From sitting for storytime to competing in reading challenges, area libraries have a full summer lineup set to entertain children in the Golden Triangle.
The programs, which come at no cost, encourage kids to continue learning during summer break and provide a community gathering space.
Erin Busbea, director for Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, said summer programs bring in the library’s highest attendance each year, with turnout to events running from dozens to more than 100 people.
“Summer also allows us to reach students when they have more free time and creates opportunities for families to learn, explore and participate together,” Busbea wrote in an email to The Dispatch.
Summer programs at CLPLS, along with other area libraries, this year fit the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s 2026 theme: “Unearth a Story,” focusing on dinosaurs, archaeology and paleontology. Weekly events at CLPLS will explore the theme with events like Fossil Finders at 10 a.m. June 9, where participants will embark on a prehistoric adventure to discover dinosaur fossils.
CLPLS’s summer program this year includes a reading challenge that encourages kids to track what they’re reading throughout the summer to then receive prizes based on how much they’ve read.
Registration is not required for the challenge or events, Busbea said. Just stop by the library and attend an event or grab a reading log. A full list of all summer events across downtown Columbus and Caledonia branches can be found on the CLPLS Facebook page.
Children’s Services Assistant for Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library, Erin Talbert, said the library will also host a reading challenge along with a range of themed events, like a Dinosaur Crew meeting set for 10 a.m. June 22 where librarygoers will get an up-close look at a velociraptor.
Talbert said all events are free of charge and registration requirements, with the exception of the Open Frames Acting Lab, which is free but requires registration.
Talbert said weekly STEAM events will take place at 10 a.m. on Mondays, during which representatives from different Mississippi State University departments will teach participants about science and technology.
A full list of SOPL events can be found on the Starkville Public Library Children’s Services Facebook page.
Talbert said they normally have 50 to 60 participants per event, but the library has had as many as 150.
“Everything’s included. We have all the supplies here,” Talbert said. “All you have to do is bring your kid and join the activities.”
Summer programs are also free at Bryan Public Library in West Point, Jayme Evans, youth services librarian, told The Dispatch.
While the deadline to join the library’s reading challenge has passed, weekly events held at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays are open to the public without registration. Along with magic shows and dino-themed craft days, the library will also host storytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Monday.
Evans said the goal of the summer programming is to encourage residents to visit their library in the summer months, when kids are out of school and less likely to be incentivized to read.
Evans said about 170 children and teens signed up for the reading challenge, and Bryan Public Library has had as many as 200 people at events in the past. She hopes to see a similar turnout this year.
“We always want to make sure that we’re providing things for the community and keeping them connected,” Evans said.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
