2025 MRL Summer Reading Challenge
MRL's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge engages children and adults in creative and challenging library-based events from June 2 through August 3, 2025. The theme this year is "Color Our World". Open to readers of all ages, SRC features a fun reading challenge, as well as dozens of weekly events throughout the library's seven branches in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Page County for readers of all ages. Using the app Beanstack, patrons of all ages can track their reading and be entered to win prizes. Register on the Beanstack app or in-person at any MRL branch in: Bridgewater, Broadway, Elkton, Grottoes, Harrisonburg, Luray, and Shenandoah!
How to Participate
- Register through Beanstack starting June 2. Be sure to include your name and/or phone number so we can contact you if you win a prize drawing!
- Track your reading and bingo progress through the web browser or app version and earn prizes!
- Attend free events! With over 100 events happening this summer, there's something for every age and interest! See the full Summer Reading Challenge event list below.
Ages 0-11:
- Log minutes spent reading or listening to books. You can even set a timer in Beanstack to count the minutes for you!
- Earn prizes and coupons for FREE food and other goodies for every 120 minutes of reading.
- Read 600 minutes and you'll receive more coupons for FREE goodies and a FREE book.
- After the first 600 minutes, every 120 minutes logged earns 2 raffle tickets for a prize drawing. You can choose what prize raffles you'd like to enter with these tickets through Beanstack.
- Pick up your Free Friday wristband at your local branch to gain free admission to the businesses below!
Ages 12-17:
- Log books when finished reading.
- Earn prizes and coupons for FREE food and other goodies for every book read.
- Read 5 books and you'll receive more coupons for FREE goodies and a FREE book.
- After the first 5 books, every book logged earns 2 raffle tickets. You can choose what prize raffles you'd like to enter with these tickets through Beanstack.
- Pick up your Free Friday wristband at your local branch to gain free admission to the businesses below!
Ages 18+:
- Log books when finished reading or activities when you complete them.
- Every book or activity you log enters you into weekly drawings for prizes.
- Earn up to 27 tickets. You can choose what prize raffles you'd like to enter with these tickets through Beanstack.
- Once you fill up the Bingo board, you will have completed the Summer Reading Challenge and you will no longer receive tickets.
Need help with the Beanstack website? Click here for PDF directions!
Need help with the Beanstack app? Click here for PDF directions!
Summer Reading Challenge Events
-
The Wildlife Center of Virginia (click for details)
The Wildlife Center of Virginia
Thursday, July 10, 2025
3:00-4:00pm
Page Public Library - LurayAll ages will enjoy learning about animals and wildlife conservation with The Wildlife Center of Virginia! We'll get to observe three amazing animals in person.
-
Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:30-11:30am
Central Library - HarrisonburgAll ages: celebrate Coloring Book Day at the library! We'll have an array of coloring options, including markers, colored pencils, crayons, and much more, so just bring your creativity!
-
Saturday, August 2, 2025
12:00-6:00pm
Feel the Rain Brothers Brew Co. - HarrisonburgCelebrate our favorite boy wizard's birthday with fun for the whole family at Feel the Rain Brothers Brew Co. on Saturday, August 2nd, starting at noon! There will be crafts for kids until 6pm (or until supplies last), bingo for a chance to win a prize, a movie marathon, and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic Butterbeer for sale, too! Plus, part of Butterbeer sales for the day will be donated to MRL, thanks to our good - and generous - friends at Brothers! From 4-6pm, adults can test their Harry Potter knowledge in a special HP Trivia co-hosted by MRL! Come show your House colors while showing support of MRL and a great, community-focused local business and help us wish Harry the happiest of birthdays!
-
Sunday, August 3, 2025
12:00-3:00pm
Sage Bird Ciderworks - HarrisonburgAll ages are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with us at Sage Bird Ciderworks in Harrisonburg! Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase, and a food truck will be on site. Enjoy fun crafts, build your TBR list with recommendations from others, get read-alike suggestions for the most-read books of the Summer Reading Challenge, and browse a market with bookish items from local vendors!
-
Thursday, August 7, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterCelebrate the end of our Summer Reading Challenge in the beautiful garden behind North River Library! Enjoy free books, tasty popsicles, fun bubbles, and exciting giveaways. Plus, don’t miss a special concert by members of the Walking Roots Band at 11:00 AM!
-
Book Clubs (click to view full list)
Page by Page
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
6:00-7:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryJoin us the second Tuesday of every month for our adult book club! Bring along a recent read to share with others.
