Carrollton Receives H-E-B Summer at the Library Grant

The Carrollton Public Library (CPL) was recently selected to receive a $4,000 Library grant from the Texas Library Association (TLA) for expanding and enhancing summer programming.

The Summer at the Library Grant program is supported by in-store donations at H-E-B locations and distributed through TLA. The money has funded summer reading programs and initiatives at libraries across Texas since 2024. Hundreds of libraries submitted for consideration this year, and CPL was one of 104 libraries selected in the state. By providing financial assistance, this grant helps libraries create engaging experiences, develop impactful programs, offer outreach and learning opportunities, and reach more community members.

Carrollton will use the money to enhance the prize selection for this year's Summer Reading Challenge (SRC), specifically, books for all age groups that participants can earn. Other prizes include drawing tickets for gift cards from locations such as Amazon, Dutch Bros Coffee, Half Price Books, and other local attractions.

There's still time to participate in this year's Summer Reading Challenge through Saturday, August 1. Log minutes to earn prizes by reading books, eBooks, magazines, or newspapers. Time spent listening to audiobooks counts toward the challenge, too. Participants can also celebrate their reading success at the End of Summer Reading Party at the Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex on Friday, August 7 with swimming and fun activities.

To learn more and sign up to participate, visit Summer Reading Challenge.

TLA is the largest state library association in the United States with more than 5,000 members who work in public school, academic, and special libraries. For more information on the Summer at the Library grant program and other support efforts, visit Texas Library Association.

Click for Summer Reading Challenge Video (English) or Summer Reading Challenge Video (Spanish)

Book Those Reading Goals with Summer Reading Challenge
Post Date: 4/28/2026 3:20 PM

The Carrollton Public Library presents the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) from Monday, June 1 through Saturday, August 1, offering reading programs for everyone. Register starting Friday, May 1 at Summer Reading Challenge or Beanstack.

Residents across all age groups can take the challenge by reading and logging minutes to earn prizes. Carrollton residents don't need a Library card to join, though it is encouraged and free to get one. A Library card opens up a whole new world of literary possibilities, including free access to digital media services such as CloudLibrary and hoopla. Reading eBooks, magazines, or newspapers and listening to audiobooks count toward the challenge, too.

Register for the Kids program (12 and under) or the Teen & Adult program (13+). Parents of children below the age of 5 are encouraged to participate in the year-round 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, and adults who want to make reading a habit all year round can sign up for the new Read 365 challenge. Both are available at Beanstack.

"The Carrollton Public Library is excited to continue offering our Summer Reading Challenge," Rachel Young, Carrollton Public Library Interim Director, said. "This updated program makes it easier than ever for children and adults to track books and minutes and celebrate their accomplishments with fun prizes."

Earn SRC prizes by logging reading minutes. Track minutes online or download the free Beanstack Tracker app. For every 300 minutes read, participants will earn a prize, such as a book or a drawing ticket. Prizes are earned at 300, 600, 900, 1,200, 2,400, and 4,800 minutes logged. Drawing tickets offer a chance to win gift cards from Amazon, Dutch Bros Coffee, Half Price Books, and more.

This year's program also includes additional activities and challenges for completing online or in the app to earn additional drawing tickets. Paper logs will be available at both Library locations.

SRC participants can join Carrollton Public Library staff to celebrate their reading success at the End of Summer Reading Party at the Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex on Friday, August 7 with swimming and fun activities. Participants will earn their invite badge and bookmark after logging any number of minutes toward the challenge.

Parents of children below the age of 5 are encouraged to participate in the year-round 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, and adults who want to make reading a habit all year can sign up for the new Read 365 challenge. Both are available at Beanstack.

For current Library service hours, visit the Library Page. The Library's digital branch is available 24/7, offering access to a variety of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more. Holds and other inquiries can be made by phone during Library service hours or anytime online.

SRC is sponsored by the Friends of the Carrollton Public Library. To register, visit Beanstack or download the free app and create an account. For more information about the program, visit Summer Reading Challenge, email [email protected], or call 972-466-4800.