Hillsborough County residents can turn pages into prizes this summer as the Hillsborough County Library Services Summer Reading Challenge returns with activities, events and rewards for readers of all ages.
This year's reading challenge is themed "One Country, Legendary Stories" in honor of America's 250th birthday. Registration opened June 1, but residents can join at any point throughout the summer.
Jordan Bowen, media relations strategist for Hillsborough County Communications and Digital Media, said the initiative is designed to help prevent what is commonly known as the "summer slide."
"Summer slide is the official term where students' reading skills decrease, and this reading challenge can help prevent this and keep students engaged during the summer," Bowen said.
According to Hillsborough County Libraries, students can lose up to 20% of their school-year reading gains during summer break.
Residents can register for the challenge online, and students can use the Beanstack Tracker app to connect their reading progress with their school accounts.
Throughout the summer, the Hillsborough County Library Services across the county will offer free programs and activities designed to keep participants engaged. This year's lineup includes a Fairy House Workshop and a Legendary Puzzle event, where the library transforms into an escape room experience.
Youth are not the only ones who can enjoy library programs this summer. Adult offerings include programs such as American Pantheon, a look at the history of comic books and heroes, as well as Hero Journaling workshops.
come and learn skills that they can take home with them, from kids to adults," Bowen said. "Our main programs run for ages seven all the way up to 99-plus. We want to make sure they're learning different things or can come back and do it again at the library and create a sense of community with others."
For the Summer Reading Challenge, children ages 12 and younger are encouraged to log each hour they read until they reach a total of 24 hours. Teens ages 13 to 18 also log hours read with a goal of 24 hours, while adults ages 18 and older submit each book they read with a goal of four books.
As students track their reading progress, they are entered into prize drawings that include a Nintendo Switch Lite, ZooTampa tickets, AirPods Pro, a crystal-making kit and more.
Children ages 12 and younger receive a coloring tote and coloring pages when they register and earn a puzzle upon reaching the midway point. Teens receive a commemorative America 250 pencil at registration and a water bottle sticker at the midway mark. Adults receive a pin when they register and a book light and America 250 bookmark when they reach the halfway point. Adult grand prizes include either a book of their choice or a journal.
"The journal is to encourage adults to write their own stories," Bowen said.
The grand prize drawing will take place Aug. 1, and winners will have until Aug. 31 to claim their prizes.
The grand prize drawing will take place Aug. 1, and winners will have until Aug. 31 to claim their prizes.
"Come in and enjoy some books," Bowen said.