Amid frequent relocations, deployments, and the unique challenges of military life, Marine Corps families often seek stability and enrichment for themselves and their children. Fortunately, a remarkable resource exists right on base that many families may not be fully utilizing: Marine Corps libraries. These community hubs offer far more than just books—they provide educational resources, technology access, community connections, and engaging programs designed specifically for military families. As summer approaches, these libraries are preparing to launch their most anticipated annual initiative: the Summer Reading Program.

Marine Corps Libraries: More Than Just Books

Marine Corps base libraries stand as beacons of knowledge, entertainment, and community on installations worldwide. These modern facilities have evolved far beyond traditional libraries to become comprehensive resource centers that support the educational, professional, and recreational needs of Marines and their families.

These libraries typically offer extensive collections of books, magazines, and multimedia resources, but they also provide computers with free internet access, quiet study spaces, meeting rooms, and children’s areas. Many have expanded their offerings to include Makerspaces, indoor playgrounds, and even cafes! Patrons can access online databases and other digital resources from anywhere in the world—a particularly valuable feature for deployed Marines and families navigating frequent relocations.

Additionally, these libraries serve as community gathering spaces, hosting book clubs, storytime sessions for children, craft workshops, technology classes, and special events throughout the year. These activities provide opportunities for military families to connect with others facing similar life circumstances, building crucial support networks.

Summer Reading Program 2025: Level Up at Your Library

This summer, Marine Corps libraries will launch their 2025 Summer Reading Program: “Level Up at Your Library.” This all-ages initiative centers around the powerful connection between play, games, and learning—offering a fun and engaging way for military families to maintain educational momentum during the school break.

The program’s playful theme reminds participants that libraries are spaces for both knowledge acquisition and enjoyment. From STEAM-based learning activities to escape rooms, chess instruction to video game coding workshops, “Level Up at Your Library” transforms summer reading into an adventure that appeals to children, teens, and adults alike!

Participation is straightforward: families can register online at: https://www.beanstack.com/dod or at their base library, where they’ll receive program overviews, activity schedules, and information about special events. Most installations offer prizes and recognition for reading milestones, creating additional motivation for young readers. The flexible program allows participants to read what interests them—whether that’s graphic novels, biographies, fantasy adventures, or professional development materials. For families not near an installation, there’s even a virtual program on the Beanstack website.

Combating the “Summer Slide”

Beyond providing entertainment, the Summer Reading Program addresses a critical educational concern known as the “summer slide”—the documented decline in academic skills that often occurs during school breaks when students aren’t engaged in educational activities.

This phenomenon particularly impacts military children, who already face unique educational challenges. Frequent school transitions (military children attend an average of six to nine different schools during their K-12 years) can create learning gaps and adjustment difficulties. The summer months without structured learning can exacerbate these challenges.

Research spanning 100 years consistently shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do at the beginning. This learning loss is cumulative, with effects that can follow children throughout their academic careers.

Libraries are a proven part of the solution. National research from Dominican University* demonstrates that students who participate in public library summer reading programs score higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year compared to non-participants. Additionally, parents report that children enrolled in such programs spend more time reading, consume more books, and approach the new school year with greater confidence and preparedness.

For military families dealing with deployments, relocations, and the various stressors of service life, the structured engagement of the Summer Reading Program provides a valuable constant. It’s not just about preventing academic regression—it’s about providing a sense of continuity and normalcy through books and community activities.

Benefits Beyond Academics

While academic maintenance is a primary goal, the Summer Reading Program delivers numerous additional benefits to Marine Corps families:

Family Bonding: The program encourages families to read together, creating shared experiences and memories. This can be especially valuable during times of separation or transition.

Community Connection: Program activities bring families together, facilitating friendships and support networks. For newly arrived families, the library offers an immediate introduction to the base community.

Stress Reduction: Reading provides an effective escape from the stressors of military life for both children and adults. Library programs offer constructive recreational outlets during the sometimes-challenging summer months.

Cost-Free Entertainment: In an era of expensive summer camps and activities, the library’s free resources and programs provide equal-opportunity enrichment regardless of rank or financial situation.

Portable Skills and Interests: Reading habits and library engagement are portable skills that military children can take with them to any new duty station, providing continuity amidst change.

How to Get Involved

Participation in the Summer Reading Program is open to all Marine Corps families, and getting started is simple:

1. Visit your base library: Stop by to register for the program and pick up your program information. Library staff can provide program calendars and answer questions about logging minutes and collecting prizes.
2. Attend the kick-off event: Most installations host special launch events in early June with activities, refreshments, and program information.
3. Set reading goals: Work with your children to establish achievable summer reading targets based on their age and ability. Most libraries have target reading goals built into their programs.
4. Participate regularly: Check the event calendar for weekly activities related to the “Level Up” theme, from board game tournaments to coding workshops.
5. Track progress: Log the entire family’s minutes on the Beanstack website or app.
6. Celebrate achievements: Attend the end-of-summer celebration event where participants receive recognition for their accomplishments. Most libraries will have refreshments, entertainment, and activities!

A Community Anchor

In the often-transient world of military service, Marine Corps libraries provide a constant. They offer a familiar environment where families can find resources, connection, and support at every new duty station. The Summer Reading Program represents just one facet of these libraries’ commitment to serving the unique needs of Marine Corps families.

As summer approaches, Marine Corps families are encouraged to discover—or rediscover—this invaluable resource available on their installation. By participating in the “Level Up at Your Library” Summer Reading Program, families can combat summer learning loss, foster a love of reading, build community connections, and create positive memories that will last long after the season ends.

The evidence is clear: children who are read to at home and who use the library perform better academically and are more likely to become lifelong learners. With millions of children attending library programs annually nationwide, these institutions remain vital centers for education and community building—and Marine Corps base libraries stand ready to serve the specific needs of military families with dedication and understanding.

This summer, make your base library a regular destination. With resources that inform, entertain, connect, and inspire, it truly is—as the Summer Reading Program reminds us—a place to level up.