Fort Bend County Libraries Launch 2025 Summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens, and Adults on May 26
Summer is around the corner, and Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) is inviting readers of all ages to join its 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, a beloved annual tradition that begins Monday, May 26. With the theme “Color Our World,” this year’s program is designed to foster a love of reading among children, teens, and adults, while offering fun incentives and free library events throughout the summer.
The program is open to all ages and all communities, regardless of county of residence, and there is no cost to participate. Registration will be available online at fortbendlibraries.gov or through the free Beanstack Tracker app, beginning May 26. Once registered, readers can log their books or minutes online and earn rewards based on how much they read. Find a library branch near you at fortbendlibraries.gov/about-us/location-hours-map.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Summer reading programs are more than just a fun activity—they serve a vital educational purpose. According to the American Library Association, children who don’t read over the summer can lose up to two months of reading achievement, a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Engaging with books during summer break helps students retain academic gains and return to school better prepared.
Reading also offers mental stimulation, emotional growth, and language development—benefits that apply to adults as well. Studies cited by the National Endowment for the Arts show that reading for pleasure increases empathy, reduces stress, and even improves memory and cognitive function, making summer a perfect time for readers of all ages to build lasting habits.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Summer Reading Challenge for Children
Designed for the youngest readers, this challenge encourages children from birth through grade 5 to read or be read to. Milestone prizes include:
- Bookmark for the first 5 books
- Certificate for 10 books
- Stackable colored pencil for 15 books
- Reading trophy for 20 books
Children who read 20 or more books will have their names displayed in the library and be entered into drawings for gift cards and weekly puppet giveaways.
Middle School Challenge: Books and Bonus Prizes
Students in grades 6–8 can track their reading by minutes. Rewards include:
- Mystery prize for 10 hours (600 minutes)
- Trophy for 20 hours (1,200 minutes)
- Gift card drawing entry for readers who log 20+ hours
Each branch will draw one winner in early September, with prizes sponsored by Friends of the Library groups.
Teen & Adult Challenge: Read 1,000 Minutes, Win Big
High school students and adults can join the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time. Rewards include:
- Tie-dye pen case (while supplies last)
- $25 gift card drawing entry at each branch
- Grand prize entry for a Fire HD 8 tablet
Teens will also have access to age-appropriate activities at library branches throughout the summer.
How to Register & Track Reading
Beginning May 26:
- Visit fortbendlibraries.gov and click the “SRC Sign-Up” image
- Or, download the Beanstack Tracker app from the App Store or Google Play
Prizes can be picked up at any FBCL location starting June 2, and the last day to claim rewards is August 29.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
A Community-Wide Celebration of Reading
The Summer Reading Challenge is supported by Fort Bend County Libraries, Friends of the Library organizations, and the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a national nonprofit dedicated to high-quality summer literacy programs.
For more information about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit fortbendlibraries.gov or call your nearest branch or the FBCL Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
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.
