Cooper-Siegel, Sharpsburg libraries' summer reading program underway

The annual Summer Reading Challenge has returned to Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg community libraries and runs through Aug. 9.

The program’s goal, which is open to readers of all ages, is to encourage citizens to read, learn and engage with library programming all summer long. This year’s challenge theme is “Color Our World.”

CSCL Youth Services Department Head Megan Fogt said more than 800 patrons participated in the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, and she hopes to surpass 900 registrations this year.

“We’re encouraging everyone to exercise their brains by reading every day this summer,” Fogt said. “We know that some folks might just read for a short time, and some might read for hours – but that’s OK. The goal is to encourage folks to keep reading, so any amount of time counts and all types of reading materials count.”

In addition to traditional books, reading materials can include audiobooks, webcomics, instruction manuals, periodicals, e-resources, graphic novels, shared family reading, fan fiction, books read at library programs and much more.

“Reading every day increases empathy, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, decreases depression, prevents cognitive decline and boosts vocabulary,” Fogt said. “Make reading a habit this summer – no matter your age. If you’re already in the habit of daily reading, you can easily qualify for our weekly Summer Reading Challenge raffles.”

Participants who log at least one day of reading each week are automatically entered into weekly raffles for a chance to win a variety of age-based prizes, including LEGO grab bags, Barnes & Noble gift cards, stacks of rainbow-themed books and more.

Both branches are also offering a full slate of weekly and monthly summer reading programming, including story times, kids club meetings, art activities and more. For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org.

“The summer is our busiest time of year,” said SCL Branch Manager Sara Mariacher. “It’s exciting to see so many folks of all ages hyped for our programs.”

Patrons can register for the 2025 Color Our World Summer Reading Challenge by:

• Stopping by either library during operating hours for assistance or visiting the website;

• Downloading the Beanstack app on any mobile device or tablet;

• Visiting the Beanstack website through the following Carnegie North link: carnegienorth.beanstack.org/users/sign_in.

Paper versions are also available for those patrons who prefer to track their reading manually.