Summer Reading 2026
Summer events
Read all summer long!
Rawr you ready for Summer Reading?
This year’s Summer Reading theme is Unearth a Story. Join us for a variety of engaging programs such as Dino storytimes and Fossil Fests, hands on activities such as Dino-Rigami, or hunt for a T-Rexcellent book and learn about pre-historic creatures that roamed our planet.
Beginning Tuesday, June 2 – Friday, July 31, youth can visit any library branch to pick up a book to keep for their collection and a reading tracker. For every 20 minutes read, a dino track can be marked off. Youth can earn fun prizes along the way, culminating with a Summer Rading Certificate and MOD Pizza Kids Meal Certificate (while supplies last).
Find something to read
Summer learning page list tiled cards
Check out a Science Kit
You can be a scientist this summer! Scientists all around the world are working on projects and they need your data. By collecting and sharing data, you are helping to solve real-world problems.
Our Community Science Kits have everything you need to make observations and share your findings. The kits focus on three areas: Biodiversity - document and identify plants and animals around you, Pollinators - identify and count pollinators as they visit flowering plants and Measuring Light at Night - help gather light pollution data.
Artist Bio - Shaun Beyale
Shaun Beyale is a Diné (Navajo) artist from the Navajo Nation. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico and currently based in Bloomfield, NM. Growing up with no electricity or running water, he found solace in comic books, sparking a passion for art and storytelling. This early interest led him to go to art school at The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, receiving a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree, and then pursuing a career in comic book art, illustration, painting, screen printing and digital art. His vision for his art revolves around empowerment, cultural representation and creativity. He is inspired by comic books, the strong women in his life, including his mother, grandmother, sisters, aunties and more. He aims to create art that not only showcases his skills but also tell meaningful stories and promote positive values. Beyale’s ultimate goal is to inspire others through Art, particularly indigenous youths and to contribute to a more diverse and authentic representation of Native American experiences.
Shaun created a one-of-a-kind dino sticker designed exclusively for this year’s Summer Reading Program. "I wanted to show a long neck dinosaur, a sauropod, in a southwest desert landscape enjoying some fun time in the local river that runs through. Happy and keeping cool in the hot sun, the dinosaur is all smiles today." Thank you, Shaun!
Summer Reading and Activities
Movie at the library: Night at the Museum
Watercolor & Salt Art
Erupting Volcanoes!
Bilingual Dino Discovery!
Summer Reading 2026
Summer events
Read all summer long!
Find something to read
Summer learning page list tiled cards
Check out a Science Kit
You can be a scientist this summer! Scientists all around the world are working on projects and they need your data. By collecting and sharing data, you are helping to solve real-world problems.
Our Community Science Kits have everything you need to make observations and share your findings. The kits focus on three areas: Biodiversity - document and identify plants and animals around you, Pollinators - identify and count pollinators as they visit flowering plants and Measuring Light at Night - help gather light pollution data.
Artist Bio - Shaun Beyale
Shaun Beyale is a Diné (Navajo) artist from the Navajo Nation. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico and currently based in Bloomfield, NM. Growing up with no electricity or running water, he found solace in comic books, sparking a passion for art and storytelling. This early interest led him to go to art school at The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, receiving a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree, and then pursuing a career in comic book art, illustration, painting, screen printing and digital art. His vision for his art revolves around empowerment, cultural representation and creativity. He is inspired by comic books, the strong women in his life, including his mother, grandmother, sisters, aunties and more. He aims to create art that not only showcases his skills but also tell meaningful stories and promote positive values. Beyale’s ultimate goal is to inspire others through Art, particularly indigenous youths and to contribute to a more diverse and authentic representation of Native American experiences.
Shaun created a one-of-a-kind dino sticker designed exclusively for this year’s Summer Reading Program. "I wanted to show a long neck dinosaur, a sauropod, in a southwest desert landscape enjoying some fun time in the local river that runs through. Happy and keeping cool in the hot sun, the dinosaur is all smiles today." Thank you, Shaun!
Unearth a Story in Your Backyard
Culture Passes and Museums for All
Have you checked out the local colors of our Culture Pass Program? At your local library, you can borrow a pass good for two free adult admissions to many museums and attractions in Tucson. There are also some great places to explore in Phoenix and Flagstaff as well. There is usually a reduced-price fare for those under 18, which makes having a local adventure more affordable for families all summer long!
Museums for All is a nationwide program that supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) with reduced admission to more than 1,300 museums throughout the United States. Simply present your SNAP EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) card for $3.00 entry for up to four individuals. Check out the participating museums in Arizona and add some color to your summer!
