Summer Reading Program 2026 - Unearth A Story | June 5 - August 1, 2026
2026 Youth Summer Reading
Our Summer Reading Challenge begins Friday, June 5th and goes until Saturday, August 1. Simply register your child HERE, then pick up or print a reading log for your childs age or grade level, and READ! As your child completes their reading log they will be eligible for various prizes and entered for the end-of-summer raffle. In order to be eligible to participate in the prize raffle, each reader must be registered via the link above and must complete their Reading Logs.
2026 Reading Logs
Reading Logs for AGES 0-4
Reading Logs for GRADES K-5
Reading Logs for GRADES 6-12
June Program Calendar
Master Gardeners Children's Garden Workshops
Register for the July workshop (insects) HERE.
Register for the August workshop (harvesting) HERE.
Summer Storytime (ages 18 mo - 4 yrs)
Register your child for storytime by clicking on the image below.
Math Club (Gr K-2)
Register your child for math club by clicking on the image below.
I Survived Book Club (Gr 3-5)
Register your child for the I Survived book club by clicking on the image below.
Teen/Tween Events (Gr 6+)
Register your teen for these summer events by clicking on the image below.
Creative Writing Club (Gr 1-3)
Register your child for the Creative Writing Club by clicking on the image below.
Juniata County Conservation District Program
Register your child for the special event with the JCCD by clicking on the image below.
Juniata County Historical Society Program
Register your child for the special event with the JCHS here soon.
Mike and Roberta Straka - Field Paleontologists
July 15, 2026 @ 10:00 am Pre-register for this exciting dinosaur expedition adventure with field paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka by clicking HERE. (Pre-registration doesn't require you to attend, it just helps us plan accordingly)
During the show, Mike and Roberta will showcase all the different skills that come together on a paleontological dig. Audience members will experience the thrill of digging up a real Triceratops dinosaur bone and then help construct a dinosaur on a large cut-out. The show will feature the skull of an Albertosaurus named Elvis and explore the characteristics of this dinosaur. Audience participation, a touch of magic, and show and tell with rare fossils will round out this fun, educational and exciting adventure!
Lykens Valley Children's Museum - Dino Experience
July 22, 2026 @ 10:00 am Register your child for the mobile dinosaur experience with the LVCM by clicking on the image below. (Pre-registration doesn't require you to attend, it just helps us plan accordingly)
A History of the Summer Reading Program
Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children, particularly those not needed for farm work, to read during their summer vacation, use the library and develop the habit of reading. The Juniata County Library has adopted the themes set by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP).
Numerous studies have shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss, also referred to as the “summer slide.” Summer reading loss is cumulative. Children don’t “catch up” in the fall because the other children are moving ahead with their skills. By the end of 6th grade, children who lose reading skills over the summer are two years behind their classmates. The benefits to readers in a summer reading program include:
- Encouragement that reading becomes a lifelong habit
- Reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities
- Reading over the summer helps children keep their skills up
- The program can generate interest in the library and books
The Juniata County Library is offering our local children an opportunity to make new friends and win prizes while maintaining and enhancing their reading skills!
Need a library card? No problem! You can register here. In addition to checking out physical materials, it gives you digital access to free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more!
Summer Reading funding is provided by the United Way of Mifflin Juniata and by the Friends of the Library. Become a Friend today!