Chapter Book Club
Limited-time only; Thursdays weekly; 10:00-10:30am
Shenandoah Community LibraryJuly 10 ; July 17 ; July 24 ; July 31
Kids ages 6-11: we'll choose exciting chapter books for Ms. Bethany to read aloud, with no required reading at home! We'll also provide recommendations for classic and new chapter books. Every reading minute counts towards our Summer Reading Challenge!
Page-to-Screen
Monday, July 14, 2025
6:00-7:00pm
Saga Meadery - LurayAdults: meet at Saga Meadery in Luray every second Monday of the month to talk about books adapted into movies and TV shows! We'll read the book and watch the adaptation prior to the meeting, and then get together to compare and share our thoughts. Make sure to track your reading in the Beanstack app for our Summer Reading Challenge!
Tale Blazers Book Club
Limited-time only; 3rd Tuesdays monthly; 10:00am-12:00pm
Crist Farm Walking Trails - Bridgewater Retirement CommunityDo you want to exercise AND read more? We've got the perfect seasonal book club for you! Adults can join us at Bridgewater Retirement Community's Crist Farm Walking Trails every 3rd Tuesday of the month (from June to October) to walk and chat about the monthly book pick. The first hour will be dedicated to walking the beautiful trail, and the second hour will be the book discussion! Registration is politely requested for planning purposes. We'll meet at the entrance closest to Oakdale Park!
Broadway Bookends Book Club
3rd Wednesdays monthly; 4:30-5:30pm
Village Library - BroadwayDiscuss our most recent book club choice!
Novel-Tea Book Club
4th Tuesdays monthly; 6:30-7:30pm
Elkton Community LibraryDiscuss our most recent book club choice! Hot water and an assortment of teas will be provided - bring your favorite mug and let’s talk books!
-
Kids from birth to age 17 will get FREE admission to local venues and events when they show their Summer Reading Free Friday wristbands!
Free Fridays (click to view full list)
Harrisonburg Turks Baseball Game
Friday, July 11, 2025
7:00pm-game end
Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park - Harrisonburg -
Just for Kids (click to view full list)
Rainbow Suncatchers
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
12:30-4:00pm
Elkton Community LibraryKids ages 6-10: drop in any time between 12:30 and 4:00 PM to make beautiful rainbow suncatchers, butterflies, flowers, and more - using fun materials like coffee filters, markers, and spray bottles!
Making Moolah
Friday, July 11, 2025
10:00-11:30am
Heritage Park - BroadwayBring the whole family to beautiful Heritage Park in Broadway to play a fun game and meet adorable farm animals! School age kids will enjoy Making Moolah, a financial literacy game, while all ages can play with miniature fainting goats and highland cows from the Simmers Family Farm.
North River Library Garden Series for Kids
Limited-time only; 10:30am-12:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterJuly 12 (Exploring the Diversity of Insects)
Kids ages 3 and up: learn about seeds, insects, and plants! We'll have various stations located around North River Library's beautiful butterfly garden for you to explore in our 3-part Garden Series for Kids.
Cooking Program
Monday, July 14, 2025
3:00-4:00pm; registration required; kids ages 9-11
Page Public Library - LurayKids: join Meagan Dyer with the Page County 4-H Club as she teaches us how to make delicious recipes! Miss Stephani will also read us a story from a fun cooking book. Registration is required, and make sure to list any food allergies on the form!
Bats, Bees, and Butterflies
Saturday, July 19, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgK-5 kids: learn about bats with the Bat Conservation & Rescue of Virginia, explore how pollinators help plants grow, and create your very own bat, bee, or butterfly to take home!
Game Time: Thinking Money for Kids
Thursday, July 24, 2025
3:00-4:00pm
Page Public Library - LuraySaturday, July 26, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgKids ages 4-12: learn about money and currency with fun games!
What's the Forecast in Shenandoah?
Saturday, July 26, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryKids: drop in to Shenandoah Community Library between 10 AM and 2 PM to create cloud spotters and learn how to identify several types of clouds and weather!
Electrifying Snap Circuits
Thursday, July 31, 2025
4:00-5:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgK-5 kids: learn the basics of electricity with shockingly fun Snap Circuit kits!
Origami Madness
Saturday, August 2, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryK-5 kids: join us to make amazing paper creations for all skill levels!
-
Just for Teens (click to view full list)
Marbled Cabochons for Teens
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Page Public Library - LurayThursday, July 17, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Village Library - BroadwayTeens and tweens ages 11-17: what's a cabochon? We're so glad you asked - cabochons are stones or glass with flat bases and rounded tops, and they can be used for many purposes, from jewelry to game pieces! We're making ours out of old crayons, and they're actually pretty cool.
