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Events & Exhibits > Special Events > Summer Programs

Summer Programs

Join the Leon County Public Library in June and July for summer programs for all ages! Discover a summer filled with exciting games, crafts, scavenger hunts, animal visits, reading challenges, and more.

The library’s summer reading program is designed to help prevent the “summer slide” by keeping children and teens engaged in reading over the long summer break. The program encourages citizens of all ages to read books of their choice for fun and prizes.

Beanstack

Join our Summer Reading Challenge with Beanstack, the library's fun reading challenge tracker! 

How to get started:

  • Create a Beanstack account
  • Log your reads on the Beanstack app or website

Earn badges by:

  • Reading 20 minutes each day
  • Attending library programs
  • Completing fun activities

From June 1 through July 31, participate in the Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Winners will be notified on August 10.

Scavenger Hunts

Put your adventure hat on and participate in exciting scavenger hunts all summer long at your Leon County Public Library! Visit the information desk for the scavenger hunt worksheet then explore the library to uncover clues. Complete the scavenger hunt to win fun prizes.

Mango Languages

Learn a new language this summer with Mango Languages! With your library card, you can access step-by-step lesson plans for more than 70 different languages. This user-friendly platform is your ticket to exploring new languages at your own pace. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or just want to learn the basics, Mango Languages has something for everyone.

Events

  • Summer Reading Kickoff: Color Our World
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Kick off Summer Reading with a colorful art adventure at the Leon County Public Library! Dive into a world of art, color, creativity, and fun as we explore the magic of art through hands-on crafts and exciting games. From mixing and blending colors to creating unique masterpieces, kids will have a blast experimenting with different artistic techniques. With plenty of playful activities and surprises along the way, this is the perfect event for young artists who love to get creative! 

  • Colorful World of Music
    Audience: adults Location:
    Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
    Description:

    Enjoy a colorful celebration of music from around the world! A trio of professors from FAMU and FSU will demonstrate how American jazz blends with global musical traditions. Join the conversation about the history and future of traditional music.

  • Crafting Colorful Mosaics
    Audience: adults Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Join us for a creative afternoon of mosaic-making! Use colorful broken tiles to design your own unique garden paver — a beautiful and functional piece of outdoor art. No experience needed — we'll provide the materials and guidance.

     

  • Pentimento: Paint Over Painting
    Audience: teens Location:
    Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
    Description:

    Embrace the joy of imperfection! Teens are invited to a high-fun, low-stress painting workshop where you'll paint over a provided artwork to create your own masterpiece — or disaster-piece. Whether you transform it into something new or just give the Mona Lisa a mustache, it's all about having fun with creativity.

  • Painting Our Tallahassee
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    In this interactive presentation, children will meet local mural artist, illustrator, and portrait painter Franzlinez aka Kowosòl and explore the vibrant murals that bring Tallahassee to life. They’ll learn how large-scale public art comes together — from tools and sketches to the final masterpiece — then create their own artwork inspired by the city’s beauty using techniques shared by the artist. This hands-on experience fosters creativity, community appreciation, and a deeper connection to public art.

  • Henna: Temporary Tattoo Body Art
    Audience: teens Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Teens, come learn the basics of henna and explore its rich history! Discover its cultural significance and design your own unique temporary tattoo in a fun, creative atmosphere.

    A parent or legal guardian must sign a physical activity waiver for teens to participate.

  • Audience: adults Location:
    Woodville Branch Library
    Description:

    Join the Tallahassee Writers Association for valuable insights and practical advice to help aspiring children's book authors bring their stories to life.

  • WFSU Summer Challenge Family Engagement Camp
    Audience: kids Location:
    Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library
    Description:

    WFSU’s Summer Challenge brings educational fun to families across the Big Bend. This summer-long event encourages kids to explore their community and learn about the people who help it thrive. The 2025 theme, The Learning Neighborhood, introduces children to different careers and community roles. Kids can earn prizes by completing activities in a free activity book, available at local libraries and schools. Families are also invited to free camp days featuring PBS KIDS episodes, read-alongs, hands-on activities and take-home goodies— with new themes each week!

    Space is limited — register today!

  • Shakespeare Man
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Step into the world of William Shakespeare in this lively program, where you’ll see, hear, and interact with the Bard himself. Who knows? You might even perform alongside him!

  • Gyotaku: Printmaking Scientists
    Audience: kids Location:
    Woodville Branch Library
    Description:

    Explore the science behind the Japanese art form gyotaku in this hands-on program. Participants will learn about bony and non-bony fish, discover the unique traits of echinoderms, and compare human and fish anatomy — then create their own marine print to take home.

  • Audience: teens Location:
    Eastside Branch Library
    Description:

    Calling all creative teens! Ready to turn your artistic passion into a brand? Join Amanda Karioth Thompson, founder and CEO of AKT Artful, for a fun and informative arts entrepreneurship workshop. You’ll learn the basics of building a creative business and design your own logo — no experience needed. Walk away with a logo that reflects your vision and the tools to start building your brand.

  • Audience: teens Location:
    Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library
    Description:

    Get creative this summer with visual art and the written word! Teens are invited to explore the art of collage while crafting unique poetry.

    Using cut-out words and images, participants will create visually striking poems that express their personal style and voice.

    Whether you're a poet or just like using scissors, this workshop is cut out for fun and creative freedom. All materials provided — just bring yourself!

