The Albert L. Scott Library’s 2025 Color Our World™ Summer Challenge is set to bring a rainbow of reading and programming starting in June! Art and literature have the power to transform, uplift, and connect us. They offer new perspectives while fostering empathy and understanding. This summer, we invite you to embrace the beauty of art through books and activities—creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences.
Why Join the Challenge?
Reading keeps minds active and prevents learning loss. Studies show that people who participate in reading programs not only maintain their skills but often improve their reading levels. Sign up beginning May 28 via ReadSquaredand keep the learning going!
A Challenge for Every Age!
- Pre-K (Ages 0-4): Designed for our youngest readers, this program offers all the fun of our regular challenge at an age-appropriate level. Participants will enjoy treasure box prizes that will be exchanged every week and an exciting grand prize. We’re sure the little ones will love it!
- Children (Ages 5-11): Tailored for a wide range of reading abilities, this program supports lap readers, emerging readers, and independent readers. Participants can log reading time or book count, with extra points awarded for chapter books. The program features leveled prizes and a grand prize drawing at summer’s end.
- Teens (Tweens & Teens, Ages 12-18): Teens will enjoy leveled prizes and weekly prize drawings. For every two books read per week, participants earn an entry into the weekly prize drawing—more reading means more chances to win! Three winners each week will receive a digital gift card to Domino’s, AMC Theatres, Dunkin’ Donuts, Amazon, or Starbucks. A grand prize drawing will also be held at the end of the summer.
- Adults: Read one book per week to enter our weekly prize drawings. Reading seven books earns an entry into the grand-prize drawing. Only teen, young adult, and adult titles qualify. Adults can also complete activities to earn a Missions Badge and enter the Missions Prize Drawing. Teens (ages 16-18) may choose between the Teen or Adult Program. Those registering for the Adult Program will follow its prize system but can still participate in teen programming.
The Kickoff!
We will have two kickoffs on June 2 for all ages with The Art of Magic by Russell Davis. The same performance will be presented at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in the Nan Abbott Room.
New Programs!
The Summer Challenge will include several weeks of interactive programs at the library including: animal visits, arts and crafts, community service projects, magic and music, puppets, science, and story times. There are new presenters as well as longstanding favorites. Also, our Junior Librarians will conduct several programs that they have designed. We’ll have two Intensive Watercolor Workshops, one for younger kids and another for teenagers. New performers include ventriloquist Gene Cordova, Magical Poodles, Alabama Ballet, and critters from Tuscaloosa Barnyard. Returning favorites include Mr. Larry Magic and the Reads & Deeds community service projects.
Drama Change Up!
New this summer is a free, week-long Intensive Drama Workshop with Darrell Revel for kids 8 to 15 years old during the week of June 23. This new intensive workshop will take the place of our five-week drama series from years past. Participants must be registered for the Summer Challenge in order to sign up for the workshop. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Special Art Series for Teens!
Rising sixth through 12th graders can join us for Empowering Healthy Relationships through Art presented by SafeHouse. This four-part series uses art-based activities to help students explore and understand key concepts around healthy relationships, boundaries, digital safety, and self-expression.
Special Partnership: Summer Reading x2
This year, the library is partnering with Alabaster City Schools (ACS) Warrior Reading Literacy Camps at Creek View Elementary and Meadow View Elementary. Students enrolled in literacy camp at either school can bring their Summer Reading x2 flyer to the library to register for the challenge and receive a special prize. We will also have books and resources pulled specifically for these families to explore.
The Finale!
We welcome everyone to celebrate reading success at our first-ever evening finale on July 29 at 6 p.m. with Picture-Perfect Party featuring Didgeridoo Down Under & More!
Important Dates to Remember:
May 28 – Registration opens & bag pickup
June 2 – Kickoff
June 5 – First day to claim prizes
June 19 – Library Closed for Juneteenth
July 4-6 – Library Closed for Independence Day (drop boxes will be locked)
July 21 – Last day to register
July 29 – Finale
July 31 – Grand prize drawings (log reading by 12 noon) and last day to pick up prizes
The 2025 Summer Reading Program is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Alabama Public Library Service.
Scan the code or go to https://linktr.ee/alabasterlibrary for registration, event calendars, logging, and more!
