This annual initiative encourages children, teens, and families to explore stories, creativity, and culture through reading and vibrant community events.

Houston – Houston Public Library is thrilled to kick off its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP). The theme this year is Color Our World. Kids, tweens, teens and adults are encouraged to register starting May 16. The program runs from June 1 to July 31. Kids under four years of age can log the number of books read, while everyone else logs reading minutes.  

Participants can earn rewards by attending HPL events such as author visits, performances, storytimes, live animal visits, art classes and more. Tweens and teens are encouraged to sign up for the Get Graphic: Comic Creation Contest beginning July 1, where they can submit their creative illustrations and stories.

“Literacy is essential to the continued learning of children, families, and individuals. Houston Public Library is excited to launch the Summer Reading Program, providing opportunities to explore the magic of books and engaging educational events. This year, we’re aiming for a 10% increase in both participation and completion, as we continue to inspire a love of reading across our community,” said Sandy Gaw, Library Director.

Thanks to the generosity of CYCLE Houston, which has donated 34 bikes for the SRP grand prize winners (ages 7-9), the winner at each location will receive a bike.

“CYCLE is honored and excited to partner with Houston Public Libraries this summer to help encourage students to keep reading and avoid summer learning loss. We cannot wait to see the summer reading challenge winners' happy faces when they receive their bicycles! CYCLE is committed to improving literacy in Houston, specifically for second-grade students, as it is a crucial year for learning to read," said Rebecca Roberts, Executive Director of CYCLE.

About Houston Public Library  

We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation—both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries—anchored by our flagship Central Library—28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.

About CYCLE

CYCLE is a children’s charity committed to improving literacy among children in grades K-3 in Title I schools of the Greater Houston area. The organization does this by rewarding students with brand-new bicycles after they achieve defined academic goals, teaching the important lesson that hard work and dedication really do pay off. CYCLE believes that this places children on the path to a brighter future.

 

Contact:
LaDonna Weems
Deputy Assistant Director, Communications
Office: 832.393.1476
LaDonna.Weems@houstontx.gov