Clayton Library Encourages a Creative Summer Reading Experience
Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is calling on readers of all ages to sign up now for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, which officially kicks off Tuesday, July 1, and runs through Saturday, August 16.
Early registration helps prepare participants to dive into this year’s theme, Color Our World, right from the start. This theme invites readers to explore creativity, celebrate different perspectives, and discover the many ways books can brighten their lives and connect them to the world around them.
While the library’s main location at 100 South Church Street is currently undergoing renovations, staff are preparing to open a temporary service location at 446 East Second Street in early July.
“Even as we move through this time of transition, our mission remains the same: to inspire a love of reading and provide opportunities for growth,” said Library Manager Melissa Poole. “We have designed this year’s challenge to be creative, hands-on, and fun for all ages. It is a reminder that the library is not just a building filled with books. It is a place where learning and imagination come to life.”
To get started, readers can register through Beanstack, a free app that tracks reading progress and offers engaging challenges for every age group. If they participated in last year’s challenge, they can simply log into their existing individual or family account and enroll in this summer’s challenge. There are four tracks available:
· Beginner Reader: for children ages 0–6
· Children: for ages 7–12
· Teen: for ages 13–17
· Adult: for ages 18 and up
After signing up, participants can stop by the temporary location to pick up a free canvas tote bag, available while supplies last. Creation stations with paint and markers will be set up, so readers can decorate their bags and add to their designs with each visit. Children 12 and under will also receive a free book upon registration, and all participants will be eligible for prizes throughout the summer.
More than 50 free programs are planned through mid-August, including interactive storytimes, hands-on crafts, book clubs, and creative activities. Participants are also invited to explore the library’s physical and digital collections, including eBooks, audiobooks, activity kits, and board games.
“The Summer Reading Challenge encourages kids to enjoy reading while building important skills and growing their confidence,” said Youth Services Supervisor Grace Davis. “When students stop reading over the summer, they can lose progress they worked hard to gain during the school year. We want to keep that momentum going in a way that feels exciting, not like required work.”
National research shows children who do not read during the summer can lose up to two months of reading development. According to the National Summer Learning Association, these gaps can accumulate year after year, making it harder for students to catch up once school resumes.
The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge is made possible in part thanks to the Friends of the Library – Clayton, NC, which is a nonprofit organization that supports literacy programs and enhances library services for the community.
To sign up, visit hocuttellington.beanstack.com or download the Beanstack app today. A full calendar of events is available at claytonlibrarync.org along with renovation updates and temporary location details.
