Library launches ‘Color Our World’ as 2025 Summer Reading Program

Madison Public Library and the other nine locations of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library will offer the Summer Reading Program from May 27 to July 19.

MADISON – This summer, people – especially children — can take freeof- charge excursions to exotic locales, meet intriguing personalities and pursue art education in the 2025 Summer Reading Program with Huntsville- Madison County Public Library or HMCPL.

This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” will be available at Madison Public Library and HMCPL’s nine other branches from May 27 to July 19. “’Color Our World’ celebrates art, creativity and the myriad of ways in which art enriches our lives. So, join us for a summer reading adventure,” according to the library’s website, hmcpl. org/summer.

Starting May 27, young patrons can pick up a reading log at any branch or print one from the website. Each day, children will color a section on the log for their reading.

After the log and reading goals are completed, the child will return the log to Madison Public Library by July 19. By following those guidelines, the child will be eligible for the final drawing to win impressive prizes.

What counts as reading? The child can read with someone; listen to an audiobook; ask someone to read to him or her; read a magazine, book or e-book; or peruse a graphic novel or comic book.

A program of summer reading offers substantive content to address students’ educational needs, along with the entertainment and fun factor. Summer reading helps combat the ‘summer slide’ when some students can lose as much as 20 percent of school-year gains in reading and math, according to library sources.

Summer reading is accessible and free to everyone. HMCPL coordinates with local schools to provide print, e-book and audio copies of required and suggested Summer Reading titles.

To register for the Summer Reading newsletter, visit hmcpl.org/summer and click the newsletter link.

Parents can schedule time for their youngsters to participate in recurring summer activities:

• Storytimes — Scheduled for babies on Mondays at 9:30 a.m.; toddlers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.; and preschoolers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

• Library Explorers – Tuesdays at 4 p.m.

• Little Artists – Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Madison Public Library and other branches have a list of school systems’ required reading for the summer. Individuals can access the lists for Madison City Schools, Huntsville City Schools, Madison Academy and Randolph School.

Library patrons should remember to update a library card for a young reader. All library cards for 17-year-olds and younger require a parent or guardian to provide guarantor authorization by submitting a Young Reader Card Waiver. For full details, visit hmcpl.org.