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.
Spend your tickets by August 31st!
Ticket Values
Registration Badge: 10 tickets
150 Points Badge: 10 tickets
300 Points Badge: 30 tickets
500 Points Badge: 50 tickets
1000 Points Badge: 75 tickets
1500 Points Badge: 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
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
What did you like best about Summer Reading?
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The reading, of course! 📚0
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Earning tickets to spend on prizes 🎟️0
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Prizes: Raising Cane Voucher, Raising Cane Swag, and Tote Bags 🍗0
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Completing Activity Badges 📛0
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All the above 🎉0
Discovery Tables, part of a series
Explore a rotating series of self-guided, discover-it-yourself activities for grades K-6.
Wacky Wednesdays, part of a series
Stories, games, and crafts. K-6. Followed by the Movie Matinee from 3:00-4:30.
Fabulous Friday: Spy School, part of a series
Activities, games, and more. Grades K-6.
Discovery Tables, part of a series
Explore a rotating series of self-guided, discover-it-yourself activities for grades K-6.
Wacky Wednesdays, part of a series
Stories, games, and crafts. K-6. Followed by the Movie Matinee from 3:00-4:30.
Fabulous Friday: Spy School, 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.
Teen Movie Night, part of a series
Grades 6-12. Bring your favorite movie snacks, pillows, and blankets Presented by Teen Council.
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.
Teen Movie Night, part of a series
Grades 6-12. Bring your favorite movie snacks, pillows, and blankets Presented by Teen Council.
ADULTS
Lunch & Learn: Stretch & Strengthen in 10
Jul 25th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Get moving with our energizing 10-minute workout tailored for seniors, focusing on gentle stretches and strength-building.
Lunch & Learn: All About Aikido
Aug 1st | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Presented by Aviv Goldsmith, sensei of Aikido of Fredericksburg. A brief history and demonstration of Aikido, a Japanese martial art.
Lunch & Learn: Scatology
Aug 8th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
In scatology, paleontologists have access to a wide range of biological information about a prehistoric creature. Learn all about it!
Lunch & Learn: Stretch & Strengthen in 10
Jul 25th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Get moving with our energizing 10-minute workout tailored for seniors, focusing on gentle stretches and strength-building.
Lunch & Learn: All About Aikido
Aug 1st | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
Presented by Aviv Goldsmith, sensei of Aikido of Fredericksburg. A brief history and demonstration of Aikido, a Japanese martial art.
Lunch & Learn: Scatology
Aug 8th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Online Event
In scatology, paleontologists have access to a wide range of biological information about a prehistoric creature. Learn all about it!
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.
Build-a-Plushie Demonstration: Making Adorable Crafts
Aug 14th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn how to make simple plush characters using IdeaSpace's embroidery machine. Grade 9-adult.
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.
Build-a-Plushie Demonstration: Making Adorable Crafts
Aug 14th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn how to make simple plush characters using IdeaSpace's embroidery machine. Grade 9-adult.
Civic Labs
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, 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
Aug 2nd | 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.
Movie Matinees for Older Adults, part of a series
Come enjoy a favorite from the silver screen!
Horror Movie Club, 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
Aug 2nd | 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.
Movie Matinees for Older Adults, part of a series
Come enjoy a favorite from the silver screen!
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.
One Seed: Cucumbers, part of a series
Check out cucumber seeds from the Seed Library, then plant and watch them grow.
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.
One Seed: Cucumbers, part of a series
Check out cucumber seeds from the Seed Library, then plant and watch them grow.
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!
Aug 9 is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Check out these 11 fiction and nonfiction stories depicting life for indigenous people around the world.
Immigration: Recommended Reading
Thoughtful, human-centered stories and perspectives on the immigrant experience. This list includes titles for adults, teens, and children.
My Librarian: Romantic Adventures
Romance blooms in the midst of these tales of adventure and exploration.
My Librarian: Romantasy
A selection of titles for those who love romance and fantasy combined.
Aug 9 is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Check out these 11 fiction and nonfiction stories depicting life for indigenous people around the world.
Immigration: Recommended Reading
Thoughtful, human-centered stories and perspectives on the immigrant experience. This list includes titles for adults, teens, and children.
My Librarian: Romantic Adventures
Romance blooms in the midst of these tales of adventure and exploration.
My Librarian: Romantasy
A selection of titles for those who love romance and fantasy combined.
Grow a Reader: Beep, boop, beep! Robot Reads
Books filled with silly and adventurous robots!
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.
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!
Grow a Reader: Beep, boop, beep! Robot Reads
Books filled with silly and adventurous robots!
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.
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.
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.
A-Camping We Will Go!
Elementary and Middle School titles featuring wild adventures at camp.
Read About the Great Outdoors
Check out one or more of these fun stories that feature our natural world and then get outside and enjoy the great outdoors!
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
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.
A-Camping We Will Go!
Elementary and Middle School titles featuring wild adventures at camp.
Read About the Great Outdoors
Check out one or more of these fun stories that feature our natural world and then get outside and enjoy the great outdoors!
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
Terrific Teen Tech Tales
Titles involving low to high tech adventures of the virtual kind.
Athletic Adventures
Young adult fiction titles featuring high-paced sports stories.
Going Places
From road trips to train rides, these young adult books take you places.
Robotics
Learn, play, or even build your own robot with these children and teen books.
Terrific Teen Tech Tales
Titles involving low to high tech adventures of the virtual kind.
Athletic Adventures
Young adult fiction titles featuring high-paced sports stories.
Going Places
From road trips to train rides, these young adult books take you places.
Cookbooks for the Summer
From satisfying frozen cocktails, to hot and spicy BBQ, check out one of these cookbooks to heat up your summer cuisine.
Armchair Adventures
Looking to experience fantastic journeys and daring trips without leaving the comfort of home? These titles can help you do just that!
Exotic Escapes
Let these beach reads take you to exotic escapes of all kinds.
Cool Fiction for a Hot Summer
It's hot out there, so check out one of these cool fiction titles to read.
Cookbooks for the Summer
From satisfying frozen cocktails, to hot and spicy BBQ, check out one of these cookbooks to heat up your summer cuisine.
Armchair Adventures
Looking to experience fantastic journeys and daring trips without leaving the comfort of home? These titles can help you do just that!
Exotic Escapes
Let these beach reads take you to exotic escapes of all kinds.
Cool Fiction for a Hot Summer
It's hot out there, so check out one of these cool fiction titles to read.