Summer Reading Resources
Over the summer, I encourage you to continue to read with your children. Set aside at least 15–25 minutes each day for reading. The Hastings Public Library is a great place to check out new and different books. They also offer several free activities throughout the summer that can help foster a love of reading in your child. You can help set your child up for success in August by reading over the summer months. -Kayla Perry, Longfellow Reading Specialist
Useful Links
Hastings Public Library-Events and Bookings
Activities-and-Games-to-Support-Early-Literacy-Skills
2025 Summer Reading Program at Hastings Library:
Paint the perfect summer with the Summer Reading Program! Track your reading, collect prizes, and win tickets for amazing grand prize drawings. Whether you're diving into stories, exploring new worlds, or attending special events, this program is sure to add a splash of color to your world!
How does it work?
The Summer Reading Program is available May 31st through July 31st. It is a self-paced program that can be completed at any time before August 1st.
The program is available to all ages, divided into the following groups: Ages 0 to 4, Ages 5 to 7, Ages 8 to 12,
Ages 13 to 17; ages 18 and older. After you register, you’ll receive a summer reading bag and a paper tracker. For each badge earned, ages 0-12 will have their choice of a sticker, and ages 13+ will be able to choose a prize from an assortment of things.
Each age group has a reading goal with either a total number of books or minutes to read. The goal is divided into nine milestones; completing each milestone earns an online badge on Beanstack and a ticket to be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Each age group will receive a book for completing their challenge. Ages 0-12 will also receive a Nebraska State Fair pass. Each age group will have several grand prizes. Tickets earned can be divided and entered into various prizes of your choosing. Four bonus badges can also be completed to earn extra grand prize tickets.
Grand prize winners will be drawn on August 1st and will be announced on August 2nd at the Color Blast Wrap-Up Party.
How do I enroll? Click on your age group to register on their website:
Download/Print [PDF] Summer reading trackers: Littles: Ages 0-4 | Children's: Ages 5-7 | Tweens: Ages 8-12 | Teens: Ages 13-17 | Adults: Ages 18+ beginning May 31st, or pick them up at the library at the 2nd floor desk. A staff member will be happy to help you sign up!
You may also register through Beanstack or the Beanstack app, available on Apple or Android. It's easy-to-use ISBN scan feature allows you to scan the books directly into your log. You can also manage all the readers in your family in one account. After you’ve registered through Beanstack, you can stop by the 2nd-floor desk to claim your prizes as you earn badges.
Why should I join the Summer Reading Program?
According to the School Library Journal, summer reading programs help improve kids’ reading skills and their desire to read. Those who take part not only reduce summer learning loss, but they also show improvement, developing an interest in reading, improving their comprehension, and bettering their memory skills.
“Discovering new stories, genres, and authors in a summer reading program can be a game-changer, sparking a lifelong love for reading. You never know which book will inspire you and change the way you see the world.” Scholar Within, 2023
What can I look forward to
A successful Summer Reading Program involves more than just reading and completing challenges. We also have a summer packed with fun events for kids and families!
Block Party Kick-Off
Kick off the Summer Reading Program at our biggest party of the year! There will be food, temporary tattoos, a photo booth, Sphero races, the Hastings Police Department's robot and drone, and so much more. Join us for the fun and sign up for the Summer Reading Program, "Color Our World!” May 31 @ 11:30 am-1 pm at the Library
Color Blast Wrap-Up Party
We're wrapping up the Summer Reading Program like never before! Join us for a color run, games, and fun to give our colorful summer a proper send-off! August 2nd @ 10 am-12 pm at Lake Hastings
Other programs to look forward to include life-sized bubble and electricity experiments with the Explorit Center, a visit from the birds of prey from Fontenelle Forest, and a colorful magic show with magician Jeff Quinn! Peruse the HPL Events Calendar for a full schedule of upcoming programs.
