Unearth A Story: 2026 Summer Reading Program

Unearth A Story, the 2026 Summer Reading Program will run June 6-August 16. Albany County Public Library will offer a summer reading incentive program for all ages, with large raffle prizes provided by Smile Doctors. Participants can stop by the library on or after June 6 to sign up for the free program.

The Summer Reading Program is for all ages. ACPL will provide a reading challenge, where children, teens, and adults can reach goals over the summer. Participants will use a reading log to track their progress.

How It Works:

• For kids ages 2-11, you can cross off an icon on the reading log for every 30 minutes of reading or listening.
• For teens (ages 12+) and adults, an icon can be crossed off for every 60 minutes of reading or listening.
• After 10 icons, participants can bring their reading log to the library for a small prize.
• When you reach 20 icons, you will receive a free book.
• For each icon crossed off, you can fill out a raffle ticket for a big prize, provided by Smile Doctors. A full reading log equals 60 raffle tickets!
• There is no limit on the number of reading logs for participants, but the free book is available on the first reading log only.

Even babies can join in the fun! Babies will receive a Summer Reading kit to use for the full summer. This contains a board book, bubbles, shaker egg, and a calendar of early literacy activities.

The Summer Reading Program is especially important for school-aged youth, as they often experience a lapse in learning, commonly referred to as the “summer slide.” Summer Reading Programs help motivate children and teens to keep reading, learning, and exploring while they are out of school. The Summer Reading Program also encourages a love of reading and interest in the library and books.

ACPL will have fun, interactive displays set up for kids at the Centennial Valley Branch Library and Rock River Branch Library over the summer. There will also be a naming contest at the Laramie Branch for two dinosaurs. Kids can choose a dinosaur cut-out based on if they are a “carnivore” or “herbivore,” write their name on it, and display it in the Children’s Area.

Make sure to check ACPL’s event calendar and watch social media for program locations. For most of the events, we will be back at ACPL again this year.

Summer Reading will run June 6 to August 16. Raffle winners will be notified the week of August 17. More information and a full schedule are available on the ACPL calendar on our website and on social media.

FREE SUMMER READING PROGRAM EVENTS

Summer Reading Program Kick Off
June 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Washington Park, Shelter #1
Come to the park, have some fun, and sign up for Summer Reading! Bring the whole family for balloon art from Alpacaglobo Balloons, face painting, button and magnet making, sidewalk chalk art, games, and activities. Smile Doctors will be on hand to show off the raffle prizes.

Monday FunDay
Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning of early literacy fun! This program will explore movement, music, art, play, and more. Each week is a new adventure for ages birth to 5. Sessions will start June 8.

Book Babies
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Lap-sit stories, songs, and toys for the littlest readers. For ages birth to 2 with a grown-up. Sessions will start June 9.

Stories @ the Park
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in Washington Park
Stories @ the Park is geared toward families and preschool-aged children. Sessions will start June 11.

YAK!
Thursdays at 4 p.m.
For grades 4th-6th. Join us every week for crafts, games, art, activities, and more. Sessions will start June 11.

Toddler Storytime
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, and rhymes for toddlers and their caregivers. Ideal for ages 2-4. Sessions will start June 12.

Kids Lego Club
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
For kids in grades K-6th. Build and create with Lego! Sessions will start June 13.

Storywalks®: Located around the exterior of the Laramie branch of the public library.
Come walk and read a new story every month.

Preschool Playtime
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool-aged activities to support development for children ages 3-5. Sessions will start June 13.

Read with a Ranger
June 18, July 9, & August 13 at 2 p.m.
Stories, activities, and snacks with our friends at Wyoming State Parks.

The Magic Bookcase
June 9 at 2 p.m.
“The Magic Bookcase” recharges and re-enchants the wonder of reading and storytelling by combining the arts of magic, traditional storytelling, and “handling humans” (the gentle art of audience participation). Featuring Wyoming Magician Byron Grey.

