Summer Reading 2025
May 15-August 15
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library can help you LEVEL UP your summer with this three-month-long reading challenge. Get points and win prizes by logging your reading. There are also fun activities, digital badges, and book bag giveaways for all ages! Join the challenge and read all summer long.
Sign Up Instructions: Desktop | Mobile
Important Information About Reading Challenges
A BIG thank you!
Thank you to Raising Cane's of Fredericksburg for supporting Summer Reading for children and teens.
- Achievement Prize
- For all children and teens reaching 1,000 and 2,000 minutes, you'll receive a voucher that's good for a free kids combo at Raising Cane's of Fredericksburg.
- Raising Cane's "swag" (sunglasses, sequin pouch, or drawstring bag)
- Teens can choose one of these at 150 minutes, 300 minutes, 500 minutes, and 1500 minutes.While supplies last.
- Raffle prizes: Coming soon!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Point Values
1 minute of reading = 1 point earned (children & teen programs only)
1 book read = 300 points (adult program only)
Activity Badges = 25 points for an easy question, 35 or 50 points for a hard question
Book, TV, or Movie Review: 50 points*
Completed Challenge: earn 2000 points
*Submit one review to earn these points
Every digital badge earned has a number of tickets attached to them. Once you earn them, you can spend them on whatever prizes you want. Remember, the more tickets you spend on a prize, the greater your chance of winning.Â
Spend your tickets by August 31st!
Ticket Values
Registration Badge: 10 tickets
150 Points Badge:Â 10 tickets
300 Points Badge: 30 tickets
500 Points Badge:Â 50 tickets
1000 Points Badge: 75 tickets
1500 Points Badge:Â 100 tickets
2000 Points Badge: 200 tickets
2500+ Points Badge: 200 tickets
Activity Badges: 25 tickets
Review Badge: 5 tickets
Completed Challenge Badge: 50 tickets
PUZZLE-WORTHY ACTIVITY BADGES
Children's Program
Each activity badge completed earns you 25 points and 25 tickets!
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschool (Ages 0-5)
Music and Art Explorations
Play Time!
Puzzle Palooza
Grow a Reader at Your Library
Elementary (Grades K-5)
Wow S.T.E.M! in the Summer
Let's Play!
Puzzle Rama!
Level Up Through Reading
Teen Program
Adult Program
All Ages Badges
FANTASTIC PROGRAM PRIZES
Tote Bag (Adult Program Only)
Receive a Central Rappahannock Regional Library tote bag when you reach 2,000 points!
LEVEL UP Prizes (Children & Teen Program Only)
When you reach a reading milestone (150, 300, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 minutes) you earn a LEVEL UP milestone "token" or "tag". Reach 1000 and 2000 minutes to win a book along with a token!
Children Program Book Bundles
Teen Program Book Bundles
Adult Program Book Bundles
SUMMER EVENTS
Mini Pig Visit
Jun 25th | 10:00am - 11:00am
Mini Pig Visit
Jun 25th | 10:00am - 11:00am
CHILDREN/TEENS
Special Grow a Reader Classes
GAR Summer Reading Kickoff: Level Up at Your Library!
Various Dates & Times
Various Branches
Celebrate Summer Reading 2025 with us! For children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
Grow a Reader Special Series: Feeling Ready
Various Dates & Times
Various Branches
Help your child transition to school with this interactive storytime series focused on social-emotional skills.
Stuffed Animal Sleep Over
Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Drop Off, part of a series
Drop off your favorite stuffie and see what they get up to when the library closes at night!
Discovery Tables, part of a series
Explore a rotating series of self-guided, discover-it-yourself activities for grades K-6.
Wild Stories with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, part of a series
Jun 18th | 10:00am - 10:45am
Meet animals who are former patients at the wildlife hospital and hear their stories. Presented by the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Wacky Wednesdays, part of a series
Stories, games, and crafts. K-6. Followed by the Movie Matinee from 3:00-4:30.
Discovery Tables, part of a series
Explore a rotating series of self-guided, discover-it-yourself activities for grades K-6.
Wild Stories with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, part of a series
Jun 18th | 10:00am - 10:45am
Meet animals who are former patients at the wildlife hospital and hear their stories. Presented by the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Wacky Wednesdays, part of a series
Stories, games, and crafts. K-6. Followed by the Movie Matinee from 3:00-4:30.
Movie Matinee at Cooper, part of a series
Movie showings for elementary kids! Right after Wacky Wednesdays. For grades K-6.
