Summer Learning Starts at Your Library

Summer at the library is about much more than books. This year, libraries across the Twin Cities metro are turning reading into cryptid hunts, STEM workshops, storytime dance parties, art labs, scavenger hunts, volunteer opportunities, and even llama visits.

Through Twin Cities public libraries, families across the seven-county metro can access hundreds of free summer reading and learning programs designed to keep kids, teens, and adults engaged while school is out. While every library system offers its own version of summer learning, the common goal is the same: helping young people stay curious, connected, and confident throughout the summer months.

At Hennepin County Library, summer learning includes LEGO labs, art and STEM programs, game nights, and book clubs for all ages. The library’s “Let’s Read” initiative also pairs trained volunteer tutors with students entering grades K–5 for free one-on-one reading support.

At Dakota County Library, the “Summer Discovery” program runs June 1 through Aug. 31 and invites youth ages birth through 18 to complete reading and activity challenges for free books while supplies last. Families can also access personalized reading recommendations through services like Book Match and NextReads, along with digital collections and English-language learning resources. Sponsors include the Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota Twins, and SEA LIFE at Mall of America.

At Saint Paul Public Library, this year’s “Summer Spark” encourages children and teens ages 0–18 to set personalized reading goals, attend library events, and celebrate accomplishments throughout the summer. Participants receive a free book for signing up, and teens can also enter a grand prize drawing.

Ramsey County Library is once again embracing its playful “Camp Cryptid” theme for summer 2026. Families can pick up themed reading trackers, activity materials, and summer reading catalogs at library branches throughout the county. Participants who complete the program are automatically entered into prize drawings that include tickets to the Minnesota State Fair, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, and Eagles Nest Indoor Playground in New Brighton.

In Scott County, “Summer Spotlight” runs May 30 through Aug. 29 and includes storytimes, arts and STEM workshops, scavenger hunts, games programming, featured performers, and weekly events for youth and teens at every library location. Families can also check out early literacy play kits, Techsplorer backpacks, tabletop games, and outdoor game collections to continue learning at home.

Anoka County Library Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in “Summer Adventures,” a countywide reading challenge running June 1 through Aug. 15. Participants can log reading hours and complete activities to earn prizes including free books and bookstore rewards. This year’s program also includes a “Shelf Detectives Library Mystery Game,” encouraging families to visit library branches, gather clues, and solve “the case of the missing book.”

At Carver County Library, the 2026 Summer Reading Program runs June 1 through Aug. 8 and focuses on reading and summertime fun for children and teens. Participants can track activities online through Beanstack or with paper reading logs, earn free book prizes, and enter drawings for tickets to the Minnesota State Fair, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, and Minnesota Twins games. This year’s “Plant A Seed, Read!” theme also includes bookmark and sticker design contests for youth and teens.

Meanwhile, at Washington County Library, “Summer Adventure at Your Library” runs June 1 through Aug. 15 for children from birth through age 11. Participants complete 10 reading and activity challenges using printed or downloadable game cards, earning a reward book and entries into summer prize drawings when finished. Washington County also offers companion programs for teens and adults, helping encourage reading and exploration across all ages.

MELSA — the Metropolitan Library Service Agency — supports collaboration among the public library systems serving Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. By working together, libraries can expand access to collections, programs, and services beyond what any individual system could provide alone. For many Twin Cities families, that means summer learning is never far away — whether it looks like a reading challenge, a cryptid scavenger hunt, a coding workshop, or simply a cool place to spend a summer afternoon.