Nationally, only 30% of school-aged students are reading at a proficient level, but this challenge does not end at graduation. Literacy is a lifelong journey that can impact everything from career advancement to navigating healthcare. When a child falls behind or an adult loses motivation to read, the door to opportunity begins to close.
"Third spaces," environments outside of home and school, are vital to closing the gap and addressing the literacy crisis. Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) is that space. We provide a welcoming space for reluctant readers of all ages looking to become lifelong learners.
We know that Summer Challenge prizes help increase participation and create excitement for reading. Last year over 15,000 people participated in the Summer Challenge, and over 51% of readers finished the program reading for more than 20 days—WOW!
2025 was a record-breaking year, and the program continues to grow, increasing over 300% in participation since 2021.
“It has encouraged my child to read more and I can see such improvement in her ability in a short period because of it,” one customer said in her feedback for the program.
But we can’t keep pace with demand without your help. While the library provides the program, you provide the motivation. For many participants, the grand prizes are the "finish line" that encourages them to read just one more chapter and hit their summer reading goals. Your gift ensures that every reader, regardless of age or income, has a reason to dream big this summer.
Will you support the Summer Challenge this year?
When you support the Summer Challenge, you help offset the costs for prizes that the library wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. By making your gift today, you can spark more excitement, reward more readers, and improve the lives of real people in our community.
Thank you for being an important part of this work this summer and beyond.