  • Audience: adults Location:
    Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library
    Description:

    Love soul, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, blues, and more? Test your music knowledge in an exciting Black Music Jeopardy game! Challenge yourself with questions about legendary musicians, chart-topping hits, and the cultural impact of Black artists throughout history.

  • Art Adventures: Find Your Style
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Join us for a colorful art adventure! Youth will explore a variety of styles and artists through fun, hands-on projects. Whether you're just getting started or already love to create, this is a great way to express your creativity and try something new.

  • Audio Drama: Play in One Act
    Audience: teens Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Are you a storyteller, actor or audio enthusiast? Here's your chance to shine by creating a play in one act! Write the script, perform the voices and edit the sound effects in this immersive experience. Whether you're into acting or tech, you'll be part of the creative process from start to finish. Bring your ideas to life and experience the magic of theater — all in one day!

  • Color Our World Glow Party
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Get ready for an evening of glowing fun with music, games, and crafts under the blacklight. Dress in your brightest neon gear (optional) and join us for this glow-tastic summer event!

  • Decoupage: Cut-Out Poetry & Collage Workshop
    Audience: teens Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Get creative this summer with visual art and the written word! Teens are invited to explore the art of collage while crafting unique poetry.

    Using cut-out words and images, participants will create visually striking poems that express their personal style and voice.

    Whether you're a poet or just like using scissors, this workshop is cut out for fun and creative freedom. All materials provided — just bring yourself!

  • Art of the Wild
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Join us for a wild and interactive adventure into the world of animal camouflage! Meet exotic guest animals — mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians — and discover the incredible ways they blend into their environments to survive.

  • Rainbows and Spectrum
    Audience: kids Location:
    Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
    Description:

    "Rainbows and Spectrum" is a hands-on MagLab science program where kids explore the wonders of light, color, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Discover the magic behind rainbows and see how light shapes the world around us!

  • Color the World: Beautiful Guitars and Sitars
    Audience: kids Location:
    Eastside Branch Library
    Description:

    Experience the rich sounds of guitars and sitars in this dynamic musical program! Musician Chris Seepersaud will showcase styles from world music, jazz, soft rock, and blues while exploring the origins and cultural significance of the Indian sitar and the electric guitar. After the demonstration, participants can unleash their creativity by designing and decorating their own imaginative instrument.

     

  • Unscripted Art Studio
    Audience: adults Location:
    See Details
    Description:

    Calling all adults for an afternoon of spontaneous, creative fun filled with splashes of color! Participants will experiment with various artistic mediums, freely expressing moods and themes — no rules, no boundaries, just pure creative freedom!

     

  • Art Adventures: Tell Your Story
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Join us for an art adventure where storytelling comes to life through color, materials, and form. Explore how art expresses emotions and ideas, and create your own visual story!

  • Pentimento: Paint over Painting
    Audience: teens Location:
    Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library
    Description:

    Embrace the joy of imperfection! Teens are invited to a high-fun, low-stress painting workshop where you'll paint over a provided artwork to create your own masterpiece — or disaster-piece. Whether you transform it into something new or just give the Mona Lisa a mustache, it's all about having fun with creativity.

  • Audience: adults Location:
    Eastside Branch Library
    Description:

    Experience a hands-on Rangoli workshop, where creativity meets tradition. Rangoli is a beautiful Indian art form that involves creating intricate patterns on floors or tabletops using materials like powdered limestone, rice flour, colored sand, and flower petals. Attendees will explore the history and techniques of Rangoli and create their own vibrant designs. All materials will be provided — just bring your enthusiasm!

  • WFSU Summer Challenge Pop-up
    Audience: kids Location:
    Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
    Description:

    The WFSU Summer Challenge keeps families learning and having fun all summer long. Complete activities from the free activity book, track your progress with photos, and earn points. At the end of the summer, bring your checklist and images to trade points for prizes from the WFSU store.

  • No more events.

Summer BreakSpot

Free healthy, packaged meals and snacks are available for kids and teens 18 and under at Leon County Public Library locations throughout the summer.

  • Summer BreakSpot @ Main Library - Lunch
    Audience: kids-teens Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Free healthy, packaged lunches are available to enjoy on-site for kids and teens 18 and under at the Leon County Main Library Monday through Friday from 2-3 p.m. from Monday, June 2 through Friday, August 1. No registration is required.

  • Summer BreakSpot @ Woodville Branch - Lunch
    Audience: kids-teens Location:
    Woodville Branch Library
    Description:

    Free healthy, packaged grab-and-go lunches are available for kids and teens 18 and under at the Woodville Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. from Tuesday, June 3 through Friday, August 1. No registration is required. Caregivers can pick up lunches for their children without the children present and can take lunches for the whole week.

  • Summer BreakSpot @ Ft. Braden Branch - Snack
    Audience: kids-teens Location:
    Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library
    Description:

    Free healthy, packaged grab-and-go snacks are available for kids and teens 18 and under at the Ft. Braden Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 2-4 p.m. from Tuesday, June 3 through Friday, August 1. No registration is required. Caregivers can pick up snacks for their children without the children present and can take snacks for the whole week.

  • Audience: kids-teens Location:
    Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library
    Description:

    Free healthy, packaged snacks are available to enjoy on-site for kids and teens 18 and under at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 3-4 p.m. from Tuesday, June 3 through Friday, August 1. No registration is required.

  • No more events.

 

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