"The Summer Reading Program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act."
For 2025, we invite you to embark on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art enriches our lives. Designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a diverse array of artistic expressions, this summer you will see activities, books, and programs centered around the 2025 theme, "Color Our World."
Our libraries will host various summer activities, including educational programs, reading challenges, craft projects, storytimes, and more! Many libraries sponsor reading contests, and award prizes to participants who meet their designated reading goals. Children—and in many communities, teens, and preschoolers—may join any time during the program dates and participate by reading books and checking out other library resources. Some libraries have special summer reading programs for adults, as well!
Prevent the "Summer Slide"
Keeping young people reading and learning during their summer vacation is vital to the future success of students. Young people can lose two months of reading achievement during the summer, meaning they could be two grade levels behind by the time they reach sixth grade. In addition to participating in your local summer reading program, there are other ways parents can help their children keep learning during their summer vacations:
Upcoming Events
Summer Reading Kick-Off with Craig O'Neill
Join us as Craig O'Neill shares a fun story with us to kick off our summer reading program! You pick up your reading packets as well! We can't wait to see you!
"Dig" in to Summer Reading with Arkansas 811
Join us this summer for our summer reading program "Unearth a Story!" On this day, we will be "digging" into some fun with Arkansas 811! We can't wait to see you!
Join us as we focus on "Dad!" On this day, we will doing story time, a fun photo op, and making a craft for Dad, as well assending home a book to share with Dad for Father's Day!
"Unearth a Forestry Story with Smokey the Bear"
Join us this day as we learn about forestry, wildlife, and conservation, as well as meeting Smokey the Bear!
"Unearth a Story" with Arkansas State Parks
Join us this day while we will have Brandi from AR State Parks coming to teach us all about wildlife and Arkansas natural parks! We can't wait to see you!
"If Dinos Had Hair..." with Jessica Griffin
Join us this day for a fun story from the southeast Arkansas local early education leader, Jessica Griffin, exploring "what if dinos had hair...?" We will also have a fun craft and game time as well! We can't wait to see you!
Join us this day as we "unearth" some fun with puppets!
"Soaring" with dinos and aviation!
Join us this day as Jason Cunningham from Southeast Arkansas Model Aviators Club comes and speaks about aviation, as well as demonstrating some flights! We can't wait to see you!
"Unearth a Story" with Kinder Songs!
Join us this summer for our summer reading program "Unearth a Story!" Each Tuesday and Thursday, 6/9/26-7/16/26 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, we will explore stories, games, crafts, and special speakers all summer long!
"Unearth a Story" with Archeology!
Join us this summer for our summer reading program "Unearth a Story!" Each Tuesday and Thursday, 6/9/26-7/16/26 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, we will explore stories, games, crafts, and special speakers all summer long!