Automated phone renewals are now available by calling 919-680-2524 and logging in with your library card number and PIN.

Summer Reading

Adventure begins at your library!

June 8 – July 27
8 de junio – 27 de julio

At all library locations
En todas las ubicaciones de la biblioteca

Illustration of a child reading in a tent made of a person-sized book, with a moose and a bear and the moon and stars outside.

About Summer Reading

What is Summer Reading?

Summer Reading is a seven-week long program during the summer months to encourage people of all ages, especially children, to read. This year’s program will begin Saturday, June 8 and end on Saturday, July 27. The theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library!”

Who can participate?

Anyone can participate in Summer Reading! Durham County Library has summer programs available for kids (ages 0-11), teens (ages 12-17), and adults (ages 18+).

How can I participate?

There are several ways you can participate. Choose the one that works best for you:

  • Paper: Pick up a paper tracker at the library. We have two kinds of trackers – one to keep track of your daily reading and a bingo chart with reading challenges! Choose the one that works best for you.
  • Online: Can’t come to the library? You can still keep participate! Simply print out your Summer Reading trackers online. If you want your tracker to count, you will need to turn them in at any library location.
  • Programming: DCoL is hosting many, many Summer Reading programs that you and your family can participate in! Please check out our online events calendar.

How do I fill out the tracker?

Just by reading! You can read anything you like! Be sure to follow the instructions on the tracker!

What can I read?

You can read books, newspapers, magazines, or comics, either print or digital. Audiobooks count, too. Reading out loud to someone else counts for both the person reading and the person being read to, so grab a friend!

What are the prizes?

Each library location has prizes for patrons who take their first tracker. The prizes are as follows: stickers, temporary tattoos, sunglasses, and tote bags. There is one prize per participant while supplies last. You can also turn in completed trackers! You can still turn in your trackers one week after Summer Reading ends (August 3, 2024).

Trackers

Children’s tracker – English

Children’s tracker – Spanish

Adult and teen tracker – English

Adult and teen tracker – Spanish

Upcoming events

All Together Now (Toddler/Preschool Storytime)

Monday, July 22, 2024 • 11:00am - 11:30am

East Regional Library (East Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Join us for a storytime filled with fingerplays, stories, and songs focused on early literacy. This program is intended for toddler - preschool age and will last 25- 30 minutes. A themed craft will follow. *Registration is appreciated. 

Ages: Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

Aromatherapy

Monday, July 22, 2024 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm

North Regional Library (North Regional - Children's Programming Room)

For the last week of Summer Readings, we are visiting Europe.  The best perfumeries in paris have nothing on what you can put together for air mists and soaps. Contact Dominique at fdiggs@dconc.gov with any questions.  Registration...

Ages: High School, Middle School, Teen, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

Registration required

Tweens & Teens: Make Constellation Jars

Monday, July 22, 2024 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm

East Regional Library (East Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Have your own stellar adventure by creating a Constellation Jar!  Art supplies provided by the library.

Ages: High School, Middle School, Teen, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

Registration required

Adopt a Succulent!

Monday, July 22, 2024 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm

Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd) (South Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Join Ms. Kristen to learn about succulents and create your very own succulent container garden....

Ages: Elementary School

Registration full.

StoryWalk® at Beaver Marsh Preserve

Monday, July 22, 2024 • All day

The Small Business Center, STEAM Team and Children's Department at Main Library is delighted to partner with Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association on this StoryWalk®. We hope you will enjoy a walk through the...

Ages: Adult, Baby, Elementary School, Emerging Adult: 18-24 Year Olds, High School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Middle School, Pre-School, Senior Citizen, Teen, Toddler, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds, DPS

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