2026 Summer Reading
Events, Activities & Programs
All Summer Long – Eager Reader Program
The Eager Reader Program provides prizes for individuals who enroll in summer reading and check items out of the library between June 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026. Each item checked out from the library earns you a sticker for your tracker bookmark, and for every 10 stickers you can enter to win a prize basket.
Everyone who enrolls in Summer Reading earns a submission to win a prize basket!
Unearth Adventure!
Make a Splash
All ages
Start your summer with a splash! Join us on June 26th at 1pm on the library lawn for wild, water-filled fun. Enjoy a variety of activities including an ice block dino dig, splatter paint wall, 6-foot-tall dino sprinkler, and bubbles by Bunch of Bubbles! Free ice cream for children up to age 15 from Sprinkle Starship Ice Cream Truck, thanks to Wendy’s Wallet.
Unearth Curiosity!
Birds of Prey
All ages
Watch a live presentation from Braddock Bay Raptor Research on July 31st at 3pm. View non-releasable birds of prey up close and gain a deeper understanding of these unique predators and the important role they play in the environment.
Unearth Innovation!
Full STEAM ahead
Ages 5+
Join us August 28th at 2pm to take on hands-on STEAM challenges! Race rubber ducks, build spaghetti and marshmallow towers, and design your own volcano—then watch it erupt! Fun prizes for participants.
Ted’s Troupe Storytime
Ages 0 – 5 years
Early literacy support for birth thru age 5 children and their caregivers. Every Monday children enjoy some stories with Mrs. Weatherby, a snack, an activity and some social time with peers. Participants receive a complimentary tote and information packet to help with literacy at home, as well as a keepsake “My First Library Card” for your little one.
Dino Adoption Day
Ages 2 – 10 years
Each child can adopt a stuffie dino, complete with adoption certificate. Each dino comes with a book for children to read to their dino at bedtime. Events will take place throughout the summer, and any children who attend a subsequent adoption event will receive another free book.
Take-and-Makes
Ages 1-5
Take-and-makes are now available for our youngest library lovers! These simple, short projects are designed to be completed with the help of a caregiver and can be done in the library or at home. Be sure to explore the library and take home a few fun books or activities with your visit. Activities available on a first come, first serve basis. Check our Facebook page for detailed announcements of each project!
Take-and-Makes
Ages 6-11
Children learn thru play, and sometime’s that play happens on a flexible schedule. Activities will be available each month during library open hours, with activities changing all summer long. Activities available on a first come, first serve basis. Check our Facebook page for detailed announcements of each project!
Dinosaur Adventure Pass
All ages
Attend a library program any time between June 1 and August 31 to receive a Dinosaur Adventure Pass! Each program gets you a stamp, and if you collect 5 stamps you receive a free book from the “How Do Dinosaurs” series as a prize.
Movie Nights
All ages
Join us in the library each Thursday to select a movie title of your choice and receive complimentary candy and popcorn! This fun family activity can be shared by family members of all ages, and all movies within the library collection are eligible.
These programs are made possible with generous support from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County
Check out our regularly scheduled programs that are also taking place this summer, along with activities at neighboring and nearby locations!
All program details are subject to change without notice. Please check for updates prior to the program.