The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) is set to launch its “Color Our World” 2025 Summer Reading Program, running from June 1 to August 2. Open to everyone, the nine-week program promises over 100 educational events, along with regular story times, book clubs, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities designed to keep kids engaged throughout the summer, according to an announcement on the St. Johns County website.
The initiative encourages participants to actively pick up a free reading log at any SJCPLS branch or bookmobile stop, with incentives designed to keep them reading. As part of the program, for every five days of reading logged, prizes are to be earned. Families can look forward to a variety of color-themed fun, including games, scavenger hunts, and movie matinees that all can enjoy together. The program also boasts live animal encounters and nature programs by Marineland and Wild Wonders.
In a statement from the library's official press release, Library System Director Debra Rhodes Gibson expressed concern about the "summer slide," a term used to describe the academic regression children face when they don’t read over summer break. “Our Summer Reading Program offers incentives to keep kids engaged and their reading skills strong heading into the new school year,” said Gibson, as noted by St. Johns County, highlighting the educational importance of the program.
For those interested, the full schedule of the 2025 Summer Reading Program is available on the SJCPLS website. The “Color Our World” initiative is proudly backed by SJCPLS's multiple Friends of the Library groups. Through their contributions, the library system strives to serve the community by providing access to its vast resources and services.
Magic shows, nature detective workshops hosted by the Garden Club of St. Augustine, and various creative activities will also be part of the program, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The St. Johns County Public Library System continues to serve as a community anchor, facilitating enjoyment and learning through access to technology, facilities, collections, programs, and services that fulfill its mission to Connect, Learn, Enjoy @ Your Library. To stay updated on SJCPLS activities and services, the public is encouraged to like the St. Johns County Public Library System on Facebook and to follow along on Instagram for the latest news and event postings.
