Dive Into Discovery: Summer Reading Returns to Maud Smith Marks Library
As summer arrives in Nottingham Country, many families find themselves searching for meaningful ways to keep their children mentally active, especially during those long, hot days when school is out and routines take a backseat. Fortunately, your local library has just the thing to spark imaginations and prevent summer learning loss—Harris County Public Library’s (HCPL) free Summer Reading Program at Maud Smith Marks Branch Library.
Running now through August 2, the 2025 program is themed “Color Our World,” offering readers of all ages a chance to celebrate books, creativity, and lifelong learning. Registration is open, and participation is free with a library card.
Why Summer Reading Is So Important
While summer is a time for play and exploration, it also poses a risk to students' academic progress. According to the National Summer Learning Association, most children lose about two months of reading skills during the summer if they don't maintain consistent literacy habits. But there’s good news: studies show that reading just 10–20 minutes a dayduring summer can help maintain—and even improve—language and comprehension skills.
The HCPL Summer Reading Program turns reading into an exciting challenge. Children, teens, and adults can track the time they spend reading, unlock achievements, and earn prizes as they go. From preschoolers picking out their first picture books to grandparents rediscovering the classics, everyone in the family can take part.
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What Makes the Program Unique
At Maud Smith Marks Library, the Summer Reading Program isn’t just about books—it’s about building community through shared learning and creativity. While this article focuses on the reading challenge itself, the branch will also be hosting a robust lineup of optional programming throughout the summer to enhance the experience.
Participants can sign up online or in person, then log their reading time and complete a variety of fun activities to stay motivated. And because the program is supported by HCPL, it's completely free to join, with opportunities to win prizes just for doing something good for your brain.
How to Get Started
- Registration is open. Sign up online at hcpl.beanstack.org or visit Maud Smith Marks Branch Library in person.
- Track your progress. Whether you prefer paper logs or digital apps, you can easily track how much you read.
- Earn prizes. The more you read, the more chances you’ll have to win fun rewards—just a little extra incentive to keep those pages turning.
Don't have a library card yet? It's quick and easy to sign up online or in person. Visit hcpl.net/library-cards to explore your options.
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A Summer of Stories and Smiles
In Nottingham Country, summer is more than a break from school—it's an opportunity to foster curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen family bonds through the simple joy of reading. Whether you're reading aloud with your toddler, encouraging your tween to tackle their first chapter book series, or carving out quiet time for yourself, the Summer Reading Program at Maud Smith Marks Library is here to help your whole family make the most of the season.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local stories and ways to stay engaged this summer in Nottingham Country.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