Wyoming Fossil & Gem Discovery
June 16 at 2 p.m.
Become a scientist and treasure hunter in this interactive program that combines fossil excavation and gemstone prospecting. Use tools to reveal hidden fossils, then sift real Wyoming ant dirt for sparkling gems and tiny fossils to keep. This “Jurassic” program will also feature fun dinosaur-themed crafts!

Top Hogs of the Wild West – Performing Pigs
Two Shows! June 23 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
We can’t wait for you to see these amazing pigs perform trick after trick. These pigs know how to entertain! Space is limited for this event. Arrive early to get a seat.

Rockin’ the Ring: Rock Painting with Laramie 4H!
June 30 at 2 p.m.
Paint a rock, build a story, step into the spotlight! Dig into creativity at this fun, hands-on workshop inspired by 4-H animal shows—no live animals needed! Youth will “unearth” their very own pet rock, bring it to life with a name and personality, and learn how to present it in a show ring. Participants will practice confidence, creativity, and storytelling before wrapping up with a lighthearted pet rock show. No experience needed—just come ready to discover the story in your stone!

Patriotic Bike Parade
July 2 at 2 p.m.
Help us celebrate the United States’ birthday! This July marks the Semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There’s no better way to show your patriotic spirit than by joining our community bike parade. From 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., we’ll be decorating our bikes, strollers, wagons, scooters–if it has wheels, come decorate it! Then, we’ll parade around the block and enjoy popsicles back at the library! Supplies are limited.

Pokémon Literacy Lab
July 7 at 2 p.m.
Join ACPL and Cardhalla for a Pokemon themed literacy program filled with games, crafts, free giveaways, and more!

Digging into Art & Imagination with the UW Art Museum
July 14 at 2 p.m.
How can art help us uncover hidden stories? The library and art museum invite you to an afternoon of creativity and discovery! Explore multiple hands-on art-making stations inspired by dinosaurs, fossils, and imagination, and bring your own stories to life through color, texture, and play.

Super Soaring Dino Kites!
July 21 at 2 p.m.
Stop by the library between 2-3pm to design your own high-flying dino-inspired kites with local artist Tara Pappas! Artists will be provided with all of the supplies needed to build and decorate their kites, and then, weather permitting, can test them outside!

Sketchasaurus Rex Puppets
July 27 at 2 p.m.
Join us for an exciting puppet show with Meghan Casey, an award-winning ventriloquist, as she brings her newest program, “Sketchasaurus Rex” to the library!

Light-Up Dinosaur Terrariums!
July 28 at 2 p.m.
Join local artist Tara Pappas in creating a special light-up terrarium, decorated with plants, rocks, and your very own little dinosaur friend (or two!). Stop by the library to make this fun project! All supplies will be provided.

Prehistoric Putt Putt
August 4 at 2 p.m.
Show off your golf skills at our dinosaur-themed putt-putt! Watch out for the fearsome T. Rex and don’t fall into any sand traps as you navigate our course! Tee times will be staggered and based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Science Loves Art Workshop
August 11 at 2 p.m.
Bring art and science together to create a masterpiece in this art workshop led by local artist Rene Williams!

Centennial Messy Storytimes
June 10, July 1, August 5 at 11 a.m.
Join us for a fun-filled storytime followed by a messy craft. In June, we will dig up dinosaurs. In July, we will create puffy outdoor chalk. In August, we will make a fossil.

Rock River Messy Storytimes
June 17, July 8, August 12 at 11 a.m.
Join us for a fun-filled storytime followed by a messy craft. In June, we will dig up dinosaurs. In July, we will create puffy outdoor chalk. In August, we will make a fossil.

Summer Reading Bash: Foam Party with Smile Doctors
Friday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the ACPL Parking Lot
Ann Lincoln is back with a hilarious, fun, and awesome foam party! Bring the kiddos for some fun in the sun, with lots of foam. Kids will get wet, so we recommend wearing a swimsuit and bringing a towel. Don’t forget to wear shoes and sunscreen. This event is sponsored by the ACPL Foundation and Smile Doctors.

Bookmobile Stops
Washington Park: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Undine Park: Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Out of Town Visits on Thursdays (check online for locations)
Washington Park: Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.