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 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 spend 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Summer Reading Challenge Events
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Sunday, June 1, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Restless Moons Brewing - HarrisonburgAll ages are welcome to join us at our Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff party at Restless Moons Brewing! We'll chat about our Summer Reading TBRs and reading resolutions, share book suggestions, craft, play bookish games and trivia, and much more - including pinball, arcade games, and a lovely outdoor space for kids. Adults can purchase delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, while kids can enjoy yummy juices and sodas, so don't miss out on our fun, family-friendly Summer Reading Kickoff!
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Saturday, June 7, 2025
11:00am-1:00pm
Village Library - BroadwayAll ages are invited to kick off Summer Reading by designing their own scratch-off rainbow bookmark!
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Saturday, July 12, 2025
1:00-3:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgDo you enjoy puzzling? Are you competitive? Bring the whole family and compete against other families to be the first to complete a 750-piece puzzle (each family will receive the same puzzle)! Registration is required, so save a spot for your family today (only 1 registration required per family).
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The Wildlife Center of Virginia
The Wildlife Center of Virginia
Thursday, July 10, 2025
11:30am-12:30pm; registration required
Central Library - HarrisonburgThursday, 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, so don't miss out - registration is required at Central Library.
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Book Clubs (click to view full list)
Mostly Books
Monday, June 2, 2025
10:00-11:00am
Grottoes Branch LibraryMonday, July 7, 2025
10:00-11:00am
Grottoes Branch LibraryShare what you’re reading and discover new reading material! A list of titles, authors, and short critiques of what was discussed will be distributed after each meeting. Mostly Books meets 1st Mondays monthly in the Grottoes municipal building Community Room, located just across from the library!
Sage & Page Book Club
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
8:00-9:00pm
Sage Bird Ciderworks - HarrisonburgWednesday, July 2, 2025
8:00-9:00pm
Sage Bird Ciderworks - HarrisonburgDiscuss our most recent club picks, and make sure to track your reading in the Beanstack app for our Summer Reading Challenge!
Page-to-Screen
Monday, June 9, 2025
6:00-7:00pm
Saga Meadery - LurayMonday, 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 choices!
Chapter Book Club
Limited-time only; Thursdays weekly; 10:00-10:30am
Shenandoah Community LibraryJune 19 ; June 26 ; July 3 ; July 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!
Cat Chats Book Club
3rd Fridays monthly; 10:00-11:00am
Aristocat Café - HarrisonburgLove cats and books? We have the book club for you! Adults can join us at the Aristocat Café every 3rd Friday to enjoy tea, discuss the book pick, and play with cats. We provide the tea, so all you need to do is register to save your spot!
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!
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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)
Mulligan's Golf Center
Friday, June 13, 2025
9:00am-8:00pm
Mulligan's Golf CenterLuray Caverns
Friday, June 20, 2025
9:00am-7:00pm
Luray CavernsHarrisonburg Turks Baseball Game
Friday, June 27, 2025
7:00pm-game end
Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park - HarrisonburgHarrisonburg 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)
Calligraphy Art
Monday, June 9, 2025
3:00-4:00pm
Page Public Library - LurayKids ages 6-11: create Father's Day cards and name tags using beautiful calligraphy techniques! We'll be joined by Regina Sanglier, who has a graphic design degree and 30+ years of experience teaching calligraphy in school, adult education classes, and after school programs. We politely request registration for planning purposes!
North River Library Garden Series for Kids
Limited-time only; 2nd Saturdays monthly; 10:30am-12:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterJune 14 (How a Seed Grows); July 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.
Pathway to Your Parks
Saturday, June 21, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgK-5 kids: get ready to explore the great outdoors from the comfort of the library! You'll learn about our national and state parks, how to read a map, identify local plants and animals, and test your skills like a Junior Ranger.
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!
Cooking Program
Monday, July 14, 2025
1:00-2:00pm; registration required; kids ages 5-8
Page Public Library - LurayMonday, 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 for both programs, 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!
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Just for Teens (click to view full list)
Teen TTRPG
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
4:00-6:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgWednesday, 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. On June 11th, we'll focus on building a character, so aspiring writers will also get valuable help on developing characters in their stories! On July 9th, 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!
Teen Tie Dye
Thursday, June 12, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Stonewall Park - ElktonThursday, 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.
Nintendo Switch Tournament for Teens
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Page Public Library - LurayTeens and tweens ages 11-17: join us for a fun-filled, competitive Nintendo Switch Tournament and win book prizes!
Marbled Cabochons for Teens
Thursday, June 19, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
North River Library - BridgewaterTuesday, 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. If you come to North River Library on June 19th, you'll also get to eat delicious donuts!
Teen Acting Workshops
Thursday, June 26, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Village Library - BroadwayTuesday, July 22, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Elkton 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!
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.
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.
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Just for Adults (click to view full list)
Nature Walks
Limited-time only; monthly (June-August); 10:00-11:00am
Edith J. Carrier ArboretumJune 3 (Wildflower) ; July 3 (Watershed)
Adults: join us for educational nature walks at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, where we'll observe the beauty of nature while walking the trails! The walking level is easy to moderate. Registration is required, so click the links to save your spot!
Unexpected Twists & Turns with Lisa Jewell
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
2:00-3:00pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg and virtuallyYou're invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title, Don't Let Him In (out June 24, 2025)! Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work. We'll have an in-person watch party at Central Library, but if you'd rather watch from home than you can register through the Library Speakers Consortium!
Bad Art Night
Wednesday, June 11, 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. June's theme: Dairy Month! Did you know we're a community of farmers? Dairies are a huge part of Harrisonburg's culture! Use watercolors to create paintings about our Friendly City cows, products, farms, and farmers.
