Summer Reading Program 2026, June 14-July 25

 The 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” will take place from June 15 until July 24 at the Eastpoint and Carrabelle branches of the Franklin County Public Libraries. Children, teens, adults, and families are invited to dig into stories, science, history, and creativity through hands-on activities inspired by archaeology, dinosaurs, fossils, ancient civilizations, earth science, and America 250. They are designed to encourage curiosity, exploration, literacy, and community engagement. These programs are free, open to the public with no library card needed. 

In addition, both branches will host a Summer Reading Challenge, America 250 activities and interactive displays including opportunities to track reading goals, attend programs, and earn prizes, participate in patriotic crafts or coloring stations, pick up a pocket Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and enjoy archaeology, dinosaurs, fossils, and exploration themed decorations.

Week One (June 14-20)

  • Monday, June 15 - FPAN Presentation: Florida’s Turpentine Industry at the Eastpoint Branch at 11 AM and at the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Presented by the Florida Public Archaeology Network, this educational presentation explores the history of Florida’s turpentine industry and its impact on Florida’s economy, communities, and forests. Participants will learn about the people, tools, and labor connected to one of the state’s important historical industries.
  • Wednesday, June 17 - Excavation Trays at the Carrabelle Branch at 1 PM. Participants will become junior archaeologists as they dig, sift, and search through excavation trays. This hands-on activity encourages curiosity, observation, and discovery while tying into the “Unearth a Story” summer reading theme.
  • Thursday, June 18 - Dino Discovery at the Eastpoint Branch at  2 PM. Participants will explore the world of dinosaurs through themed activities and hands-on learning designed to spark curiosity about prehistoric life.
  • Saturday, June 20 - Animal Tales at the Carrabelle Branch at 11 AM and the Eastpoint Branch at 1:30 PM. Animal Tales brings live animal ambassadors and interactive education to the library. This family-friendly program encourages learning about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.

Week Two (June 21-27)

  • Monday, June 22 - Ancient Inspired Jewelry Making at the Eastpoint Branch at 2 PM. Participants will create wearable art inspired by ancient civilizations using beads, charms, and decorative materials. This creative program blends history, culture, and hands-on crafting.
  • Tuesday, June 23 - Pet Rocks at the Carrabelle Branch at 1 PM. A nostalgic craft program where participants transform ordinary rocks into colorful “pet” companions using paint and craft supplies. This program is perfect for encouraging creativity and imagination.
  • Wednesday, June 24  - Amber Fossil Soap Making at the Eastpoint Branch at 1 PM. Participants will make fossil-inspired soaps designed to resemble ancient amber specimens. This fun STEM-inspired craft combines creativity with discussion about fossils, preservation, and prehistoric life.
  • Thursday, June 25 - Dino Trinket Trays at the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Guests will create dinosaur-themed trinket trays using craft materials. This creative program ties into the dinosaur theme while giving participants a useful keepsake to take home.

WEEK THREE (June 28-July 4

  • Monday, June 29 -  DIY American Flags at the Eastpoint Branch at 2 PM. In celebration of America 250, participants will create patriotic American flags using fabric, paint, and mixed media materials. This program highlights creativity, history, and civic pride.
  • Wednesday, July 1 - Ribbon Wand Craft at the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Participants will create festive ribbon wands inspired by patriotic celebrations and summer parades as part of the library’s America 250 programming.

Please note: Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th - Holiday Closure at both branches. The Franklin County Public Libraries will be closed in honor of the Independence Day holiday.

WEEK FOUR (July 5 - July 11)

  • Monday, July 6 - American Flag Key Chains at the Eastpoint Branch at 2 PM. Participants will create patriotic key chains inspired by the American flag as part of the library’s America 250 programming.
  • Tuesday, July 7 - American Flag Key Chains at the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Participants will create patriotic key chains inspired by the American flag as part of the library’s America 250 programming.
  • Wednesday, July 8 - Minecraft Archaeology at the Eastpoint Branch at 1 PM. This gaming-inspired program combines Minecraft with archaeology concepts, encouraging participants to explore excavation, discovery, and creativity in a fun digital format.
  • Thursday, July 9 - Fossil Making at the Carrabelle Branch at 1 PM. Participants will create their own fossil replicas using clay and natural textures while learning about paleontology and fossil preservation.