Teen TTRPG
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
4:00-6:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgTeens and tweens ages 11-17: do you enjoy tabletop role-playing games? Join us as we explore the world of TTRPG! All skill levels are welcome and no experience is needed to have fun. We'll focus on beginners playing with an experienced Game Master, using the characters we built in June. We'll have space for experienced players, too, so join us if you want to continue a current campaign or start a new game!
Dragons and Donuts for Teens
Thursday, July 10, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Elkton Community LibraryTeens and tweens ages 11-17: we're getting crafty, which is really cool - you know what else is cool? Dragons! So, because dragons are cool, we're going to make dragon eyes out of random craft supplies. Or you can make a different mythical creature's eyeball. Whatever you want! Oh, and while you're waiting for your awesome creations to dry, you can snack on some colorful donuts.
MRL After Hours for Teens
Friday, July 18, 2025
2:00-6:00pm
Page Public Library - LurayTeens and tweens ages 11-17: if you've ever wanted to run around the library after hours, now is your chance! After the adults leave, we'll play games, make crafts, eat food, and have a blast. Registration is required, so save your spot by Monday, July 14th! Please submit a separate registration for each person and include the name of each teen or tween.
Teen Acting Workshops
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Elkton Area Community CenterWednesday, July 30, 2025
4:00-6:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgTeens and tweens ages 11-17: are you an actor or interested in seeing what it's all about? Join us for a collaboration with the Eunoia Theatre, a professional theatre company based in Harrisonburg! They'll host a no-judgment acting workshop at Village Library so you can discover how to bring a character to life through movements, gestures, and voice. Registration is required to save your spot!
Tech Talk: Internet Safety for Young Adults
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
3:00-4:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterTeens and adults: join us for a discussion on how to stay safe on the internet as a young adult! Our Director of Information Technology, Rebecca Laura, will answer all of your questions and concerns regarding TikTok trends, online scammers, Vtubers, hackers, and much more, so don't miss out on an opportunity to improve your online safety.
Teen Tie Dye
Thursday, July 24, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterTeens and tweens ages 11-17: join us for an afternoon of the ultimate summer activity - tie dye! We'll provide gloves, dyes, and dye-ables, but please bring a 100% cotton, white/light-colored, pre-washed shirt if you would like to dye it.
Teen Lock-in
Saturday, August 2, 2025
4:00-8:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgTeens and tweens ages 11-17: if you've ever wanted to run around the library after hours, now is your chance! After the adults leave, we'll play games, make crafts, eat food, and have a blast! Please bring a pre-washed, 100% cotton t-shirt for one of our planned activities. Registration is required and space is limited, so make sure to save your spot by Monday, July 28th! When registering multiple teens/tweens, please submit a separate registration for each person. We're looking forward to celebrating the end of summer with you!
-
Just for Adults (click to view full list)
Bad Art Night
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
5:30-7:30pm
Restless Moons Brewing - HarrisonburgJoin us at Restless Moons Brewing in Harrisonburg for Bad Art Night for adults, on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month! Restless Moons will have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale and MRL will provide all art supplies. July's theme: Anti-boredom Month! Use markers to draw your favorite activities, the loved ones you spend time with, and how you chase away boredom in your life!
Color Your Coaster for Adults
Saturday, July 12, 2025
12:30-1:30pm
Village Library - BroadwayAdults: create a colorful coaster using the diamond painting method! Space is limited, so register to save your spot.
Murder Mystery
Saturday, July 19, 2025
1:00-3:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgAdults: investigate a triple murder set in a historic theatre, reminiscent of The Phantom of the Opera! A renowned Broadway director purchased an old theatre, spending years restoring it for a specific production - a tale of crime and betrayal based on a true story. Rumored to have ghosts, the theatre had closed during the Great Depression and fallen into disrepair, and unexplained accidents and disappearing actors have plagued the days leading up to opening night! Two stars have been killed by an electrical line, and a third man has died in the aisle. Everyone in the theatre is a suspect! Is the Phantom of the Theatre responsible, or is it something more sinister...? Register today to solve the mystery! Make sure to indicate on the form if you'd like to play one of the leading roles.
Crafternoon
Monday, July 21, 2025
4:00-6:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgAdults: do you knit or crochet? Cross-stitch or embroider? Quilt? Diamond paint? Paper Craft? Macramé? Make jewelry? No matter your handicraft of choice, bring your own project to work on every 3rd Monday of the month while chatting with other crafters in a cozy environment!
Online Homeschool Resources
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
2:00-3:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryParents and homeschool educators: learn how MRL's online resources can aid students in grades 6-12, as well as their teachers, with learning, research, and more in their homeschool journeys!
