Harris County Public Library's Summer Reading 2025 wrapped up recently and we could tell you about the over 1200 events HCPL branches hosted that ranged from live theater and music to foam parties to Art Camp visits to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, but, as they say, seeing is believing, so we put together a gallery that although it really only scratches the surface of all the fun found at HCPL branches this summer, will give you a pretty good idea of what Summer Reading 2025 was all about.
Click or tap on an image below to view the full Summer Reading 2025 gallery
Unprecedented Numbers
At the beginning of summer, HCPL set an optimistic goal for Summer Reading of five million minutes. When all was said and done, some 20,000 registered readers of all ages logged over seven million minutes and an additional 283,900 books. To put seven million minutes into context, that is the equivalent of 13.4 years of reading in the two months of Summer Reading and represents a 49% increase over the 2024 minutes total.
Commissioners Recognize Harris County Readers with a Resolution
During the August 7 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, a resolution commending "Harris County Public Library and the thousands of readers across the county who participated in the 2025 Summer Reading Program for their outstanding achievement and encourages all residents to continue fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning throughout the year.
Read the full text of the Resolution
Bikes!
We at HCPL, not to mention twenty-seven lucky kids, were delighted by first-time partner CYCLE Houston's generous offer to provide a brand new bike and helmet to one lucky kid at each of HCPL's branch libraries. All kids who reached 300 points in summer reading were automatically entered for a chance to win. [Gallery]
We Couldn't Have Done it without You!
We want to take a moment to give our heartfelt thanks to Harris County Friends of the Library for their steadfast support and enthusiasm for Summer Reading. Like so many past years, Summer Reading 2025 would not have happened without them. Learn how you can get involved at hcfol.org.
We, of course, want to thank all of our partners and sponsors who helped make this summer so memorable for so many Harris Country readers of all ages: The Astros Foundation, CYCLE Houston, Hamman Foundation, Harris County Dept. of Education, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Dynamo & Dash Charities, Houston Museum of Natural Science and Houston Symphony
They Make It Look Easy. It is Anything But...
HCPL's annual Summer Reading Program is a year-round endeavor, and every member of HCPL staff is involved to varying degrees. It is a testament to HCPL staff's professionalism, passion, and commitment that they take on all the added challenges of hosting hundreds of special events, not to mention all of the other tasks, large and small, required for a successful Summer Reading Program on top of keeping the libraries running smoothly throughout. So, if you enjoyed this summer's offerings at HCPL or even if you just appreciated being able to print out your resume or pick up your holds amid all the Summer Reading hullabaloo, please stop by and say "Thanks" to the hardworking staff at your neighborhood HCPL branch.
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