Summer Reading

Summer Reading @DPL

May 26 - July 26

Get ready to dig into an exciting summer at Derby Public Library! The Youth Services staff have planned a full slate of events and activities for everyone from babies to teens. This year's theme is Unearth a Story, so get ready to explore what lies beneath the surface during Preschool Storytime, discover hidden gems in our school-age and teen programs, and uncover new worlds through our creative workshops.

In addition to these events, you can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and earn prizes just for reading! Staying engaged with books during the summer is a proven way to help children retain the knowledge they gained during the school year.

Registration for the reading challenge and special events begins Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m., and the program runs through July 26. Don't hesitate to call the library and ask for the Youth Services desk if you have any questions!

Reading Challenge Registration

Click here to be taken to the reading challenge Google Form. Fill out the Google Form once for each child you are registering for summer reading. Link will go live at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th.

Youth Summer Program Guide

This program guide includes information about early literacy programming, school age programming, and our summer performers series.

Teen Summer Program Guide

This program guide includes information about all of our teen programs. Note: some of these programs require registration.

Summer Reading for Teens

For summer activities and events planned specifically for our patrons in grades 6-12, check out the Summer Reading for Teens page on our website.

Adult Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Reading is for grown-ups too! Click here to learn about the summer reading challenge and activities for adults.

Reading Challenge Details

Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge using the Google Form begins May 26, 2026. All reading and activities logs need to be turned in to the Youth Services desk and prizes picked up by 5 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Google Form Registration Steps:

Fill out the Google Form once for each child you are registering for summer reading. Register online or in person at the Youth Services Desk.
Log reading on a paper log that you can print from home or pick one up at the library.
When you finish your reading, bring your completed log to the library to pick up your prizes.

Babies & Toddlers (Birth to age 3): Complete 4 activities in each of the 5 early literacy practices. If an activity isn't age appropriate for your child, replace it with reading a book.

Kids (Preschool to entering 5th grade): Read (or be read to) for 12 hours.

Teens (entering 6th grade to 12th grade): Read for 12 hours.

Everyone birth to age 18 who signs up for and completes the summer reading challenge will receive a prize package that includes:

Prize Book of your choice
1 pass to Rock River Rapids (child, adult combo pass)
1 free child admission to Exploration Place (Babies & Toddlers and Kids only)
1 coupon for a free Fazoli's kid meal with adult meal purchase
1 coupon for a free Pizza Hut personal pan pizza
One entry to win the grand prize for their age group

Grand Prizes

Babies & Toddlers - Toy & $50 Target Giftcard
Kids - SEVEN $100 Amazon Gift Cards
Teens - TWO $100 Amazon Gifts Cards

Special Event Information

Dino-Mite Performers

Performances will be held in the library's Community Room. All performances have a 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. showtime, unless noted in the program guide and on the event calendar.

Paleontology Pursuit: A Scavenger Hunt

Participate in our annual scavenger hunt! New clues are posted Mondays at 9 a.m. The more weeks you participate and complete an entry form, the more chances you have to win the grand prize.

Inaugural Dinosaur Campaign

Help us choose Derby's favorite dino! Will it be a towering long-neck, a speedy predator, or a spiked defender? Visit the Youth Services Desk to cast your vote today!

Ad Astra Planetarium

Learn about constellations, planets, the structure of the universe, and more! Register for one of four Ad Astra Planetarium shows. Audience members will enter a 6-meter inflatable dome to view an unforgettable high-resolution presentation about our solar system and beyond! Register each person INDIVIDUALLY, child or adult, who will be entering the Planetarium. Each child needs a parent or guardian present with them, but parents may be responsible for multiple children.

Moviecraft Monochrome

Inspired by cinematic staples like The Office, Abbott Elementary, and Parks and Recreation, this filmmaking workshop will guide teens through creating a mockumentary! Explore the Moviecraft Cinematic Universe and produce an original short film to unearth the secrets behind our fantastical realms. Registration required. Registration opens on May 26 at 9 a.m.

Teen Murder Mystery: Killer in the Clan Caves

Friday, June 19 6:30 p.m. In the ancient days of cave dwellers and Cro-Magnons, the time of High Sun signals a meeting between three migratory clans, the Oogs, the Boogs, and the Zoogs. They have battled for many seasons, but now arrive to celebrate peace and trade. However, High Sun turns to shadow when a clan member's body is found beneath the rocks. Teens will join one of these prehistoric clans and attempt to find the killer before the gathering fire burns out. Registration required. Registration opens May 26 at 9 a.m.

Teen Writing Challenge: A Story Before Time

Explore the eras of pre-history by writing an original short story with challenges based on the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. Writers will be guided by five challenges each themed around a specific time period. Writers who complete their stories will win a prize, have the opportunity to share their work on the library's blog, and be entered to win a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card! Applications available at the YS desk and online starting on May 26.

Teen Dinosaur Painting Party

Join local artist Kim Deck in this painting party to create an adorable summer dinosaur on the beach piece of art. Teens will learn basic acrylic painting skills. Registration required. Registration opens May 26 at 9 a.m.

Calendar of Events

Quick Links