Summer Learning 2025

A Season of Reading, Discovery, and Community

When the final school bell rings in June, Kitsap Regional Library’s Summer Learning program is just getting started! Each summer, the Library invites families to explore, imagine, and grow together - and this year, our community showed up in record numbers.

In the video below, Sharon Grant, Patron Experience Manager, presents the results of this year’s program at the September Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees meeting. Spoiler alert - it was a smashing success!

Mission Moment: Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees Meeting September 2025

Learning Together, Growing Together

At the heart of Summer Learning is a simple goal: help kids (and grown-ups!) keep learning all summer long. Whether it’s through reading, exploring interests, or attending a hands-on event, the Library believes learning should be joyful - and shared.

This year, more than 9,000 readers completed the 10-hour reading challenge, earning free books, journals, and even tickets to the Seattle Storm! Nearly 5,000 readers reached 50 hours (and snagged a stylish tote), while 4,500 super readers hit the 100-hour mark, celebrating their success with t-shirts and enamel pins.

A Summer Bursting with Discovery

Beyond books, curiosity took center stage through the learning challenge, encouraging community members to set and achieve their own learning goals - from building skills to exploring new passions. Over 1,100 participants took part!

And that’s not all - our libraries buzzed with energy, hosting over 700 programs across Kitsap County and welcoming nearly 16,000 attendees. From chalk art circles in Port Orchard to West African dance at the Admiral Theatre, every event was a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate creativity.

Building Community Through Connection

Perhaps the best part of Summer Learning? The connections it creates. One participant shared:

“Having someone to share our accomplishments with and someone being excited for us and sharing in celebrating us reaching a personal goal. It was fun to have something to work on with my daughter to motivate both of us to read.”

Another said:

“It’s a tradition we share with family and friends, and even feel a stronger sense of community when we see all the t-shirts out and about. Instant topic of conversation for my kids with other people.”

Thank You, Kitsap!

Behind every reading log, event, and smile stands an incredible team: Library staff, Friends groups, Foundation donors, and amazing community partners. You help make summers brighter, bolder, and more inspiring for Kitsap kids and families.

Here’s to another year of stories, smiles, and summer curiosity. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!