WEEK FIVE (July 12-July 18)

  • Monday, July 13 - FPAN Primitive Tools for Kids at the Eastpoint Branch at 11 AM and the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Presented by the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), this interactive children’s program introduces participants to primitive tools and early survival techniques used by ancient cultures. Kids will explore how early people created and used tools through hands-on learning and demonstrations.
  • Tuesday, July 14 - Didgeridoo Down Under at the Eastpoint Branch at 11 AM and the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. This interactive educational performance combines music, storytelling, science, and culture through an engaging Australian-themed experience for all ages.
  • Wednesday, July 15 - Ancient Inspired Jewelry Making at the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Participants will create jewelry inspired by ancient civilizations using beads and decorative materials while exploring history and artistic traditions.
  • Thursday, July 16 - Build a Volcano at the Carrabelle Branch at 1 PM. Participants will build and erupt model volcanoes while learning basic earth science concepts related to geology and volcanic activity.
  • Friday, July 17 - Jurassic Trail at the Eastpoint Branch at 1 PM. Participants will enjoy a dinosaur-themed activity adventure featuring games, exploration stations, and interactive prehistoric fun.

WEEK SIX (July 19 - July 25)

  • Monday, July 20 - American Roadside Attractions at the Eastpoint Branch at 2 PM. Guests will explore quirky and famous roadside attractions across America through trivia, storytelling, and creative activities tied to travel and Americana.
  • Wednesday, July 22 - American Roadside Attractions at the Carrabelle Branch at 2 PM. Guests will explore quirky and famous roadside attractions across America through trivia, storytelling, and creative activities tied to travel and Americana.
  • Thursday, July 23 - Genealogy Basics at the Eastpoint Branch at 2 PM. This introductory genealogy workshop teaches participants how to begin researching family history using library resources, online databases such as Family Search, and historical records.
  • Friday, July 24 - Local Trivia Night at the Carrabelle Branch at 5 PM. A fun community trivia event featuring questions about Franklin County history, local landmarks, Florida facts, and community culture.

Summer Reading is an annual program that brings children, teens, and families to local public libraries for reading and activities. The Summer Reading Program encourages lifelong reading, supports reluctant readers, helps children maintain their skills over the summer, promotes use of the library and books, and provides fun opportunities for family time.

There is no charge for this program and the public is welcome. This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries.  The Carrabelle Branch Library is located at 311 St. James Avenue (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL. For additional information about Carrabelle Library activities, please contact the Carrabelle Branch Library at (850) 275-9895. The Eastpoint Branch is located at 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, FL. For more information about Eastpoint Library activities, contact the Eastpoint Branch Library at (850) 670-8151.

Past Events

The Summer Reading Program bursts into color on Monday, June 16, 2025 and run until Thursday, July 24, 2025 at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle Branches of the Franklin County Public Libraries. Plus a bonus art class on Thursday, July 31st. Guests can explore the upcoming lineup of events while enjoying playful chalk art, creative games, and snacks. Both library branches will have fun and creative programs and hands-on activities for both kids and adults. Library programs are free and open to the public and participants do not need a library card to participate.

The 2025 Summer Reading Program theme is “Color Our World”, which is all about art and creativity at the library. Everyone is invited to embark on a journey celebrating the many ways in which art enriches our lives. This program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a variety of artistic expressions. As part of this colorful journey, the program will feature a special performance by the Jacki Manna Ventriloquist Show, adding extra entertainment to the summer lineup. Save your spot in your favorite programs here: Summer Reading Program Signups 

Click on the highlighted titles below to open the program flyer.

Week 1 - June 16-20, 2025 

Week 2 - June 23-27, 2025 

Week 3 - June 30-July 4, 2025 

Week 4 - July 7-11, 2025 

Week 5 - July 14-18, 2025  

Week 6 - July 21-25, 2025 

Bonus Class - July 31, 2025  

Summer Reading is an annual program that brings children, teens, and families into local public libraries for reading and activities. The benefits to readers in a summer reading program include:

  • encouragement that reading become a lifelong habit
  • reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities
  • reading over the summer helps children keep their skills up
  • the program can generate interest in the library and books

And it being summer, the program can just be good fun and provide an opportunity for family time. 

 

 

 

Click on any of the flyers below to enlarge