Beat the Summer Heat with Good Books – Summer Reading is BACK!

Medford, OR (May 30, 2025) – Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) is excited to launch its annual summer reading program! People of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun from June 1 through August 31. This summer’s theme highlights embracing nature!

Our Summer Reading Theme this year is Embrace the Wild – but what does that mean? “This means embracing the wild-erness, embracing the wildness of ourselves, embracing the wild frantic feeling of reading as much as you can, and embracing the wild carefree fun of the summer months,” said Brystan Strong, Programs Coordinator at Jackson County Library Services. Embrace the Wild emphasizes the area we reside in – surrounded by beautiful and mysterious wilderness that our communities like to engage with in a variety of ways. JCLS wanted to bring a little bit of that into the library through the types of programming that’s being offered, but we also hope that people bring some of the library out with them on their adventures this summer (but try not to get the books too dirty).

The annual Beanstack Summer Reading Challenge is starting on June 1. To take part, register through the Beanstack app at jcls.beanstack.org. Participants can use the app to record books read or minutes spent reading to earn unique virtual badges! Paper reading logs are also available at branches. Additionally, throughout the summer, JCLS is hosting numerous free themed events for all age groups. With everything from music and movement, learning to tie paracord knots and bracelets, creating a wilder landscape for your home to learning about beavers with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife! 

If you’re unsure which events to attend or want to see what other exciting events are happening at your local library branch, check out the 2025 Summer Event Guide. This 48-page bilingual guide outlines all the fun activities going on throughout the entire summer, so you don’t have to miss an event. You can also check out our full calendar at jcls.libcal.com. More information on Embrace the Wild can also be found at jcls.org/srp.