Tech Talk
North River Library - BridgewaterJuly 23 (Internet Safety for Young Adults)
Join us for a discussion on how to stay safe on the internet with our Director of Information Technology, Rebecca Laura! She'll answer all of your questions and concerns regarding cyber security threats, scams, TikTok trends, Vtubers, hackers, and more, so don't miss out on an opportunity to improve your online safety.
Open 24/7: Downloadable Media
Thursday, July 31, 2025
2:00-3:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgEbooks, audiobooks, magazines, and movies: learn how to download the apps to gain access to a plethora of media! Demonstrations of Libby, Magzter, and Kanopy will be given, as well as time for a Q&A. Make sure to bring your mobile device so we can better help you!
-
Special Summer Reading Story Times (click to view full list)
Sleepover Story Time
Put on your favorite pajamas and bring your best stuffed animal friend for a bedtime-themed Story Time!
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryGrand Caverns
Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy a Story Time led by Grand Caverns Park Ranger Kelly Parkman! Learn about the unique rocks and features of Grand Caverns.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Grottoes Branch LibraryThursday, July 10, 2025
10:15-10:45am
North River Library - BridgewaterFire Departments
Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy learning about fire safety, meeting firefighters, and exploring real firefighting vehicles with local departments!
Fire Safety Story Time
Thursday, July 10, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Village Library - BroadwayFire Safety Story Time
Monday, July 14, 2025
10:30-11:30am
Elkton Downtown MarketplaceChick-fil-A Cow
Children of all ages and their caregivers will read, sing, dance, and take photos with the Chick-fil-A cow!
Thursday, July 10, 2025
11:00-11:30am
Central Library - HarrisonburgNew Market Rebels and Harrisonburg Turks
Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy books and songs with players from the New Market Rebels and Harrisonburg Turks Baseball teams! Bring your baseball and autograph book to collect player signatures.
New Market Rebels
Monday, July 14, 2025
10:30-11:00am
Page Public Library - LurayHarrisonburg Turks
Thursday, July 17, 2025
10:15-10:45am and 11:00am-12:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterPolice Departments
Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy special Story Times with local police departments! Meet the officers, listen to exciting police stories, and explore actual police vehicles.
Story Time with Chief Weaver
Thursday, July 17, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Village Library - BroadwayPolice Pals
Monday, August 4, 2025
10:30-11:00am
Page Public Library - LurayStory Time with ASL Interpreter Mel Nguyen
Thursday, July 17, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgEnjoy singing, reading, and more at a special Story Time with American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Melissa Nguyen! Melissa is a passionate interpreter with a talent for making communication accessible to all. She teaches sign language with a focus on empowering families and caregivers to connect with nonverbal children. Her approach blends practical vocabulary, real-life scenarios, and inclusive communication tools, helping students build confidence and connection through signing.
All Aboard the Reading Railroad
Saturday, July 19, 2025
2:00-3:00pm
Town of Shenandoah MuseumJoin us for a special Story Time adventure that's full steam ahead into fun! In collaboration with the Town of Shenandoah Museum, we're bringing the magic of trains to life with All Aboard the Reading Railroad. A representative from Norfolk Southern Railroad will read a selection of delightful train-themed books, perfect for young railroad enthusiasts! After Story Time, kids can get creative with a hands-on train craft to take home. Celebrate the rich history of our region and encourage a love of reading in young children!
Herbalist Story Time
Thursday, July 24, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgMeet Chris Baker, a Clinical Master Herbalist and owner of Tochnoma Farm, as we listen to stories and learn about farm animals, healthy food, and much more - including making our own tea blend!
Community Garden Story Time
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
9:00-10:00am
Shenandoah Community Garden at Valley Health Family MedicineKids ages 0-5: join Miss Stephani for a fun garden-themed Story Time and tour around the beautiful community garden at Valley Health Family Medicine, led by a member of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners!
CircleTime Presents: The Colorful World of Seuss
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Grottoes Branch LibraryLearn about the colorful world of Seuss with Mark and Cheryl Keeler as we enjoy several favorite Seuss books and meet The Cat in the Hat! Each attending child will receive a FREE Seuss book to take home as we celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge!
Story Time with Dance Instructor Alaina
Alaina Pfeiffer, a dance instructor at InMotion School of Dance, will read stories and demonstrate the art of dance during a special Story Time!
Thursday, July 31, 2025
10:15-10:45am
11:00-11:30am
North River Library - BridgewaterStory Time with the Frontier Culture Museum
Thursday, July 31, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgJoin us for a special Story Time with Costumed Interpreters from the Frontier Culture Museum! We'll read books, sing songs, play historical games, and create our own corn husk dolls!
