The Dublin Public Library is ready to ‘Unearth a Story’ with this year’s Summer Reading Program, kicking off this week.
The dinosaur-themed program is funded in part by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the 2026 TLA-HEB Summer at the Library Grant.
“The goals of Unearth a Story are to increase reading engagement, foster curiosity through interactive learning, and provide equitable access to enriching summer experiences. By blending literacy, science, art, and culture, the program creates meaningful opportunities for children to connect with their community and discover the joy of reading,”Dublin Public Library Director Adina Dunn said.
With the program officially starting the last day of school, participants of all ages can read books throughout the summer to earn tickets for a variety of prizes. For every 10 picture books, or one chapter book, kids, teens and adults will receive a raffle ticket to enter for the following prizes: Nintendo Switch, a Kindle with a case, light up scooter, Stanley cup with a snack bowl, $50 Roblox card, botanical Legos, Bluey art station, karaoke machine, Minecraft Legos or a stained glass dinosaur kit.
Participants will also receive the opportunity to get three free books and other prizes at the library’s book fair after returning summer reading logs from June 24 through July 3.
“Our summer reading program, Unearth a Story, invites children and families to explore the past through reading, science, art, and cultural discovery. Designed to spark curiosity and prevent summer learning loss, the program combines literacy with hands-on, explorationbased learning experiences that are both educational and engaging,” Dunn said. “The program will run for seven weeks and include weekly live programs, takehome activity kits, and reading logs to encourage consistent reading habits. Participants who complete their reading logs will be rewarded with entry into our free end-of-summer book fair, where they can select books to build their home libraries.”
Each Tuesday, participants can stop by the library to pick up a Grab-n-Go Craft.
Each week features a unique theme that encourages participants to “unearth” stories from different perspectives: Week 1: Dino-Mite Beats – A family-friendly world music program that introduces global sounds and storytelling through music.
Week 2: The Great Dino Dig – An interactive educational experience with Dinosaur Valley State Park, bringing local history and paleontology to life.
Week 3: Critters of the Cretaceous – The Creature Teacher introduces live animals while connecting them to prehistoric life and habitats.
Week 4: Dinos Go World Wide – This week explores living dinosaurs all around the world.
Week 5: STEM-saurus Lab – Hosted in partnership with the Middle Trinity Water Conservation District, focusing on handson science and environmental learning.
Week 6: Safari Through Time – A cultural exploration program with Elizabeth Kahura, highlighting global traditions and storytelling.
Week 7 & 8: Color the Cretaceous/ Program Wrap-Up&BookFair – A watercolor art camp encouraging creative expression inspired by prehistoricthemes. Anda community celebration featuring prize drawings and our free book fair.
Free programs will include: STEM Day at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21 Dinosaur Valley at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 28 Creature Teacher 2 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Living Fossils Around the World 10 a.m. Thursday, June 11 Water Safety with Bobber 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13 STEM Day 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18 Elizabeth Kahura Folk Tales from Africa 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25 The library is also working on its Mission to Mindfulness programs, provided by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission (Grant # LS-259205-OLS-25) and ends June 30. Additional programs throughout the summer are also in the works with partners from Tarleton’s OT & Serenity House, according to Dunn.
Summer Reading Club is 100% free. The library is located at 206 W. Blackjack Street in Dublin.