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Temple Public Library Summer Reading Guide 2026

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SuMmeR ReAdinG

Flexible, Fun, and Free!

Registration

Pre-registration for all ages opens June 1. Register online at temple.beanstack.org or in-person at the Library. If you don’t register before the Kick-Off Party on June 6, don’t worry! You can register anytime during the summer and still collect prizes. Summer Reading is from June 6 through July 31.

Remember

Summer Reading is for everyone. This non-competitive program celebrates readers of all ages and abilities. Select books you enjoy, read at your own pace, and earn prizes along the way!

Summer Meals Program

JUNE 1 – JULY 31 | LIBRARY 3RD FLOOR | MCLANE ROOM

In partnership with Temple ISD, the Temple Public Library will be open for free breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, for children 0 – 18. Children do not need to be enrolled in TISD to participate.

BREAKFAST 8:30–9:30AM | LUNCH 12–1PM

Reading

Prizes

Ages 0 – 5

Read to your infant, toddler, or preschooler for 15 minutes each day. Collect a prize each week, starting June 14.

Ages 6 – 10

Read on your own or with someone for 30 minutes each day. Collect a prize each week, starting June 14.

Ages 11 – 18

Read for 30 minutes each day. Collect a prize each week, starting June 14.

Adults

Read for 30 minutes each day. 25 days "one more chapter" survival kit 35 days journal + pen | 45 days live plant

Early Childhood Programs

Baby Bookworms

TUESDAYS | 11:15AM | 1ST FLOOR

JUNE 9, 16, 23, 30, JULY 7, 14, 21, 28

Cuddle and bond with your pre-walking baby through soothing rhymes, songs, and stories. This session nurtures early literacy and motor skills, followed by a play period for babies to explore and caregivers to socialize. For ages 0-12 months.

Little Ones

TUESDAYS | 10AM | 1ST FLOOR

JUNE 9, 16, 23, 30, JULY 7, 14, 21, 28

Perfect for little ones between baby and toddler story times! Explore early learning through songs, rhymes, and movement. Stay after for gross-motor free play and a chance for parents and caregivers to socialize. For ages 12-24 months.

Toddler Story Time

THURSDAYS | 10:15AM | 1ST FLOOR

JUNE 11, 18, 25, JULY 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30

Join us for repetitive rhymes, songs, and movement to build early literacy and motor skills. Enjoy simple books exploring familiar concepts, followed by free play and social time. Caregiver participation is strongly encouraged for this interactive session! For ages 24-36 months.

Preschool Story Time

THURSDAYS | 11:15AM | 1ST FLOOR

JUNE 11, 18, 25, JULY 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30

SATURDAYS | 10:30AM | 1ST FLOOR

JUNE 13, 20, 27 | JULY 11, 18,& 25

Enjoy age-appropriate stories and movement to boost language, motor skills, and curiosity. This structured session is followed by free play and social engagement. Caregiver participation is strongly encouraged to help inspire your child’s imagination! For ages 3-5 years.

school-age programs

Mystique and Mayhem

JUNE 3 & JUL 1 | 5PM | 1ST FLOOR

Embark on a storytelling adventure! Join us to build worlds, solve puzzles, and create unique stories together. This program has limited space. Email sreid@templetx.gov for more information or to register. For ages 10-11.

Nonsense & Narwhals

JUNE 10 & JULY 8 | 5PM | 1ST FLOOR

Shape your own story! Embrace creativity and teamwork in this cooperative adventure of inventive solutions and whimsical chaos. No experience necessary; experience a brand-new journey every session. Join us to create unforgettable characters and stories! All supplies provided. For ages 7-9.

Ink-credible Tales

JUNE 24 & JULY 22 | 5PM | 1ST FLOOR

Calling all young writers and artists! Hone your skills through vocabulary games, rapid-fire storytelling, and free writing. Kids will weave imaginative tales and share their work with peers in this supportive, high-energy group. All supplies are provided. For ages 9-11.

