Summer Reading
2026 June 1st – August 1st
If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to keep your kids engaged this summer—and maybe earn a few prizes for yourself, too—Richmond Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is a great place to start. Just 15 minutes of reading a day can help prevent the “summer slide,” and we make it simple to turn reading into part of your family’s daily routine.
With this year’s theme, Unearth a Story, there’s something for everyone. Kids, teens, and adults can all join in with free programs, hands-on activities, and rewards for reading. Discover new books, try something different, and make reading part of your summer together.
Summer Reading Kickoff: RippleCon
Mini fandom/comic convention at the library — fun for all ages! Meet special guests, join gaming tournaments, play RPGs and D&D, enjoy crafts, food trucks, and more.
Cosplay Contest — Everyone receives a participation prize! Cash prizes for winners in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced categories.
Kids & Family Events
Mad Science: Wiggly World of Worms
Preschoolers get their hands dirty in this fun, hands-on workshop all about worms! Using magnifying glasses, children will explore worm habitats, behaviors, and how worms help the environment. Each child will take home a worm to share what they learned. Ages 2–5.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6/15 | Belmont | 10:30 AM |
Mad Science: Dinosaurs- School-Age
Explore fossil casts, compare dinosaur teeth, and take part in a mini excavation. Everyone will create a dinosaur impression to take home. Ages 5–8.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6/17 | Westover Hills | 11:00 AM |
| 7/7 | West End | 3:00 PM |
| 7/14 | North Avenue | 10:30 AM |
| 7/16 | Hull Street | 11:00 AM |
| 7/16 | Broad Rock | 4:30 PM |
| 7/17 | Ginter Park | 10:30 AM |
Rob Westcott Magic
Enjoy an exciting show featuring magic, puppetry, and a live bunny! After the show, children can meet and take photos with the performers.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6/12 | Hull Street | 10:30 AM |
| 6/12 | Ginter Park | 3:00 PM |
| 6/18 | Broad Rock | 4:30 PM |
| 6/27 | Main | 11:00 AM |
| 6/27 | West End | 2:00 PM |
AWARE: Alllance of Wild Animal Rehabilitation and Education
Learn about rescued animals and their rehabilitation journey. See them up close and discover how they’re prepared to return to the wild or live safely in permanent care.
Teen Events
Gelli Plate Printing
Get creative with gelli plate printing as you layer colors, textures, and patterns to create one-of-a-kind artwork.
Sculpey Animals and Beads
Explore color mixing, shaping, and detailing techniques to create your own 3D art creations.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6/15 | Ginter Park | 9:00 AM |
| 6/15 | North Avenue | 12:00 PM |
| 6/16 | Main | 9:00 AM |
| 6/16 | Belmont | 12:00 PM |
| 6/17 | East End | 9:00 AM |
| 6/17 | Hull Street | 12:00 PM |
| 6/18 | Broad Rock | 12:00 PM |
Watercolor
Build your watercolor skills as you practice color mixing, brush control, and paint-to-water ratios. Learn color theory, composition, and value to create expressive paintings.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 7/6 | Ginter Park | 9:00 AM |
| 7/7 | Main | 9:00 AM |
| 7/8 | East End | 9:00 AM |
| 7/9 | Broad Rock | 9:00 AM |
| 7/10 | West End | 9:00 AM |
Yarn Crafts
Wrap, tie, and cut yarn as you build structural design skills and create tactile 3D art objects.
Summer Reading Finale at Park365
Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with a fun-filled party at PARK365! Enjoy crafts, games, activities, music, and raffles all day long.
Join Richmond Public Library and partners including the Children’s Museum, Science Museum, ExCELL, Lewis Ginter, and more!
Saturday, 8/1 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Park365
3600 Saunders Ave N, Richmond, VA 23227