Tech Talks
North River Library - BridgewaterJune 17 (Cyber Security and Scams) ; July 23 (Internet Safety for Young Adults)
Join us for discussions 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.
Library Learners: Cookie Decorating
Thursday, June 19, 2025
2:00-4:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgAdults: join us every 3rd Thursday of the month to learn a new skill at the library! At June's meeting, you can join us for a cookie decorating class with Jessica from Cookie Palette. Each person can decorate two delicious cookies! Space is limited, so register today to save your spot.
Adult's Night Out: 90's Edition
Friday, June 20, 2025
6:00-8:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgAdults: relive your childhood with a fun 90s-themed party! Play games, listen to nostalgic tunes, eat delicious snacks, craft, and complete activities to be entered into a raffle filled with 90s goodies. Registration is required, so save your spot today!
A History of Swords and Swordfighting in the Middle Ages
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:00-7:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgDr. Gavin Lawson, Professor of Biology at Bridgewater College, will teach us all about the history of swords, armor, and fighting techniques from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance!
Tea Time with the Aristocat Café
Limited-time only; 2nd Thursdays monthly; 6:00-7:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgJuly 10 (rooibos and yerba teas)
Adults: join Amanda Atwell from the Aristocat Café to learn about different types of tea! We'll even get to taste 2-4 teas. Seating is limited, so register to save your spot!
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.
Bookish Granny Squares
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
5:00-6:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryAdults (18+): join us for a fun crochet session and dive into the exciting trend of turning your favorite book cover into a vibrant granny square! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, you'll get the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity. To participate, you'll need to know how to chain, double-crochet, and change colors! Registration is required - make sure to note on the registration form which book you'll be basing your granny square off of so we can provide the correct colors of yarn.
Zentangle
Thursday, July 17, 2025
6:00-7:30pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgJoin us for Zentangle, an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called "tangles!" We'll create using a combination of dots, lines, simple curves, and orbs with Jennifer Matthaei Cottrell. Registration is required, so save your spot today!
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!
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Special Summer Reading Story Times (click to view full list)
Story Time with the Harrisonburg Farmers Market
Thursday, June 5, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgJoin us for a special Story Time as we read books, sing songs, and learn about fruits and vegetables with the Harrisonburg Farmers Market!
Discovering Daisies
A local Girl Scout Troop Leader will tell us all about the Daisies program and lead a Story Time and craft!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
2:30-3:30pm; geared towards kindergarten through 2nd grade, but all families welcome
North River Library - BridgewaterSaturday, June 14, 2025
10:00-11:00am; all families welcome
Central Library - HarrisonburgMonday, June 16, 2025
2:00-3:00pm; all families welcome
Grottoes Branch LibraryWednesday, June 18, 2025
2:30-3:30pm; all families welcome
Elkton Community LibraryBilingual Story Time
Monday, June 16, 2025
10:30-11:30am
Page Public Library - LurayChildren of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy a fun, bilingual Story Time and craft led by Andrea Cencich, a former teacher who is fluent in both English and Spanish!
Musical Kaleidoscope with River's Bend Trio
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Grottoes Branch LibraryChildren of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy a special Story Time filled with a kaleidoscope of music! Local band River's Bend Trio will feature diverse styles and genres, so come sing along in an interactive musical experience.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Monday, June 23, 2025
3:00-4:00pm
Luray Singing TowerJoin us for a fun Story Time and scavenger hunt on the beautiful grounds of the Luray Singing Tower!
Build a Reading Fort
Saturday, June 28, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgFamilies: exercise your creativity by building forts out of furniture, tablecloths, and more, all supplied by us! We'll listen to a fun Story Time and then read together under our forts.
Tales & Tails with Anicira
Saturday, July 5, 2025
10:00-11:00am
Central Library - HarrisonburgLearn what veterinarians do with Dr. Micah Thompson of Anicira! We'll read books, sing songs, and make a craft. Don't forget to bring your favorite stuffed animal to enjoy the fun!
Grand 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 - BridgewaterChick-fil-A Cow
Children of all ages and their caregivers will read, sing, dance, and take photos with the Chick-fil-A cow!
Monday, June 9, 2025
10:30-11:00am
Elkton Community LibraryThursday, June 19, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Village Library - BroadwayWednesday, June 25, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Grottoes Branch LibraryThursday, July 3, 2025
10:15-10:45am
North River Library - BridgewaterThursday, 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
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
11:00-11:30am
Shenandoah Community LibraryNew Market Rebels
Thursday, June 12, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Village Library - BroadwayHarrisonburg Turks
Thursday, June 12, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgHarrisonburg Turks
Monday, June 23, 2025
10:30-11:30am
Elkton Community LibraryHarrisonburg Turks
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
10:00-11:00am
Grottoes Branch LibraryNew 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.
CircleTime with Chief Sullivan
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Grottoes Branch LibraryPolice Officer Story Time
Thursday, June 19, 2025
11:00-11:30am
Central Library - HarrisonburgStory Time with Chief Weaver
Thursday, July 17, 2025
10:00-10:30am
Village Library - BroadwayFire Departments
Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy learning about fire safety, meeting firefighters, and exploring real firefighting vehicles with local departments!
Story Time with Firefighter Fiona
Thursday, June 26, 2025
10:15-10:45am
North River Library - BridgewaterFirefighter Story Time
Thursday, June 26, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Central Library - HarrisonburgStory Time with Firefighter Fiona
Thursday, June 26, 2025
11:00-11:30am
North River Library - BridgewaterFire 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 MarketplaceSleepover Story Time
Put on your favorite pajamas and bring your best stuffed animal friend for a bedtime-themed Story Time!
Monday, July 7, 2025
10:30-11:30am
Page Public Library - LurayTuesday, July 8, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Shenandoah Community LibraryHerbalist 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!
