Level Up at Your Library with St. Helens Summer Library Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2025

St. Helens, Ore. – St. Helens Public Library invites you to level up at your library during the 2025 Summer Library Challenge for youth, teens, and adults. The program will run from June 16 to August 9, 2025, and includes activities for children, teens, and adults. You do not need a library card to participate in the program or attend events.

The 2025 Summer Library Challenge theme “Level Up at Your Library” is based on using puzzles and games to encourage reading and as a way of playing with words, concepts, and ideas.

The Summer Library Challenge offers programs in three different categories: a youth program for ages birth to 13, a teen program for ages 13 to 18, and an adult program for ages 18 and older.

Youth Ages Birth to 13

Parents and caregivers should register their youth on Beanstack at https://sthelens.beanstack.com/reader365 beginning on June 9 or in person at St. Helens Public Library beginning on June 16. Once registered, pick up a free drawstring pack, book, bookmark, and a reading log at the Library beginning June 16.

You can earn badges by logging the minutes you read either on Beanstack or at the Library, then pick up your badges at the Library. Each time you visit the Library, you can take one spin of the prize wheel to win a prize.

In addition to a reading log and prizes, the Library hosts family storytimes every Thursday at 11 a.m. and special programs throughout the summer. See the schedule below for more details.

Teens Ages 13 to 18

Register on Beanstack at https://sthelens.beanstack.com/reader365 or in person at the St. Helens Public Library. Once registered, pick up a free backpack, book, and bookmark at the Library.

Log the minutes you read to earn badges for a chance to win weekly drawings for $5 Dutch Bros coffee cards. Four grand prizes at the end of the program include a $100 endlessound records gift card, a $100 Powell’s Bookstore gift card, a $100 Blick Art Materials gift card, and a $100 Pantheon Comics and Games gift card. 

In addition to the weekly drawings and grand prizes, teens can participate in programs hosted by performers and Library staff. See the schedule below for additional details.

Adults Ages 18 and Older

Register on Beanstack at https://sthelens.beanstack.com/reader365 or in person at the Library.

Once registered, submit book reviews or log reading time each week to be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win a $20 gift card for local restaurants. Participants who complete one challenge earn a tote bag and can also earn books from the Library’s prize cart. Programs will also be offered throughout the summer. See the schedule below for additional details.

Participants have the chance to win one of two grand prizes at the end of the program: a “Night Out in St. Helens” which includes a $50 gift card to a local restaurant and tickets to Columbia Theatre; or “Afternoon Fun” which includes two one-hour kayak rentals from Next Adventure and a $40 gift card to a local restaurant.

Summer Library Challenge Programs

You do not have to have a library card or participate in the Summer Library Challenge or to attend the following programs. Registration and information about programs can be found on the Library website at www.sthelensoregon.gov/library. Some programs require pre-registration and include specific age ranges. Please read the descriptions carefully.

Collage Coasters (Adults and Crafts), Tuesday, June 10, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bring your creative ideas, scissor and gluing skills, and your love of art! Use your own papers from home to create an object inspired by a treasured memory or a keepsake from your favorite vacation. We will also have collage materials available. Join us to create unique, functional pieces of art to cherish for years to come. Registration required.

Book Club, Tuesday, June 17, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Book pick: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. Eleanor, 29, lives a satisfactory solitary life. Into her life comes Raymond who helps her come out of her shell. Part comic novel, part emotional thriller, and part love story. For adults only and you do not have to have finished the book to participate. No registration required.

Kick-Off Event, Wednesday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Join KC Puppetree and her team of recycled puppets for an EPIC dance party as we kick off our Summer Library Challenge. Sign up for the challenge, receive your registration prize, and dance to your favorite tunes. This family-friendly program is great for all ages. No registration required.

Game Night, Wednesday, June 18, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Get your game on! Join us for a fun evening of board games where you can learn how to play something new or share your love of a favorite. We’ll have games for all skill levels and for a variety of different interests. For adults only. No registration required.

Escape Room Program for Adults and Teens 13+, Tuesday, June 24, 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Escaping the library is harder than it seems ... Choose one of two rooms, register your group of five to seven people, and try to solve the clues to free yourselves before time runs out! If you don't have a group of five to seven people, that's okay. Simply join an existing group. Session length is 45 minutes. Registration is required and is limited to one time slot.

Big Messy Art, Wednesday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us on the front porch of the Library for hands-on finger-painting fun! This family-friendly program is perfect for all ages. Plan on getting messy and wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on. No registration required.

