Bellevue Library Summer Programs Reaches New Heights in 2025

The Bellevue Public Library’s Summer Library Program (SLP) soared to new heights in 2025 with its exciting “Level Up at Your Library” theme — and for the first time, the program was held in the library’s brand-new location at 2206 Longo Drive.

Designed for ages 0 to 18, the summer-long program encouraged kids and teens to complete fun challenges, explore creativity, and develop positive reading habits. With activities throughout June and July, the program promoted family time, reading, and adventure — and the community responded enthusiastically.

The Children’s Department had a record-breaking summer, smashing last year’s participation numbers by over 40%. A total of 1,220 children through grade 6 signed up for “Level Up at Your Library,” diving into a wide variety of enriching activities. Participants spent their summer creating art, playing outside, reading books, attending library programs, and even completing acts of kindness.

As they met milestones throughout the program, kids earned a variety of rewards. This summer, the library handed out 377 free books, along with oodles of prizes and snacks to enthusiastic young library patrons. One of the most popular incentives was the Level Up Brag Tags, awarded to all participants in kindergarten through 6th grade for each level they achieved.

Kids earned grand prize entries for each level they completed, putting their names into the drawing for one of 54 grand prize packages, which include books, games, Noah’s Ark Workshop stuffies, and other exciting goodies. The winners of those prizes will be announced soon.

Teens were given the opportunity to chart their own summer reading journey. 153 teens in grades 7 through 12 joined the program and set personalized weekly reading goals. When they met their targets, they were rewarded with mystery prize orbs — a hit among participants — and entries to win one of 10 teen grand prizes.

Beyond reading, teens took part in a variety of engaging events. Offerings included Babysitting Certification courses, Game Fests, a Tiny Art Show, and a Journal Studio, providing a mix of practical skill-building and creative exploration.

This year’s program was the first held at the library’s new, state-of-the-art location at 2206 Longo Drive, Ste 100, which opened to the public in October 2024. The new location provided an exciting space for programs, activities, and reading (the cozy reading nooks in the Children’s area are a favorite)! The Youth Services staff did a great job of decorating to match the Level Up theme, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that inspired participation and engagement across age groups.

“We’re thrilled with the response from the community this summer,” said Youth Services Librarian Michelle Bullock. “The move to our new location gave us a fresh start, and the enthusiasm around Level Up at Your Library exceeded all expectations. For the kids who participated in Bellevue Public Library’s 2025 summer program, the rewards go far beyond prizes — kids and teens gained confidence, built community connections, and discovered the joy of reading and creativity that will last well beyond the summer months.”

| Pictures Provided by the Bellevue Public Library |