GRANTS PASS, OR. — The Josephine Community Library has officially launched its highly anticipated 2025 Summer Reading Program, offering a wide range of free activities and events for readers of all ages. Running from June 14 through August 9, this year’s theme, “Level Up at Your Library,” invites participants to explore the joy of reading while engaging in creative, educational, and entertaining programs throughout the county.
The summer initiative is more than just books—it’s a full-scale community engagement effort made possible through support from Evergreen Federal Bank, the Josephine Community Library Foundation, Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors, and the State Library of Oregon. Participants can track their reading progress online and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes at the program’s conclusion. For those who prefer to get involved in person, all four library branches—in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek—are offering weekly themed crafts, book recommendations, and interactive resources tailored for all age groups.
The program aims to prevent what educators call “summer reading loss,” a well-documented phenomenon where students fall behind academically when they don’t engage in reading during school breaks. According to national studies, students who don’t maintain reading habits over the summer can be as much as two years behind their peers by the end of sixth grade. The library’s reading program serves as a counterbalance, encouraging consistent literary engagement in a fun and accessible way.
Participants can pick up summer reading booklets that include coloring pages, activity sheets, and reading logs. Incentives along the way include canvas tote bags upon registration, fun items from a “treasure chest” for young readers halfway through, and a free book awarded upon completion. Additionally, every hour spent reading earns a raffle entry for a gift card to either Iguana Comics or Oregon Books & Games.
The program also features a packed lineup of special events designed to enrich the experience. These include storybook walks through downtown Grants Pass, science presentations from Bugs-R-Us on dinosaurs, creative drawing workshops with cartoonist Rick Stromoski, and nature-focused events like “Pollinator Pals” and the “Power Play for the Planet” showcase by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Teens can join the “Bad Artists Club,” while younger participants can enjoy LEGO challenges and neighborhood hero visits from firefighters, nurses, farmers, and more.
The program culminates in “Among the Stars,” a special event held at all four branches during the final week of the program. Events are scheduled in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for the broader community.
Participation in the Summer Reading Program is completely free, and a library card is not required to join. However, community members interested in obtaining a library card—especially those who live outside the official library district—can take advantage of annual sponsorships provided by the Josephine Community Library Foundation.
For a full calendar of events, or to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, visit josephinelibrary.org/summer-reading-program. For additional questions, community members can email info@josephinelibrary.org or call 541-476-0571.