By Matt de Simone
As the school year comes to a close, Botetourt County Libraries are inviting residents of all ages to take part in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, an exciting initiative designed to keep the community engaged, learning, and connected throughout the summer months.
The program will officially launch with a kickoff celebration on Saturday, May 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Botetourt Sports Complex in Daleville. Families attending the event can enjoy a lively evening filled with activities such as a tie-dye station, where participants are encouraged to bring their own shirts, a foam party with The Foam Party Guy, and a variety of games including Gaga Ball and bounce houses supported by BOCO Parks and Recreation. Local organizations will also be present, offering information, giveaways, and fun for all ages.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is structured to engage children and teens, offering reading challenges, StoryTime sessions, and take-and-make activity kits. By offering programs for a wide range of ages, the libraries aim to strengthen literacy skills, stimulate creativity, and foster a lasting love for reading. Participants will have the chance to set goals, complete activities, and win prizes, making reading a rewarding and enjoyable part of their summer routines.
What to Know:
- Getting Registered: Librarians will distribute reading logs at an event table and assist participants in registering for the Summer Reading Challenge through the Beanstack mobile app.
- Age Groups: The challenge is divided into two groups—ages 0–6 (picture books) and ages 7–12 (chapter books, graphic novels, and nonfiction).
- Challenge Guidelines: Participants should read one book from each of the twelve genres listed on the reading log/bookmark to earn a “brag tag” for that genre. Completing all twelve genres fills the reading log and completes the challenge.
- Prize Opportunities: Completed reading logs/bookmarks can be returned to a home branch for a chance to win additional prizes.
- Digital Challenge: Participation through the Beanstack mobile app offers an opportunity to earn even bigger rewards.
- Reading Log Availability: Reading logs are being distributed at Botetourt schools to ensure easy access for students.
- Kickoff Event Note: Prizes for the Summer Reading Challenge will not be distributed during the Kickoff event.
The Summer Reading Challenge also plays a crucial role in helping students maintain their academic skills over the long break. Preventing the “summer slide” is a major focus, and the challenge gives families an easy, fun way to make learning part of their everyday summer activities. Beyond educational benefits, the program builds community spirit, bringing people together through shared experiences and events hosted throughout the season.
Residents interested in participating can sign up through the Beanstack mobile app or by visiting any of the local branches. More details about events, registration, and prize opportunities can be found at BOCOLibraries.info or by calling (540) 928-2900.
This summer, Botetourt County Libraries invite everyone to turn the page to new adventures, make new memories, and celebrate the joys of reading.
Reading logs available in the links below:
Botetourt Libraries Summer Reading Challenge is about to begin SRC 2025 Reading Ages 0-6 Log
Botetourt Libraries Summer Reading Challenge is about to begin SRC 2025 Reading Ages 7-12 Log
Botetourt Libraries Summer Reading Challenge is about to begin Teen Bingo SRC 2025 Log
Botetourt Libraries Summer Reading Challenge is about to begin Adult Reading Challenge Log
