This summer, Brownell Library is going prehistoric with a lineup of programs all about dinosaurs, paleontology, the past, and chances for youth of all ages to share their own stories.
How It Works:
Starting June 15th, youth and families can learn about the 2026 Summer Reading Program and register to participate at brownelllibrary.org/summer-reading. Once you've signed up, stop by the youth circulation desk to grab your summer reading materials, including your reading log.
Every time a registered youth reader shows us an updated reading log, they'll receive a raffle ticket or a small prize from the treasure box — whether they've read one new book since their last visit or one hundred. Read-alouds, audiobooks, graphic novels, and magazines all count! Teens can also earn extra raffle tickets by attending programs and volunteering.
Starting June 24th, youth can bring their reading log to the library any time we're open to report what they've read. Can't make it in? You can still report books and enter raffle drawings at brownelllibrary.org/summer-reading.
All registered youth participants are eligible to win raffle prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card and prizes from local businesses. Adults can also participate starting in July by picking up a Summer Reading Passport at the library for their own chances to win library swag.
This Summer Has Three Can't-Miss Celebrations:
The adventure kicks off with a roar on Wednesday, June 24th, 6–7 pm, when Dinoman will fill the Main Reading Room with giant dinosaurs, wild science facts, and lots of laughter. There's something for all ages at this Summer Reading Kick-Off, made possible with support from the Friends of Brownell Library.
Then on Thursday, August 6th, 6–8 pm, we celebrate the teens who make summer reading possible! All teens who participate — by reading, attending programs, or volunteering — are invited to our annual Teen Summer Reading Party for hide-and-seek in the stacks, ice cream, and the announcement of our teen raffle winners.
Finally, everyone who participates in summer reading is invited to our Summer Celebration with the No Strings Marionettes on Friday, August 7th, 5:30-7 pm in the Main Reading Room. This year, astronaut Nick Eastman and his hoverbot Glitch travel from the dinosaur-riddled past to a bizarre future — a production that's great for families, with handcrafted marionettes and settings that audiences of all ages can appreciate. This event is made possible thanks to the support from the Vermont Department of Libraries.
You can learn more about these programs and more at brownelllibrary.org/calendar.