Explore the Night Sky
Summer is the perfect time of year for stargazing. The key to stargazing is to pick a clear night and find a spot that’s away from the city lights and clear of trees. Borrow a book on astronomy from your library and see how many constellations and planets you can find. You can even check out a telescope from your local library branch!
Visit your Arizona State Parks
Are you ready to see some green and blue this summer? With more than 30 parks, you can always find a shady tree or some water to cool off in. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly trips in Arizona or searching for activities that will encourage children’s connection to nature, your Arizona state parks offer fun for the whole family!
Arizona State Parks and Trails offers a free Day-Use Entry Pass to all young readers in Pima County, so pick up a pass at your local library while supplies last.
Get moving
Jump on your bike or take an early morning walk on the Huckelberry Loop Path and look for the colorful art and nature along the way! You can also bike or walk downtown to look for the art and murals there. We have maps showing the locations of art on these two adventures at the library or at the Southern AZ Heritage and Visitor Center (115 North Church). The center has lots of information about other places to have free experiences around Tucson and Arizona!
Summer Reading and Activities
Movie at the library: Night at the Museum
Watercolor & Salt Art
Erupting Volcanoes!
Bilingual Dino Discovery!
Summer Reading 2026
Summer events
Read all summer long!
Find something to read
Summer learning page list tiled cards
Check out a Science Kit
You can be a scientist this summer! Scientists all around the world are working on projects and they need your data. By collecting and sharing data, you are helping to solve real-world problems.
Our Community Science Kits have everything you need to make observations and share your findings. The kits focus on three areas: Biodiversity - document and identify plants and animals around you, Pollinators - identify and count pollinators as they visit flowering plants and Measuring Light at Night - help gather light pollution data.
Artist Bio - Shaun Beyale
Shaun Beyale is a Diné (Navajo) artist from the Navajo Nation. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico and currently based in Bloomfield, NM. Growing up with no electricity or running water, he found solace in comic books, sparking a passion for art and storytelling. This early interest led him to go to art school at The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, receiving a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree, and then pursuing a career in comic book art, illustration, painting, screen printing and digital art. His vision for his art revolves around empowerment, cultural representation and creativity. He is inspired by comic books, the strong women in his life, including his mother, grandmother, sisters, aunties and more. He aims to create art that not only showcases his skills but also tell meaningful stories and promote positive values. Beyale’s ultimate goal is to inspire others through Art, particularly indigenous youths and to contribute to a more diverse and authentic representation of Native American experiences.
Shaun created a one-of-a-kind dino sticker designed exclusively for this year’s Summer Reading Program. "I wanted to show a long neck dinosaur, a sauropod, in a southwest desert landscape enjoying some fun time in the local river that runs through. Happy and keeping cool in the hot sun, the dinosaur is all smiles today." Thank you, Shaun!
Unearth a Story in Your Backyard
Culture Passes and Museums for All
Have you checked out the local colors of our Culture Pass Program? At your local library, you can borrow a pass good for two free adult admissions to many museums and attractions in Tucson. There are also some great places to explore in Phoenix and Flagstaff as well. There is usually a reduced-price fare for those under 18, which makes having a local adventure more affordable for families all summer long!
Museums for All is a nationwide program that supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) with reduced admission to more than 1,300 museums throughout the United States. Simply present your SNAP EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) card for $3.00 entry for up to four individuals. Check out the participating museums in Arizona and add some color to your summer!
Explore the Night Sky
Summer is the perfect time of year for stargazing. The key to stargazing is to pick a clear night and find a spot that’s away from the city lights and clear of trees. Borrow a book on astronomy from your library and see how many constellations and planets you can find. You can even check out a telescope from your local library branch!
Visit your Arizona State Parks
Are you ready to see some green and blue this summer? With more than 30 parks, you can always find a shady tree or some water to cool off in. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly trips in Arizona or searching for activities that will encourage children’s connection to nature, your Arizona state parks offer fun for the whole family!
Arizona State Parks and Trails offers a free Day-Use Entry Pass to all young readers in Pima County, so pick up a pass at your local library while supplies last.
Get moving
Jump on your bike or take an early morning walk on the Huckelberry Loop Path and look for the colorful art and nature along the way! You can also bike or walk downtown to look for the art and murals there. We have maps showing the locations of art on these two adventures at the library or at the Southern AZ Heritage and Visitor Center (115 North Church). The center has lots of information about other places to have free experiences around Tucson and Arizona!