Teen Maker, Wednesday, June 25, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Teens ages 13-17 are welcome to join us in the Makerspace and discover what they can create! A signed waiver must be on file (see Library staff). No registration required.

Puzzle Night, Tuesday, July 1, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Do you have old puzzles that you’d like to exchange for something different? Bring them to Puzzle Night and swap with other participants. We will also have some puzzles available to work on as a group. For adults only. No registration required.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Wednesday, July 2, 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Drop off your stuffie for their own special storytime sleepover! Come back in the morning to pick them up and hear about what kind of library shenanigans all the stuffed animals got up to together. All participants will receive a special memory book about their stuffies' library experience. No registration required.

Border Collie International Canine Performing Team, Tuesday July 8, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Join Greg and his amazing team of rescued sports dogs. They will be performing world-class frisbee tricks, a variety of sports tricks, and showing off their best dance moves! Pick up some tips and tricks for teaching your pup at home. This program is family friendly and suitable for all ages. No registration required.

Book Light (Adults and Crafts), Tuesday, July 8, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Create a cute book-shaped night light. For adults only. Registration required.

Book Club, Tuesday, July 15, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Book pick: “Lily and the Octopus” by Steven Rowley. This book reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all. For adults only. No registration required.

Hand Sewing Part 1, Wednesday, July 16, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is part one of a two-part session that introduces some basic hand sewing skills. Participants will learn some basic stitches and how to sew on a button. For adults only. Registration required and signing up for both sessions is encouraged.

OMSI presents Electrifying Science, Tuesday, July 22, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join the Library in welcoming the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as they bring the magic of electricity to life! This family-friendly assembly is perfect for grades K-12. Doors will open at 10:45 a.m. Seating is limited and is first come, first served. No registration required.

Hand Sewing Part 2, Tuesday, July 22, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is part two of a two-part session that introduces some basic hand sewing skills. Participants will use some of the skills from part one to mend or embellish items. For adults only. Registration required and signing up for both sessions is encouraged.

Teen Maker, Wednesday, July 23, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Teens 13-17 are welcome to join us in the Makerspace and discover what they can create! A signed waiver must be on file (see Library staff). No registration required.

Puzzle Making, Tuesday, July 29, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We are excited to demonstrate some of the cool equipment you can use in our Makerspace! Participants can choose to create a puzzle using our Glowforge, CNC Mill, Cricut, or 3D printer. For adults only. Space is limited and registration is required.

Nature Scavenger Hunt, Wednesday, July 30, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This family-friendly program will start out in the Library courtyard where you'll be given a list of items to search for throughout the McCormick Park trails. After completing the scavenger hunt, come back to the courtyard with your natural elements and use the Makerspace microscopes to take a closer look at some of your finds! This program is best for ages three to 12. Kids ages10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Giant Jenga, Tuesday, August 5, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Do you have what it takes to be Jenga champion? Come test your skills against our giant Jenga sets! For adults only. No registration required.

Anime Teens, Wednesday, August 6, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Teens ages 13-17 are invited every first Wednesday at 4 p.m. to join like-minded anime fans for shows, crafts, and snacks. No registration required.

SUMMER LIBRARY CHALLENGE WRAP-UP PARTY: GIANT LAWN GAMES, Saturday, August 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come wrap up the Summer Library Challenge in the courtyard by being life-sized game pieces in giant lawn games! This family-friendly program is perfect for all ages. No registration required.

Book Purse (Adults and Crafts), Tuesday, August 12, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We will turn old hardback books into new, stylish, and unique purses. For adults only. Registration required.

Book Club, Tuesday, August 19, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Book pick: “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett. In this beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up, Ann Patchett once again proves herself one of America's finest writers. For adults only and you do not have to have finished the book to participate. No registration required.

Weekly Programs

Maker Monday, every Monday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All ages are welcome to work on projects together in the Makerspace. All children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Some equipment requires prior certification. No registration required.

Family Storytime, every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (no program July 17) Join us in the auditorium for a half hour of stories, body movement, singing, dancing, and rhymes! On July 10, we will have a special visit from a St. Helens Police Department officer (and their car!). Best for ages two to five. No registration required.

Half-Hour Maker Appointments, every Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Schedule a half-hour appointment to get certified on a piece of equipment, use a specific piece of equipment you've already been certified on, or work on a project you need help troubleshooting. All children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

Maker Friday, every Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., (no program July 4). All ages are welcome to come work on projects together in the Makerspace. All children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Some equipment requires prior certification. No registration required.

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For further information regarding the Summer Library Challenge, please contact St. Helens Public Library Director Suzanne Bishop at sbishop@sthelensoregon.gov or call the Library at 503-397-4544.