Super Summer Smash, part of a series
When the library's closed, the real fun begins... Come hang after hours with pizza, games, and friends! Grades 6-12 only.
Fabulous Friday: Super Mario, part of a series
Activities, games, and more. Grades K-6.
Movie Matinee at Cooper, part of a series
Movie showings for elementary kids! Right after Wacky Wednesdays. For grades K-6.
Super Summer Smash, part of a series
When the library's closed, the real fun begins... Come hang after hours with pizza, games, and friends! Grades 6-12 only.
Fabulous Friday: Super Mario, part of a series
Activities, games, and more. Grades K-6.
ADULTS
Lunch & Learn: State of the Girl
Jun 20th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Girls on the Run Piedmont is a nonprofit program that empowers 3rd- to 8th-grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.
Lunch & Learn: Why Kids Need Time in Nature
Jun 27th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Discover how daily outdoor exploration supports children's physical health, mental well-being, and creativity.
Lunch & Learn: The Dreaming Mind
Jul 11th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Explore dream research and how we might harness our dreams to solve problems and aid creativity.
Lunch & Learn: State of the Girl
Jun 20th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Girls on the Run Piedmont is a nonprofit program that empowers 3rd- to 8th-grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.
Lunch & Learn: Why Kids Need Time in Nature
Jun 27th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Discover how daily outdoor exploration supports children's physical health, mental well-being, and creativity.
Lunch & Learn: The Dreaming Mind
Jul 11th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Explore dream research and how we might harness our dreams to solve problems and aid creativity.
13-Week Crochet-Along: Market Bag, part of a series
At Crochet-Alongs (CALs), participants work on the same project simultaneously, over time. Great for beginners, all are welcome.
Mandala Rock Painting
Aug 8th | 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Express your creativity and make beautiful mandala art. Bring your own supplies or use ours, while supplies last.
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap
Aug 9th | 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Swap with fellow puzzle enthusiasts. Puzzles must include all pieces.
13-Week Crochet-Along: Market Bag, part of a series
At Crochet-Alongs (CALs), participants work on the same project simultaneously, over time. Great for beginners, all are welcome.
Mandala Rock Painting
Aug 8th | 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Express your creativity and make beautiful mandala art. Bring your own supplies or use ours, while supplies last.
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap
Aug 9th | 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Swap with fellow puzzle enthusiasts. Puzzles must include all pieces.
Civic Labs
Civic Lab: Summer Safety, part of a series
Stop by our table and get some tips for how to stay safe while enjoying the sun and fun.
Civic Lab: Local History, part of a series
Ever wonder about what transpired in your neighborhood years, decades, or even millennia ago? Stop by our Civic Lab table!
Civic Lab: National Parks, part of a series
Stop by our table and discover all the history and natural beauty our National Parks have to offer & what we can do to preserve them.
Horror Movie Club: Slashers, part of a series
Meet with horror fans to discuss a different subgenre each month.
Cinema Night, part of a series
Stop by and watch a full-length featured movie. For adults.
World War II Movie Discussion Group, part of a series
Jul 5th | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Presented by Virginia Lyman Lucas, author of World War II At the Movies. Slide presentation and discussion on classic WWII films.
Horror Movie Club: Slashers, part of a series
Meet with horror fans to discuss a different subgenre each month.
Cinema Night, part of a series
Stop by and watch a full-length featured movie. For adults.
World War II Movie Discussion Group, part of a series
Jul 5th | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Presented by Virginia Lyman Lucas, author of World War II At the Movies. Slide presentation and discussion on classic WWII films.
Backyard Composting 101, part of a series
Presented by the R-Board and Virginia Master Gardener Association.
Plant Clinic in the S.E.R.V.E. Garden, part of a series
Join the Virginia Master Gardeners to learn about Porter Branch's garden for S.E.R.V.E., Stafford's food pantry.
Plant Clinic, part of a series
Gardening questions answered by the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Backyard Composting 101, part of a series
Presented by the R-Board and Virginia Master Gardener Association.
Plant Clinic in the S.E.R.V.E. Garden, part of a series
Join the Virginia Master Gardeners to learn about Porter Branch's garden for S.E.R.V.E., Stafford's food pantry.
Plant Clinic, part of a series
Gardening questions answered by the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
THE MISSION: READ ALL SUMMER LONG
But... what should I read?🧩
Your guide: Reading Recommendations from Library Staff
We're here to help! We have a number of ways you can request a your next read:
- Ask a My Librarian
- Submit a Book Match
- Ask a librarian at your local branch!
