesome prizes, including a Nintendo Switch Prize Pack or a Playstation 5 Prize Pack. They’ll also get e-badges, tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game, tickets to a Washington Mystics game, and free books!
For Adults
Our Summer Reading Challenge for is new for 2024!
Adults ages 18 years and up can register themselves virtually through READsquared or in person at any MCPL branch for our new Adult Summer Reading Challenge. Throughout the summer, adults can attend special events, complete activities, and—of course—read to earn raffle tickets for adventure-worthy prizes. Join us for a mocktail party, Drag Bingo, pub trivia, and more.
Need help getting ready for your adventure? Check out the suggested reading lists compiled by MCPL librarians. We have recommendations for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, grades K-6, middle school, and high school, as well as Spanish language lists for preschool through grade 5. There are even MCPL video booktalks to inspire you!
And make sure to share your summer adventures with us.
Pick up a picture of our butterfly mascot Mari Mariposa at any branch (or print one from home) to take with you on your travels near and far. Post your summer memories-in-the-making to social media with the hashtag #MCPLreads.
We look forward to seeing you at the library for a grand adventure!