Free Summer Fun at Local Libraries
By: Hannah Thompson
Free Summer Fun at Local Libraries
Reading is a privilege for adults, and an integral part of development for children. Hardeman County is blessed with libraries who are devoted to creating quality summer reading programs that promote creativity, spark imagination, create a love for learning, maintain skills learned in the school year, and foster family bonding.
Summer reading programs feature fun reading competitions, as well as special events. These events are FREE and available to all citizens of Hardeman County, whether you have a library card or not. However, if you would like to get a library card, the Hardeman County librarians are always willing to help you with that.
The theme for this year’s summer reading program is “Unearth a Story” which will incorporate all things dinosaurs, paleontology, and discovery, combining history with reading and fun.
The Bolivar-Hardeman County Library is excited to host a brand new program, Paws to Read Storytime. This program will likely be best enjoyed by those ages 0-5, but all children are invited! At Paws to Read, Lily, a certified golden retriever, will be present with her human companion, Sandy Burnette. Lily will be available for tricks, pets, and cuddles while the librarians tell stories about prehistoric and Jurassic dinosaurs! The dates for the storytime are June 11, June 25, July 9, and July 23 at 10am.
The Bolivar-Hardeman County Library will also offer several prehistoric themed events for children including a craft hour to make Dino Habitat Jars on June 16 at 10am, a Dino Hunt on June 26 at 10am, a STEM Session making volcanoes on July 17 at 3:30pm, and a Fossil Dig on July 28 at 10am.
Every Wednesday, the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library will host a free movie day @10am. Bringing a lawn chair is encouraged. Feel free to bring a snack! The library will also offer complimentary popcorn. Click here to view the Wednesday movie schedule.
In addition, the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library is offering several special events for all ages, including a Summer Reading Festival that will include several games and activity booths, as well as an ice cream truck and a storytime brought by the Honorable Judge Harriet Thompson on June 5th from 1pm to 3pm, a Magic Show hosted by Braden Foster on June 12th at 10am, a zoo and learning lesson from Chickasaw State Park with birds and snakes on July 10 at 10am, and a summer finale featuring award distribution on July 20 at 10am.
Middleton Community Library invites Hardeman County residents to join them every Thursday in June at 11am for summer reading fun. MCL will host a Summer Reading Kickoff on June 4th with guests Chickasaw State Park and Honorable Judge Harriet Thompson. On June 11th, representatives from Pinson Mounds State Park will host a program on archaeological digs. Kasi Jones will host a special dino-themed STEM class on June 18th. The library will also prepare a time capsule on June 18th. June 25th will be the final day for the summer reading program, ending with an awards ceremony for the top readers and the burial of the library time capsule. Reading logs will be due on June 20th. Click here for more info on Middleton Community Library’s summer reading schedule.
Lee Ola Roberts Library will begin a summer food program on May 26. The food program will occur everyday in June at 11:45pm until 1pm for children ages 18 and under. Judge Thompson will be present for a sweet storytime on May 28 at 1:30pm featuring an ice cream truck. Lee Ola Roberts Library will host a storytime every Tuesday in June at 1pm and a craft every Thursday at 1pm.
The Grand Junction Public Library is inviting children and their families to take part in its 2026 Summer Reading Program, themed “U.S.A. 250 Years,” celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The program is designed for children up to 10 years old and will feature story time, activities, and lunch. Children must be accompanied by an adult during each session.
Programs will be held at the library from 11 a.m. to noon on four dates throughout June:
- Thursday, June 4 – Our Freedom
- Tuesday, June 9 – Our Flag
- Thursday, June 18 – Our Founding
- Tuesday, June 23 – Our Future
The Grand Junction Public Library is located at 530 Madison Avenue West in Grand Junction. For more information or to register, contact the library at 731-764-2716.
The summer program coincides with the nation’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, commemorating the period from 1776 to 2026. Organizers hope the program will provide children with an opportunity to learn about American history while enjoying educational activities and fellowship with other young readers.
Please note that children must have a parent or guardian present with them at each library at all times. PSA: Since we have several awesome libraries in the county, it would be wise to double check the location of the event before heading to the wrong library.
Happy Summer Reading!
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