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Events & Exhibits > Special Events > Summer Programs

Summer Programs

Join the Leon County Public Library in June and July for the Unearth a Story summer programs. Discover a season filled with hands-on activities, creative exploration, and stories waiting to be uncovered.

From exciting games and crafts to scavenger hunts, live performances, and reading challenges, there’s something for all ages. Whether you’re exploring the past, imagining new worlds, or uncovering hidden stories, the library is your place for summer discovery.

The summer reading program helps prevent the “summer slide” by keeping children and teens engaged in reading throughout the break. It also encourages readers of all ages to explore books for fun and prizes.

Beanstack

Join the Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack, the library’s fun reading challenge tracker!

How to get started:

  • Scan the QR code and 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 8.

Prizes include:

  • Kids (0-5)
    • Glow in the Dark Dino Blanket
    • Dinosaur Night Light
  • Youth (6-11)

    • Magnetic Building Blocks: Dinosaur World
    • Lego Dinosaur Figure
  • Teens (12-17)
    • 3D Wooden Dinosaur Puzzle
    • T. Rex Fossils Model Building Set
  • Adults (18+)
    • Challenger Learning Center Duo Membership

Scavenger Hunts

Go on a discovery adventure at your library each week. Pick up a scavenger hunt and explore to uncover clues, solve challenges, and win fun prizes.

Brainfuse HelpNow

Keep your skills sharp for the new school year with Brainfuse’s online Summer Skills Camp! Students can stay engaged through live tutoring, lessons, and activities in math, science, and writing. Access this free resource using your library card.

Events

  • Summer Reading Kickoff: Unearth a Story
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Kick off summer reading with a prehistoric adventure filled with hands-on activities, games, and crafts inspired by dinosaurs. Explore the past and uncover fun facts about your favorite dinos along the way.

  • Draw a Dinosaur
    Audience: kids Location:
    Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library
    Description:

    Explore the world of dinosaur art through fun and creative drawing activities. Try out techniques like dot-to-dot, coloring, and guided drawing while using books and visual prompts for inspiration. This hands-on program encourages creativity and imagination, with light refreshments provided.

  • Unearth the Magic
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Enjoy an unforgettable family-friendly magic and comedy performance with Tallahassee’s own Phil Meyer. Packed with astonishing tricks, interactive moments, and plenty of laughs, this high-energy show brings stories to life and sparks imagination for kids and families alike.

  • Rock and Gem Discovery
    Audience: teens Location:
    Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library
    Description:

    Uncover the earth’s treasures in this hands-on gem mining experience. Sift, sort, and identify rocks and minerals while learning how they form—and take home a few sparkling finds of your own.

  • Prehistoric Button Factory
    Audience: teens Location:
    Woodville Branch Library
    Description:

    Travel back to the age of dinosaurs and create your own custom buttons. Use colorful materials and creative designs to craft wearable art with a prehistoric twist. Learn the button-making process and leave with unique creations to show off your style.

  • Dino Trivia
    Audience: teens Location:
    Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
    Description:

    Get ready to dig into dinosaur trivia at the library. Test your knowledge in a fun, game-style challenge or learn something new along the way. Enjoy snacks, compete with friends, and play for exciting prizes.

  • Dinosaur Exploration: Dig, Discover, Decode
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Do you have what it takes to be the next great paleontologist? Explore the world of dinosaurs through hands-on games and activities that put your skills to the test. Step into the role of a scientist discovering a new fossil site and use your detective skills to identify and celebrate exciting dinosaur discoveries.

  • Dinosaur Cross-Stitch
    Audience: adults Location:
    Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
    Description:

    Try your hand at cross-stitch with a prehistoric twist. Create an adorable T. rex design while learning basic stitching techniques in this beginner-friendly class. Perfect for dinosaur fans and anyone looking to get creative.

  • Terrarium Workshop
    Audience: adults Location:
    Eastside Branch Library
    Description:
    Create your own prehistoric landscape in this hands-on terrarium workshop. Build a self-contained ecosystem and add a tiny dinosaur to bring your scene to life. No registration is required, but space and supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Unearthing the Paleo-Past
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Step into the role of a paleontologist in this interactive program presented by Tally MoLab. Use fossil evidence to uncover clues about the past, learn how fossils form, and practice excavation and recording techniques while investigating a life-size replica of a Triceratops femur.

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

    Did you know the robin outside your window is a descendant of the dinosaurs that once ruled the Earth? Explore the fascinating paleontological evidence that connects ancient, scaly reptiles of the Mesozoic Era to the diverse, feathered birds we see today.

  • Paleolithic Life and Survival
    Audience: adults Location:
    See Details
    Description:

    Explore how early humans lived, adapted, and survived during the Paleolithic era. This illustrated talk takes a closer look at daily life in prehistoric Florida, highlighting the skills and strategies that helped early people thrive.

  • Painting a Story
    Audience: adults Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Travel back in time to explore the purpose and meaning behind prehistoric art. This engaging talk highlights how early artists used creativity to communicate, record experiences, and leave their mark on history.

  • Dino Glow Party
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Step into a glowing prehistoric world with games, crafts, and music under the blacklight. Wear bright colors and enjoy a high-energy celebration filled with fun and excitement.

  • Picturing Prehistory: Art From Fossils
    Audience: adults Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Explore how artists and scientists work together to bring prehistoric life to the page. Join paleontologist Aaron Woodruff of the Florida Museum of Natural History as he shares how fossil evidence is interpreted and transformed into detailed illustrations of ancient creatures.

  • Dinosaur Exploration: Prehistoric Journey
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Do you have what it takes to be the next great paleontologist? Travel back in time and explore the world of dinosaurs through hands-on games and activities that put your skills to the test. Use your observation skills and curiosity to uncover clues and learn more about these incredible creatures.

  • Dino-Mite Trivia
    Audience: all Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Test your knowledge of all things dinosaur in this fun, all-ages trivia game. Team up with family and friends to answer questions about real-life dinosaurs and pop culture from movies, TV, books, and more. Enjoy friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and the chance to win prizes—no expertise required.

  • Fossils Alive: Dinosaurs Among Us
    Audience: kids Location:
    Leon County Main Library
    Description:

    Get ready for a wild adventure with Animal Tales. Meet six amazing exotic animals, including a mix of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, while taking part in interactive skits and activities. You’ll even have the chance to touch one of the animals at the end of the program.

  • No more events.

Summer BreakSpot

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

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

    Free healthy, packaged meals 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 1 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required.

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

    Free healthy, packaged grab-and-go meals 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 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required. Caregivers can pick up meals for their children without the children present and can take meals for the whole week.

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

    Free healthy, packaged grab-and-go meals are available for kids and teens 18 and under at the Fort Braden Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 2-4 p.m. from Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required. Caregivers can pick up meals for their children without the children present and can take meals for the whole week.

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

    Free healthy, packaged meals 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 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required.

  • No more events.

 

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month

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