Youth Chess Club

JUNE 6 & 20, JULY 18 | 2PM | 3RD FLOOR

Get ready to embark on a chess-tastic journey with the Temple Chess Club! Join our squad of enthusiastic volunteers who are armed with a passion for pawns, a love of knights, and a knack for cunning strategies. Unleash your inner grandmaster, forge new friendships, and let the checkmates commence! For ages 6-18.

Read-Aloud Mondays

11AM | 1ST FLOOR

JUNE 8 Mrs. Baugh, Scott Elementary

JUNE 29 Ms. Eaves, Kennedy-Powell Elementary

JULY 20 Ms. Jenni Nachtwey, Sampson-Howard Elementary

Drop in for stories and smiles at this special summer series featuring Temple ISD librarians! Join us for engaging read-alouds led by some of our community’s favorite educators. Perfect for young readers and families, these lively sessions bring books to life and celebrate the joy of reading together. Recommended for ages 5-8.

Special Performers

No registration required. Events will be in the 3rd floor McLane Room.

Sue Young

JUNE 17 | 10:30AM | 3RD FLOOR

Join a high-energy, bilingual celebration of the Lone Star State! Award-winning storyteller Sue Young brings Texas to life through catchy songs and vibrant tales in English and Spanish. Come ready to sing, laugh, and clap along!

Recommended for ages 5+.

Silly Sparkles

JULY 8 | 10:30AM | 3RD FLOOR

Get ready for a morning of pure joy! Silly Sparkles is bringing her whimsical world of magic and ventriloquism to the library on July 8. With her hilarious puppet friends and a "warm and fuzzy" personality that parents adore, this show is guaranteed to keep the kids mesmerized and the grown-ups grinning.

Recommended for ages 3+

The Singing Zoologist

Teen & Tween Programs

Society of Fantastic Bibliophiles

JUNE 2 & JULY 7 | 3PM | 1ST FLOOR

Dive into a world of imagination and discovery with the Society of Fantastic Bibliophiles! Join us to discuss your latest reads, or just listen in. The Society is the perfect place to spark your curiosity and discover new reads while meeting others who share a love of reading. For ages 12-18.

D&D and Beyond

JUNE 4 & 18, JULY 2 & 16 | 5PM | 1ST FLOOR

Do you like to live on the edge of your seat and by the roll of the dice? Join us for D&D and Beyond! We will be playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, Kids on Bikes, City of Mist, and more! For ages 12-18.

Teen Advisory Board

JUNE 9 & JULY 14 | 5PM | 1ST FLOOR

Become a library VIP! Join TAB to share your ideas and shape future programs. Gain leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and make new friends while making a difference. For ages 13-18.

Tween Hangout

Molecular Gastronomy: Play With Your Food!

JUNE 11 | 3PM | 3RD FLOOR

Step into the food lab to deconstruct a lunchtime staple! Use chemistry and molecular gastronomy to manipulate food and create a futuristic PB&J. Experiment with your meal and see if science tastes as good as it looks! For ages 11-13.

Teen Volunteer Orientation

JUNE 13 | 1PM | 3RD FLOOR

Earn service hours and give back to your community! Learn how to register and sign up for shifts through our volunteer portal and find out what to expect as a library volunteer. Join our squad for a summer of community impact and fun! For ages 12-18.

TEEN CRAFT CORNER:

Paint and Snack

JUNE 23 | 3PM | 3RD FLOOR

Unleash your inner artist! Join Suzanna Bachmann for step-by-step painting to create an ethereal, neon jellyfish on canvas. Enjoy snacks and drinks while you work. All materials provided. Registration is required; visit the Youth Services Desk or call to claim your spot! For ages 12-18.

Teen Hangout

Molecular Gastronomy: Play With Your Food!

JUNE 25 | 3PM | 3RD FLOOR

Step into the food lab to deconstruct a lunchtime staple! Use chemistry and molecular gastronomy to manipulate food and create a futuristic PB&J. Experiment with your meal and see if science tastes as good as it looks! For ages 13-18.

SENSE-SATIONAL SCIENCE:

The Chocolate Challenge!

