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unearth a story: summer reading (blue dinosaur)
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Summer Reading

Join our free Summer Reading Program and embark on a journey of discovery that will inspire and open your mind to vast possibilities. Challenge yourself to learn about history, celebrate different cultures and view the world through new eyes.

The Power of Reading

  • Avoid the Summer Slide: Kids can lose up to two months of learning over summer break. Reading helps keep skills strong and supports a smooth transition back to school in the fall.
  • Build Family Connection: Reading together creates meaningful time to slow down and connect, whether it’s a bedtime story or sharing a favorite book.
  • Encourage Lifelong Learning: Reading for enjoyment builds curiosity and supports learning at every age, from early childhood through adulthood.
  • Establish Healthy Habits: Setting aside time to read each day encourages routines that support focus and well-being. For all ages, replacing screen time with reading — especially before bed — can help promote better rest and a more balanced day.
  • Reduce Stress Levels: Reading provides a simple way to unwind and recharge. Just a few minutes with a book can ease stress, offer a mental break and help you return to daily tasks with greater focus.
  • Spark Imagination: Books inspire creativity, encourage new ideas and invite readers of all ages to explore different perspectives.

How the Summer Reading Program Works

  1. Sign up: Register beginning May 1 at lexcolibrary.beanstack.org or through the Beanstack Tracker app (available on Android and iOS).
  2. Track Your Reading: Log reading and activities from May 26 through July 31 using Beanstack or a paper log. Paper logs are available to download or can be picked up at any LCPL branch.
  3. Earn Rewards:  Complete activities to earn badges, prizes and entries into grand prize drawings. Prize pickup begins June 15.

Discover More Than Books

Summer Reading goes beyond the page. Stories are everywhere, and our programs bring them to life in new and engaging ways.

Experience History: Step into the past through programs like The Revolution in Lexington County and Battlefield Stories.

Create & Explore: Try hands-on activities such as Jurassic Resin Lab and Clay Shapers.

Hear New Perspectives: Connect with storytellers, authors and poets in programs like The South Few See and Rooted in Poetry.

Enjoy Family Fun: All ages can take part in interactive programs like Dino, Dino, Wolf and Wild Wonders.

Find Your Next Experience: From dinosaurs to history to poetry, there is something for everyone. Visit lexcolibrary.com/programs to explore upcoming events all year long.

Feed Your Curiosity

Follow your interests as you uncover stories from the past and discover new ideas.

Research Your Roots: Dive into family and local history with HeritageQuest. Explore records, maps and resources to help piece together your personal story.

Learn From the Past: Discover key people and events in American history with Gale In Context: U.S. History.

Explore Science: Stay curious with Gale In Context: Science, where you can read articles, try experiments and investigate new ideas.

Visit & Experience: Bring learning to life with an Adventure Pass to Lexington County Museum, Cayce Historical Museum or Columbia Museum of Art. Passes are available at all library locations for a free visit.

It's not just for kids. Teens,Adults,YOU can participate in Summer Reading, too.

track your progress online

Summer Reading App

Beanstack logo
(icon) apple logo, download on the app store
(icon) google play logo, get it on google play
Children, Teens & Adults

Upcoming Events

Important Dates

  • Summer Reading begins May 26

  • Begin picking up prizes June 15

  • Summer Reading ends July 31

26MAY2:00 PM4:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Chapin Branch LibraryAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

27MAY10:30 AM12:30 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Gilbert-Summit BranchAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

29MAY10:00 AM12:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party10:00 AM – 12:00 PM South Congaree BranchAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

30MAY10:00 AM12:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pelion Branch LibraryAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

02JUN10:00 AM12:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Irmo Branch LibraryAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

03JUN3:00 PM6:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Icehouse AmphitheaterAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

05JUN2:00 PM4:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Swansea Branch LibraryAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

07JUN2:00 PM4:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Batesburg-Leesville BranchAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

08JUN4:00 PM6:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Gaston Branch LibraryAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

09JUN5:00 PM7:00 PMSummer Reading: Kickoff Party5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cayce-West Columbia BranchAudiencePreschool, Youth, Tweens, Teens, Adults, Families

Summer Reading Sponsors

Click for List of Branch Level Sponsors

Branch Level Sponsors

  • Chick-fil-A
 

Notice: All locations will be closed Sunday, April 5 for Easter.

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