Experience the Library
You’ve heard about HDL's events, but there’s so much more to experience at your library!
Summer Reading Challenge
This summer, Herrick District Library, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, and the City of Holland Recreation Department are coming together to present the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge: The Truth is Out There. Pick up a trail map to complete the challenge. Maps are available at either Herrick District Library location.
Choose how you want to participate in the challenge:
Our Summer Challenge Partners
The Library isn't the only place to experience this summer. Check out events at the library or visit local parks to make the most of every week all summer long:
Storywalks
In collaboration with Ottawa County Parks we’re once again offering StoryWalks this season! Walk through the pages of a book as you make your way along a park path during regular park hours.
- June 2-22 at Riley Trails: In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
- June 16-July 6 at Paw Paw East: Milo Walking by James Howe
- June 30-July 20 at Pine Bend: Now by Antoinette Portis
- July 14-August 3 at Paw Paw Park East: Berry Song by Michaela Goede
- July 28-August 17 at Hemlock Crossing: Boy Here, Boy There by Chuck Groenink
- August 11-August 31 at Paw Paw East: The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya
Kids Summer Writing Challenge
For ages 5-10
Herrick District Library is excited to host the “Stories Are Out There” summer writing challenge for kids ages 5-10!
At the end of the summer, all stories submitted will be compiled into an anthology and added to the library’s collection.
Entries accepted June 1 through August 1. Late entries will not be accepted.
All authors and winners will be celebrated at our Story Celebration Ceremony on August 25th.
Teen Summer Writing Contest
For ages 11-18
Herrick District Library is excited to host another summer of writing with our 2025 teen short story contest: "Stories Are Out There." Stories will be judged in two age categories: 11-13 and 14-18.
Entries accepted June 1 through August 1. Late entries will not be accepted.
All authors and winners will be celebrated at our Story Celebration Ceremony on August 25th. All entries will be bound into a book that can be checked out at both library locations!
North Branch Book Club
Every month the North Branch will pick a book for our community of readers to read together and talk about. Our goal is to pick a plethora of books from a wide variety of genres and authors. Feel free to stop in and check it out or look at some similar reads.
- June: The Song of Achilles by Madline Miller
- July: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
- August: Thunderstruck by Erik Larson
Shark Week
Visit the Main Library to embark on a shark scavenger hunt, snag shark facts from the gumball machine, and go fishing in the two-story play area.
Sunday, July 6 – Saturday, July 13
Cryptid Scavenger Hunt
For ages 8+
Cryptids are mysterious creatures that no one can confirm—or deny—actually exist. You’ll have the chance to hunt them down in the library. Plus, don’t miss out on our “Design Your Own Cryptid” activity at the Create Table, available all throughout July!
Monday, July 28 - Saturday, August 2
Navigating Digital Information
Explore Crash Course: Navigating Digital Information with author John Green, and sharpen your online sleuthing skills in a fun, engaging way. For every video you watch, you can fill out a raffle ticket to win a $25 BAM! gift certificate. One entry per video - up to 10 entries per person.
Illustration Station
For kids ages 5-11 at the North Branch
Drop into the North Branch for supplies and instructions, while supplies last. Stay and create at the library or pick up instructions so you can test out the illustration technique at home.
- June: This month, kids can try their hand at creating art inspired by the illustrations of Molly Idle's Flora and the Flamingo.
- July: This month, kids can try their hand at creating art inspired by the illustrations of JiHyeon Le's Pool.
- August: This month, kids can try their hand at creating art inspired by the illustrations of Jerry Pinkney's The Lion and the Mouse.
Teen Art Gallery
For teens ages 11-18
Teens are invited to craft their own cryptid-inspired shadow boxes to display in the Teen Art Gallery this summer starting June 1! Choose your favorite legendary creature—like Bigfoot, Mothman, the Jersey Devil, or one of your own invention—and bring it to life using mixed media, natural materials, and creative storytelling. These shadow boxes can capture eerie forest sightings, dramatic encounters, or mysterious habitats. Let your imagination run wild and showcase your inner folklorist! All materials provided at the youth services desk, while supplies last.