June Summer Challenge Activities
June 2 – Kickoff Event: The Art of Magic | 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
June 4 – Be at Your Best Drums | 3 p.m.
June 5 – Tuscaloosa Barnyard | 10:30 a.m.
June 7 – Watercolor Friendship Mountains | 2 p.m.
June 9 – The Color of Science | 10:30 a.m.
June 10 – Reads & Deeds | 1 p.m.
June 11
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- Mr. Larry’s Kaleidoscope of Magic | 10:30 a.m.
- Teen Time: Public Speaking – Let Your Voice Be Heard! | 2 p.m.
- Colorful Crowns & Terrific Tales | 4:30 p.m.
June 12
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- LEGO® Day! | 10:30 a.m.
- McWane Science Center | 1 p.m.
June 16
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- Kids Intensive Watercolor Workshop | 10 a.m.–noon
- Teen Time: Intensive Watercolor Workshop | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
June 17 – Color Our World: Library Scavenger Hunt | 1–2 p.m.
June 18
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- Birds of Prey | 10:30 a.m.
- Art of Puppetry & Ventriloquism Show | 2 p.m.
June 19 – Library Closed (Juneteenth)
June 20 – Cool Summer Crafts | 2:30 p.m.
June 21
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- Science Saturday: Optical Illusions | 10:30 a.m.
- Origami Boundary Box | 2 p.m.
June 23 – June 27
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- Kids Intensive Drama Workshop (Ages 8-11) | 3–4:20 p.m.
- Teen Time: Intensive Drama Workshop (Ages 12-15) | 4:30–5:50 p.m.
June 24 – Reads & Deeds | 1 p.m.
June 25 – Garden Club | 4 p.m.
June 26 – Chess & Checkers Game Night | 6 p.m.
June 28 – Drama Showcase | 2 p.m. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)
June 29 – Sherbet Sunday | 2–3 p.m. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)
July Summer Challenge Activities
July 4 & 5 – Library Closed (Independence Day)
July 7 Chomp, Chomp, Oh My! (Birmingham Zoo) | 10 a.m. & 10:40 a.m.
July 8 – Reads & Deeds | 1 p.m.
July 9
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- Pigments of Your Imagination: Magic Show | 10:30 a.m.
- Alabama Ballet | 4 p.m.
July 10
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- LEGO® Time! | 10:30 a.m.
- Musical Instruments Petting Zoo | 2 p.m.
July 11 – Magical Poodles | 2 p.m.
July 12 – Choose Your Own Adventure Zine | 2 p.m.
July 14
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- Civic Champions Stories & Activities | 10:30 a.m.
- Teen Time: Ice Cream Challenge | 3 p.m.
July 15 – Teen Time: Tiny Art | 3 p.m.
July 16
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- Birds of Prey & Herbs | 10:30 a.m.
- Teen Time: Ramen Dress-up | 3 p.m.
July 17
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- Alabama Department of Archives & History | 10:30 a.m.
- Teen Time: Crafternoon | 3 p.m.
July 18 – Teen Time: Chocolate Challenge | 3 p.m.
July 19 – Science Saturday: Rocket Science | 10:30 a.m.
July 20 – Slime Sunday: Unicorn Rainbow Slime | 2 p.m.
July 21 – Teen Time: Safety First | 2 p.m.
July 22 – Reads & Deeds | 1 p.m.
July 23 – Garden Club | 4 p.m.
July 26 – Digital Safety & Mask Making | 2 p.m.
July 29 – Finale: Picture Perfect Party with Didgeridoo Down Under & More! | 6 p.m.
Another Generous Donation
A heartfelt thank you to Representative Russell Bedsole for generously awarding the Library a community educational grant! Thanks to this support, we’re excited to introduce two brand-new collections:
The Early Childhood Collection – Designed for ages 0-2, this collection will foster early literacy and provide valuable resources for our youngest readers.
The Video Game Collection – Featuring Nintendo Switch games available for checkout, bringing entertainment and interactive learning to our community.
Both collections will be available soon, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
“In today’s rapidly changing world, access to information is more important than ever. This funding will help the library continue to serve as a hub for education, literacy, and community engagement. As long as I have that opportunity to serve in this capacity, I will ensure funds are delivered to our local libraries.”
~ Representative Russell Bedsole