Clayton Library Readers Log More Than 137,000 Minutes This Summer

CLAYTON – Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library celebrates a successful chapter in summer reading. Between July 1 and August 16, participants in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge logged more than 137,000 minutes. That is nearly 15,000 minutes more than last year, despite a later start and the program taking place in a temporary location while the library’s main building undergoes renovation.

Its success was driven by strong participation across all ages. More than 500 readers registered for the challenge, representing children, teens, and adults who embraced this year’s theme, Color Our World, by spending their summer exploring books and building a lifelong love of reading.

“Reaching more than 137,000 minutes of reading is an amazing achievement,” said Library Manager Mel Poole. “To see this level of participation while our library is in transition shows how much this community values reading and learning. These numbers highlight the important role the library plays in people’s lives every day.”

The library’s temporary home at 446 East Second Street welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors during the six-week challenge. Circulation was robust with nearly 14,000 physical items and more than 4,000 digital items checked out. Staff also issued nearly 350 new library cards, putting more residents in touch with the library’s resources.

The challenge further inspired readers to push beyond the basic requirements. A total of 133 participants achieved ‘Super Reader’ status, meaning they doubled their assigned reading minutes. Many of these readers were children, strengthening their skills and building confidence that will benefit them when school begins again.

“Young people especially showed us the power of stories this summer,” said Youth Services Supervisor Grace Davis. “When children go above and beyond their reading goals, they are not only preventing the ‘summer slide,’ they are gaining imagination, creativity, and joy that will stay with them. That kind of growth is what makes the Summer Reading Challenge so special.”

The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge and its programming was made possible with support from the Friends of the Library – Clayton, NC, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing literacy and enhancing library services.