Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Summer Reading Program 2026: Read Around the World! (June 29-August 21)

Purpose of the Program

The St. Marys Public Library strives to ignite curiosity and foster creativity in children, celebrating their achievements along the way. That is why we are committed to offering a summer program that promotes reading, literacy, and engaging educational activities, aiming to make learning a joyful adventure.

By offering games, crafts, and playful activities, the program offers children a valuable chance to learn and enhance crucial skills in an enjoyable and relaxed setting.

Programs Provided

  • Bring your lunch and join us at Kin Park (109 James Street North) for outdoor stories and nature activities for all ages!
  • Picnic in the Park sessions are weather-dependent and will be canceled in case of rain.

  • Come explore hands-on STEM activities like science experiments, robotics, and curiosity-driven investigations. Each session begins with 15 minutes of reading to help participants work toward their summer goals, then dives into engaging challenges that spark imagination and critical thinking.
  • Registration required. Max. 20 participants.

  • Looking to build your child’s confidence with reading and language? Book a free 30-minute session with Grace, our Summer Program Coordinator, for personalized support focused on boosting phonemic awareness to improve literacy skills.
  • ActiveNet registration opens one week in advance. This is not a drop-in program.

  • A fun, hands-on crafting program where children can explore their creativity each week with a new themed project to take home. A list of weekly crafts will be available on ActiveNet under the program information. 
  • Registration required. Maximum 20 participants. 

  • This drop-in program invites kids to explore, create, and play at the library, with games and activities that change each week. No registration required, come and go as you like!

  • Features a mix of drop-in activities, crafts, and games led by the Summer Reading Program Coordinator. Each session offers something new, like Mario Kart tournaments, escape rooms, printmaking, and crochet. Pizza and snacks are included on select dates, making it a fun and relaxed space to create and connect with friends.
  • Ages 12+. Registration required. Max. 20 participants

  • Bringing literacy to life through active, high-energy gym games with a reading twist! Held at Kin Park (109 James St. North) this program combines movement and learning as kids build literacy skills while playing, running, and having fun outdoors.
  • Registration required. Max. 20 participants

  • Join us every Friday for special guests and unique events, free to attend! Stay tuned for the lineup announcement, coming soon! Registration required.

Reading Tracking

The Library’s Summer Reading Challenge is all about keeping kids excited about reading while school’s out. With their very own Reading Passport to guide them, kids will set goals, track their reading, and earn stamps along the way. This fun and engaging challenge encourages children to build their literacy skills all summer long, with prizes and rewards to keep them motivated!

The more they read, the more they earn! Kids track their reading to collect tickets—giving them more chances to win 1 of 3 exciting prizes. Plus, at 5, 10, 15, and 20 hours, they’ll unlock additional fun surprises!

Want more ways to win? Visit the library each week and complete the weekly challenge to receive one extra ballot for the grand prize draw!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All summer programs are designed for children ages 7+
  • Children under 7 are welcome to attend when accompanied by a caregiver who is at least 12 years old.

  • Participants are required to sign up for all scheduled programs on the Town of St Marys ActiveNet website: tinyurl.com/SMPL-ActiveNet
  • Programs can be found under Activities > Public Library, as of June 21st.
  • Registration will be open on the friday before the week of scheduled programs.

  • This summer, Picnic in the Park and Fluency Fitness will take place at Kin Park (109 James St. North)
  • All other programs will be hosted in the upstairs room of the Library. Directional signage will be available to help guide participants to the right location.
  • Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get updates on Funday Friday locations as they are announced.

  • Stay connected all summer long with our email updates! You'll receive the latest information about what's happening, where, and when throughout the Summer Program.
  • Follow the link here to stay up to date: https://libraryaware.com/1109/Subscribers/Subscribe
  • Need help? Contact the Library and we’ll be happy to assist!

About the Friends of the Library

The 2026 Summer Reading Program has been made possible through the generous support of The Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Library is a dedicated charitable organization that stands as a beacon of support for our library's vision and mission. Through their unwavering commitment, they raise essential funds that help bring the library programs and events to life, enriching the lives of patrons of all ages. For those who are eager to learn more about the The Friends of the Library and how they can get involved in this mission, we warmly invite to you to reach out to the Library directly.

Contact Us

Town of St. Marys (general contact)
Town Hall: 175 Queen Street East
Mail: P.O Box 998
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6

T: 519-284-2340
F: 519-284-2881
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