Summer Reading Program at Lee County Library System a Vibrant Success

The Lee County Library System has successfully concluded its 2025 Summer Reading Program, a standout initiative that distributed over 14,000 books to children and teens across Lee County, Florida. This annual program aims to promote literacy and mitigate the phenomenon known as summer learning loss, which often affects students during their time away from school.

This year, the theme “Color Our World” served as a catalyst for creativity and exploration among participants. The library’s efforts included a diverse range of programming designed to engage young minds through various forms of creative expression, including art, storytelling, and science demonstrations. Programs such as puppet storytelling, health and wellness workshops, and magic shows prompted children and teens to explore their imaginations and build a love for reading.

To kick off the summer festivities, the library system organized 11 launch parties that attracted approximately 4,767 attendees. From June 2 to August 2, a total of 471 programs were delivered across library branches, drawing nearly 18,000 participants. Additionally, library staff reached out to the community through 119 outreach events at camps, community centers, and parks, impacting another 14,179 individuals.

Notably, this year’s online reading challenge logged nearly 24,000 books read by participants—a remarkable 40% increase from the previous year. In a novel addition, a paper-based activity challenge attracted 8,900 individuals who opted for a more offline approach to the reading experience.

Furthermore, the Teen Summer of Service program provided adolescents with opportunities to earn community service hours through engaging in volunteer projects. Over a six-week period, participating teens completed more than 200 projects and collected two van loads of essential supplies for local agencies, including the Lee County Human & Veteran Services and Domestic Animal Services. Through these initiatives, teens accumulated a significant 725 hours of volunteer service.

The Lee County Library System, consisting of 13 branches, offers programs and resources year-round, all free and accessible to the public. For residents seeking more information on library services, including locations, online access to e-books, streaming content, program schedules, and newsletters, the library encourages visits to their official website or contact via phone at 239-479-4636.

To stay informed about the latest updates and initiatives from Lee County, residents can subscribe to the newsletter through the Lee County official website. Emphasizing community engagement and literacy, the Lee County Library System continues to be a vital resource for residents of all ages, further fostering a culture of reading and learning in the community.