Summer Reading

Midland County Public Libraries offer a series of events and activities throughout the summer for all ages. Discovering books and reading for pleasure helps to prevent that "summer slide" between school years, and families are given opportunities for fun for weeks on end!

Color Our World!

Every summer comes with a different theme. This year's theme is Color Our World! Find color both at your library through exciting programs and events, as well as through stories that can take you to all new places! MCPL has a variety of fun events and performers scheduled throughout the summer that will keep all ages rekindling a joy for reading and learning.

Visit the library every day of the week for a new activity:

Monday - Community Outreach. Find the bookmobile at different parks around town!
Tuesday - Special performances for all ages.
Wednesday - Crafts & activities.
Thursday - Adult programming & activities and special storytimes.
Friday - Friday Flix & Teen events.
Saturday - Various activities for all ages.

Download the Summer Reading Calendar Here!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Getting started with the Summer Reading Program at MCPL is quick and easy. Between May 31st and July 19th, participants will be able to track reading habits and books read, as well as library programs attended, to earn points that add up to win prizes. Those who complete the summer goal are the ones entered for the grand prizes at the end of the summer!

STEP ONE: REGISTER

Register online for Reader Zone by creating an account for one person or for the whole family. Reader Zone is also available for mobile devices in the Apple App Store (for iPhones) or Google Play Store (for Android and Samsung).

Use the code b6758 (for Youth) or 29dff (for Adults) to join MCPL's active programs.

Registration begins May 31st and continues through July 19th.

For help creating an account, visit the library and speak with a staff member or call us at (432) 688-4320.

STEP TWO: TRACK YOUR READING

Throughout the summer, log in to your Reader Zone account and track reading progress to earn points - and yes, audiobooks count as reading! Read your way through each milestone to earn badges, then show your badges to a library staff member to collect your prizes! Readers will be organized into four categories:

Early Learners (0-5) - For babies and children who will be read to by someone else, progress is awarded for number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 300 minutes.

Children (6-12) – For children beginning to read with help or independently, points are awarded for number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 600 minutes.

Teens (13-17) – For teens who are working on their reading goals, points are awarded for the number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 900 minutes.

Adults (18+) - For adults reading independently or alongside family, points are awarded for the number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 1,500 minutes.

STEP THREE: ATTEND LIBRARY EVENTS

Those who complete their reading goals can earn extra grand prize entries by completing special activities through the Reader Zone app and by attending library programs and events. Visit our events calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming programs and performers, or ask a staff member for a copy of our monthly calendar.

Special activities include bingo cards for children, available in the library or for download here:

Kids Bingo

Summer Kick-off Party | May 31 from 10am-12pm | Downtown Library
Visit the Downtown Library (301 W. Missouri Ave.) for a carnival-style kick-off event with games, prizes, and bounce houses.

Featured Guests - All Ages

June 3 - MCT Education Department's Thinking Cap Players present: Fairy Tales - Sponsored by the Beal Family.
June 10 - Sue Roseberry - Local storyteller brings her characters to life!
June 17 - Harlin Rhoades - Local magician is making the magic happen once again.
June 25 - Brave Little Company - Brave Little Company creates original, inclusive theater for audiences, telling stories that reflect the diverse communities of Texas.
July 1 - Warrior Nation: Self Defense - Beginner interactive martial arts demo. Includes a brief history of Kajukenbo and why self-defense is necessary for all ages.
July 9 - Andy Mason - Award-winning New Mexico children's musician gives an educational and interactive musical performance.
July 15 - Science Spectrum - Lubbock-based wildlife presentation of live animals.

Special Guests - All Ages

July 22 - BK Bones - Explore prehistoric oceans and their ancient predators, from the Megalodon's massive jaws to the Helicoprion's saw blade teeth.
July 23 - Dr. Mohamed Zobaa: Trilobites - Local UTPB professor shares how trilobites, extinct for over 270 million years, help date rocks and reveal Earth's past. Specimens on display.
July 29 - Keep Midland Beautiful: Recycled Windchimes - Help Keep Midland Beautiful! Learn how to turn recyclables into creative wind chimes while supporting a cleaner, greener community.
July 30 - Llano Estacado Texas Master Naturalists - Learn about the amazing migration of Monarch butterflies and how you can help them on their epic voyage from Canada to Mexico.
July 31 - MCT Education Department's Thinking Cap Players present: Robin Hood - Sponsored by the Beal Family.
Thursdays* - Special Guest Storytime - Guest community readers present interactive programs featuring read-aloud stories and songs.

These events are only some of the amazing activities we have going on at the libraries this summer!

End of Summer Party | August 2 from 11am-1pm | Centennial Library
Celebrate reaching your summer reading goal at our wrap-up party at the Centennial Library, where program finishers will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize!

Summer Sponsors

MCPL could not make the Summer Reading Program really take off without the help of the Midland County Public Library Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation and how they support library programming, visit their web page and follow them on Facebook @mcplftx!