Summer Reading 2025: Southern Maryland Libraries Invite Readers To “Color Our World”
Jessica Jennings
Link to News Article in PDF Format
Photo Credit: Envato | Wavebreakmedia
SOUTHERN MARYLAND — This summer, libraries across Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties are inviting families, friends and neighbors to come together through the joy of reading with the launch of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge—all under the theme “Color Our World.”
Using the shared digital platform Beanstack, each county’s library system is making it simple and fun for readers of all ages to track their progress, unlock rewards and connect with their communities. Whether you’re completing Bingo squares in Charles, earning badges in St. Mary’s or logging reading minutes in Calvert, this regionwide celebration is about more than just books—it’s about bringing people together, sparking imagination and building a brighter, more colorful Southern Maryland.
Calvert County: #calvertREADS Summer Challenge
Dates: June 1–Aug. 16
Register: calvertlibrary.info
Calvert Library is inviting readers of all ages to “Color Our World” by logging reading minutes, exploring new genres and participating in communitywide events.
How It Works:
- Log minutes read using the Beanstack app or online portal.
- Each logged entry earns tickets that can be entered into weekly and grand prize drawings.
- Activities include art projects, author spotlights and interactive workshops.
Prizes:
- Separate age categories for children, teens and adults.
- Fun incentives for early participation, creativity and goal-setting.
Calvert’s summer program emphasizes personal growth, global perspectives and family participation—all while promoting literacy and lifelong learning.
Photo Credit: Calvert Library
Charles County: Color Our World Bingo Challenge
Dates: June 14–Aug. 9
Register: ccplonline.org
The Charles County Public Library (CCPL) is launching a completely revamped Summer Learning Challenge this year. Instead of the traditional points-based system, readers will now complete a colorful Bingo-style challenge through Beanstack.
How It Works:
- Complete Bingo squares by reading books, doing creative projects or engaging in community activities.
- Mark off tasks like “read a book with a color in the title” or “create artwork based on a story.”
- Fill one row to complete the challenge—go for a full card to enter the grand prize drawing.
Prizes:
- Level 1: Registration prize (pick up at any branch).
- Level 2: Completion prize and entry into your local branch drawing.
- Level 3: Branch-level prize winners selected at end of program.
- Level 4: Grand prize drawing for participants who complete the full Bingo board.
New this year: Exciting art-based and multicultural activities designed to inspire creativity and connection!
Special thanks: Citizens for the Charles County Public Library (C4CCPL) are co-sponsoring this year’s program, contributing $16,400 to support community enrichment.
Photo Credit: Charles County Public Library
St. Mary’s County: Badge-Based Reading Adventure
Dates: June 13–Aug. 23
Register: stmalib.org
The St. Mary’s County Library is back with a colorful badge system that lets participants earn prizes through reading, creativity and learning.
How It Works:
- Earn your first badge and receive a free book.
- Collect more badges to unlock rewards like tote bags, T-shirts and stickers.
- Complete five badges to enter a drawing for grand prizes, including gift cards.
The program is open to all ages, with activities for early learners, school-age readers, teens and adults. Events and challenges will be posted throughout the summer at all three library branches.
Photo Credit: St. Mary’s County Library
Explore Events All Summer Long
Beyond the reading challenges, each library system is hosting a full calendar of free events, workshops, storytimes and hands-on activities designed to keep kids, teens and families engaged throughout the summer. From arts and crafts to science demos, author visits and mobile library pop-ups, something is happening every week in every corner of Southern Maryland.
Be sure to check your local library’s event calendar regularly to stay up to date on everything planned, and bring a friend or neighbor along. It’s the perfect way to stay active, connect with your community and enjoy enriching programs that are always free and open to all.
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