Summer Reading Program 2026, June 14-July 25 – Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries, Florida

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.

Click on "FLYER" beside the highlighted titles below to see the corresponding program flyer.

Week One (June 14-20)

Monday, June 15 - FPAN Presentation: Florida’s Turpentine Industry at the Eastpoint Branch (FLYER) at 11 AM and at the Carrabelle Branch (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 - Egyptian Jewelry Making (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 - Egyptian Jewelry Making (FLYER) at the Carrabelle 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.
Wednesday, July 1 - DIY American Flags (FLYER) 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.
Thursday, July 2 - Ribbon Wand Craft (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 - Unusual American Roadside Attractions (FLYER) 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.
Thursday, July 9 - Unusual American Roadside Attractions (FLYER) 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

WEEK FIVE (July 12-July 18)

Monday, July 13 - FPAN Primitive Tools for Kids at the Eastpoint Branch (FLYER) at 11 AM and the Carrabelle Branch (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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.
Thursday, July 16 - Build a Volcano (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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 - Minecraft Archaeology (FLYER) 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.
Wednesday, July 22 - Fossil Making (FLYER) 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.
Thursday, July 23 - Genealogy Basics (FLYER) 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 (FLYER) 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.