JULY 9 | 3PM | 3RD FLOOR

Put your senses to the test! Investigate the chemistry of cocoa by analyzing different chocolate percentages. Learn to identify high-quality treats like a professional chocolatier and join your friends for a delicious, deep-dive into the science of taste. For ages 11-13.

Tween Advisory Board

JUNE 16 & JULY 21 | 5PM | 1ST FLOOR

Attention tweens: your voice matters! Help brainstorm programs, plan events, and volunteer as a library leader. Shape your library while having fun with friends and enjoying snacks to fuel your creativity. Join the crew and make an impact! For ages 11-13.

SENSE-SATIONAL SCIENCE:

The Chocolate Challenge!

JULY 23 | 3PM | 3RD FLOOR

Put your senses to the test! Investigate the chemistry of cocoa by analyzing different chocolate percentages. Learn to identify high-quality treats like a professional chocolatier and join your friends for a delicious, deepdive into the science of taste. For ages 13-18.

TEEN CRAFT CORNER:

Neon Signs

JULY 28 | 3PM | 3RD FLOOR

Illuminate your summer! Create a custom neon-style sign in this fun DIY workshop. All supplies are provided – just bring your creativity! Registration is required and spots are limited. Call or visit the Youth Reference Desk to register today. For ages 12-18.

Adult Programs

PAINTING WITH SUZANNA BACHMAN:

The Literary Garden

JUNE 20 | 11AM | 2ND FLOOR

Join local artist Suzanna Bachmann for a step-by-step painting class! Create a stunning monstera-and-books masterpiece to take home. All skill levels welcome. Registration required.

Meditation & Aromatherapy with Elise

JUNE 27 | 2PM | 2ND FLOOR

Learn meditation techniques and daily aromatherapy integration for a true "nervous system exhale" with Elise Lange.

Crafterpalooza!

JULY 11 | 12PM | 3RD FLOOR

A creative free-for-all! We’re opening our craft supply vault for you to create anything you can imagine using unique "one-off" materials.

All Ages & Family Programs

CineSpace: NASA & Houston Film Society Showcase

JUNE 13 | 2PM | 2ND FLOOR

A cinematic journey through space featuring eight award-winning short films. Includes snacks and a space-themed activity. For all ages.

MAMMOTH

RANGER TALK:

Fossils of Central Texas

JULY 18 | 10AM | 2ND FLOOR

Meet Rangers from the Waco Mammoth National Monument to unearth the secrets of local paleontology and ancient history.

Sound Journeys with Josephine

JULY 25 | 2PM | 3RD FLOOR

Relax with certified sound healer Josephine Ashford. Use vibrations from singing bowls and gongs to promote stress relief. Note: Bring a yoga mat or pillow.

WHIMSICAL

WONDERLAND:

A Garden Tea

AUGUST 15 | 1PM | 3RD FLOOR

Don't be late! Join the Mad Hatter for an enchanting afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches and sweet treats by Ruby Tea Room. Registration required.

Dig It! Archeology Day

TEMPLE RAILROAD & HERITAGE MUSEUM

315 W. AVENUE B

AUGUST 1 | 10AM-1PM | FREE

Dig into discovery and explore the world of “ologies”! Kids can become junior scientists with handson activities inspired by archaeology, geology, paleontology, and more.

Tumble Book Library makes reading fun with animated, talking picture books, graphic novels, and more. Kids can listen, follow along, and build reading confidence at their own pace.

Bring the library home with free digital books for kids – available anytime with your library card at: exploretpl.com/econtent. free & easy to use!

Support early literacy and language learning with Lote4Kids! This app opens the door to stories from around the world, with thousands of picture books in 100+ languages plus English translations.

Awhole world of stories is just a click away!

100 W. Adams Ave, Temple, TX 76501

Monday – Thursday 9AM – 7PM

Friday – Saturday 9AM – 6PM

Sunday 1 – 6PM

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Temple Public Library Summer Reading Guide 2026 by City of Temple - Issuu