Even if you're not asking the question "what should I read" check out what our staff recommends for readers of all ages below!
My Librarian: Books To Encourage Positive Behavior
Engaging picture books can help young children build essential social-emotional skills, while also addressing early childhood challenges.
Revolutionary Statesmen from Virginia
Books on the signers of the Declaration of Independence and other Revolutionary statesmen from Virginia.
2024-2025 Café Book Top Teen Picks
Teens participating in our Café Book program--a partnership with area schools--voted these books their favorite picks of the school year!
My Librarian: Bigfoot and Nessie and Mothman, Oh, My!
Could cryptids, such as Bigfoot and Mothman, actually exist? Tackle this intriguing question with the following fantastic titles.
My Librarian: Books To Encourage Positive Behavior
Engaging picture books can help young children build essential social-emotional skills, while also addressing early childhood challenges.
Revolutionary Statesmen from Virginia
Books on the signers of the Declaration of Independence and other Revolutionary statesmen from Virginia.
2024-2025 Café Book Top Teen Picks
Teens participating in our Café Book program--a partnership with area schools--voted these books their favorite picks of the school year!
My Librarian: Bigfoot and Nessie and Mothman, Oh, My!
Could cryptids, such as Bigfoot and Mothman, actually exist? Tackle this intriguing question with the following fantastic titles.
Here Comes the Sun!
To celebrate basking in the summer glow, here are some picture books that feature our closest star!
Grow a Reader: Rain, rain, (don't) go away!
Rainy day inside? Try these picture and board books to share on stormy afternoons.
Grow a Reader: Beep, boop, beep! Robot Reads
Books filled with silly and adventurous robots!
Adventure Begins at Your Library with These Picture Books!
From the ocean to the Moon to the wilderness in your backyard, set off on a summer reading adventure with these exciting picture books!
Here Comes the Sun!
To celebrate basking in the summer glow, here are some picture books that feature our closest star!
Grow a Reader: Rain, rain, (don't) go away!
Rainy day inside? Try these picture and board books to share on stormy afternoons.
Grow a Reader: Beep, boop, beep! Robot Reads
Books filled with silly and adventurous robots!
Adventure Begins at Your Library with These Picture Books!
From the ocean to the Moon to the wilderness in your backyard, set off on a summer reading adventure with these exciting picture books!
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
Here Comes the Sun!
To celebrate basking in the summer glow, here are some picture books that feature our closest star!
My Librarian: Level Up at Your Library (Grades K-6)
Picture books and chapter books about video games, board games, sports, and more to go with our 2025 Summer Reading theme!
Middle Grade Summer Reads
Share a summer with the characters in these books as they save the world from aliens, survive a creepy waterpark, make new friends, & more.
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
Here Comes the Sun!
To celebrate basking in the summer glow, here are some picture books that feature our closest star!
My Librarian: Level Up at Your Library (Grades K-6)
Picture books and chapter books about video games, board games, sports, and more to go with our 2025 Summer Reading theme!
Middle Grade Summer Reads
Share a summer with the characters in these books as they save the world from aliens, survive a creepy waterpark, make new friends, & more.
Under the Sea
Mermaids, sharks, and treasure. You never know what you will find in these seaworthy teen titles.
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
Lego Creations
Books featuring Lego builds you can make, and lists of some Lego themes!
Assassin's Creed for Assassin Lovers
Do you love the video game series Assassin's Creed because you just love the idea of assassins?
Under the Sea
Mermaids, sharks, and treasure. You never know what you will find in these seaworthy teen titles.
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
Lego Creations
Books featuring Lego builds you can make, and lists of some Lego themes!
Assassin's Creed for Assassin Lovers
Do you love the video game series Assassin's Creed because you just love the idea of assassins?
Ice Cream Delights
Books with recipes for many kinds of ice cream and sorbets you can make at home.
My Librarian: Basketball - Grass Roots to Superstars
Some books about college, professional, and neighborhood hoops.
Anticipated Summer Mysteries, Thrillers & Horror
This summer is filled with chills and thrills. Check out some titles readers are looking forward to.
Sand & Sun Beach Reads
Beach reads for vacations and staycations.
Ice Cream Delights
Books with recipes for many kinds of ice cream and sorbets you can make at home.
My Librarian: Basketball - Grass Roots to Superstars
Some books about college, professional, and neighborhood hoops.
Anticipated Summer Mysteries, Thrillers & Horror
This summer is filled with chills and thrills. Check out some titles readers are looking forward to.
Sand & Sun Beach Reads
Beach reads for vacations and staycations.