Published on April 23, 2026





This is an image of library staff jumping while wearing dinosaur costumes for Summer Reading 2026

The Clearwater Public Library System will launch its annual Summer Reading Program this June, inviting residents of all ages to take part in a season of reading, learning and discovery.

This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” focuses on exploration and curiosity, encouraging participants to dig into books while discovering new ideas and perspectives. Inspired by topics such as dinosaurs, archaeology and paleontology, the program connects reading with hands-on learning and imaginative exploration.

Unearth a Story, Summer Reading two thousand twenty six.

 

The Summer Reading Challenge will run from June 1 through Aug. 1. Participants can track their reading, complete challenges and set personal goals using Beanstack, available through the library’s website and mobile app.

The program begins with Summer Reading Kickoff events scheduled for the first week of June. The events will include storytimes, crafts, history lessons and more. Attendees will have the opportunity  to register for the program, learn how it works and connect with library staff.


Summer Reading Kick-Off, June 2 at 2 p.m., Countryside Library
American Tall Tales and Songs – Storytelling Show by Katie Adams, June 2 at 2 p.m, Main Library
Splash Storytime, June 3 at 10:30 a.m., Beach Recreation Center
Dig In!: Egyptology – Session 1, June 3 at 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off, June 3 at 2 p.m., East Community Library @ SPC
Bits ‘n’ Pieces Theatre presents “Rumpelstiltskin” , June 3 at 2 p.m., Main Library
Dig In!: Egyptology- Session 2, June 3 at 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Family Comedy Magic Show with Cesar Domico June 4 at 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library

The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages. Participants can track their reading, complete challenges and set personal goals throughout the summer. The program is designed to support literacy and lifelong learning while offering a flexible and accessible way for the community to stay engaged.

In addition to reading challenges, the library will host a range of free programs tied to the theme of discovery. These programs typically include educational presentations, hands-on activities, arts experiences and family-friendly events that encourage creativity and exploration.

More Summer Reading Programs

June 2

June 3

June 8

June 10


Splash Storytime, June 10, 10:30 a.m., Clearwater Beach Pool
Can You Dig It? Groovy Music, Puppets and Stories with Shana Banana!, June 10, 10:30 a.m., East Community Library @ SPC
Dig In!: Paleontology – Session 1, June 10, 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Dig In!: Paleontology – Session 2, June 10, 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Chess Club, June 10, 4 p.m., Countryside Library

June 13

June 15

June 16

June 17


Splash Storytime, June 17, 10:30 a.m., Clearwater Beach Pool
Dig In!: Geology – Session 1, June 17, 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Storytelling with Windell Campbell, June 17, 2 p.m., Main Library
Jurassic Island with Challenge Island, June 17, 2 p.m., East Community Library @ SPC
Dig In!: Geology – Session 2, June 17, 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Chess Club, June 17, 4 p.m., Countryside Library

June 18

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 27

June 30

July 1


Dig In!: U.S. National Parks – Session 1, July 1, 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Starlite Puppets present “Roly Poly Rice Ball”, July 1, 2 p.m., Main Library
Dig In!: U.S. National Parks – Session 2, July 1, 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Chess Club, July 1, 4 p.m., Countryside Library

July 7

July 8


Splash Storytime, July 8, 10:30 a.m., Clearwater Beach Pool
Dig In!: Ornithology – Session 1, July 8, 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Bits “N Pieces Theatre presents “Little Red Riding Hood”, July 8, 2 p.m., Main Library
Dig In!: Ornithology – Session 2, July 8, 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Chess Club, July 8, 4 p.m., Countryside Library

July 9

July 14

July 15


Splash Storytime, July 15, 10:30 a.m., Clearwater Beach Pool
Dig In!: Ancient Greece – Session 1, July 15, 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Great Explorations Dino Express, July 15, 2 p.m., East Community Library @ SPC
Legends of Johnny Appleseed Puppet Show presented by Katie Adams, July 15, 2 p.m., Main Library
Dig In!: Ancient Greece – Session 2, July 15, 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Chess Club, July 15, 4 p.m., Countryside Library

July 16

July 21

July 22


Splash Storytime, July 22, 10:30 a.m., Clearwater Beach Pool
Dig In!: Pirateology – Session 1, July 22, 1 p.m., North Greenwood Library
“Christmas in July” Altered Book Workshop for Tweens/Teens, July 22, 2 p.m., East Community Library @ SPC
Dig In!: Pirateology – Session 2, July 22, 3 p.m., North Greenwood Library
Summer Chess Club, July 22, 4 p.m., Countryside Library

July 23

July 25

July 28

July 29

July 30

Aug. 5

Details about additional programs, dates and locations will be available through the library’s online calendar and at all Clearwater library locations.

The Summer Reading Program remains a central part of the library’s seasonal offerings, providing opportunities for residents to stay connected, explore new interests and build reading habits throughout the summer.