Midland County Public Libraries offer a series of events and activities throughout the summer for all ages. Discovering books and reading for pleasure helps to prevent that "summer slide" between school years, and families are given opportunities for fun for weeks on end!

All Together Now!

Every summer comes with a different theme. This year is the year we work All Together Now! Celebrate kindness, teamwork, and healthy living as the community gets together to have a great summer event. MCPL has a variety of fun events and performers scheduled throughout the summer that will keep all ages rekindling a joy for reading and learning. 

Visit the library every day of the week for a new activity:

• Monday - Community Outreach. Find the bookmobile around town!
• Tuesday - Special performances for all ages.
• Wednesday - STEM crafts & activities.
• Thursday - Adult crafts & activities and morning storytimes.
• Friday - Friday Flix & Teen events.
• Saturday - Various activities for all ages.

Download the Summer Reading Calendar

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Getting started with the Summer Reading Program at MCPL is quick and easy. Between May 30 and July 19, participants will be able to track reading habits and books read, as well as library programs attended, to earn points that add up to win prizes. Those who complete the summer goal are the ones entered for the grand prizes at the end of the summer!

STEP ONE: REGISTER

Register online for Reader Zone (external link) by creating an account for one person or for the whole family. Reader Zone is also available for mobile devices in the Apple App Store (for iPhones) or Google Play Store (for Android and Samsung).

Use the code 06cd5 (for Youth) or ab37b (for Adults) to join MCPL's active programs.

Pre-Registration begins May 30.

For help creating an account, visit the library and speak with a staff member or call us at (432) 688-4320.

STEP TWO: TRACK YOUR READING

Throughout the summer, log in to your Reader Zone account and track reading progress to earn points - and yes, audiobooks count as reading! Read your way through each milestone to earn badges, then show your badges to a library staff member to collect your prizes! Readers will be organized into four categories:

Early Learners (0-5) - For babies and children who will be read to by someone else, progress is awarded for number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 300 minutes.

Children (6-12) – For children beginning to read with help or independently, points are awarded for number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 600 minutes.

Teens (13-17) – For teens who are working on their reading goals, points are awarded for the number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 900 minutes.

Adults (18+) - For adults reading independently or alongside family, points are awarded for the number of minutes spent reading, with a goal of 1,500 minutes.

STEP THREE: ATTEND LIBRARY EVENTS

Those who complete their reading goals can earn extra grand prize entries by completing special activities through the Reader Zone app and by attending library programs and events. Visit our events calendar (link) to stay up-to-date on upcoming programs and performers, or ask a staff member for a copy of our monthly calendar.

Summer Kick-off Party | June 3 from 10am-12pm | Library at the Plaza (Downtown)
Visit the Library at the Plaza (301 W. Missouri Ave.) for a carnival-style kick-off event with games, prizes, and bounce houses.

Tuesday Special Events

• June 6 -  Sibley Nature Center - Learn about sustainability and recycling with our local nature specialists.
• June 13 - Sue Roseberry - Local storyteller Sue Roseberry brings stories to life with her vibrant and interactive tales.
• June 20 - Bronson Chadwick - Watch the magic happen with local magician and storyteller Bronson Chadwick.
• June 27 - Nancy & Her Friends (external link) - Nancy is a much sought-after ventriloquist and public speaker, having performed in nearly every state, as well as Mexico and Newfoundland. She has delighted audiences at storytelling festivals across the Southwest, and thousands of churches, schools, and libraries from coast to coast. 
• July 11 -  Local Heroes Day - Meet your local Midland heroes who keep our city clean and safe.
• July 18 - Science Spectrum (external link)Learn about native animals of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico including snakes, lizards, insects, and mammals in this hands-on demonstration. 

Thursday Adult Crafts

• June 8 - Tote Bag Painting - Create your own design on a canvas tote bag perfect for carrying your library books.
• June 15 - String Art - Follow easy patterns to create and display beautiful designs using string and nails.
• June 22 - DIY Upcycled Containers - Upcycle cans, jars, and cereal boxes into usable containers for around the house.
• June 29 - DIY Tile Coasters - Personalize and decorate tile coasters with your own prints and pictures.
• July 6 -  Beginner Coding Workshop - Learn about the fundamentals of code using Python. No experience required!
• July 13 - Book 'Em Wall Pocket - Turn old and recycled books into usable boho-chic wall organizers.
• July 20 - Air Plant Stand - Create a unique stand for an air plant that is easy to care for and yours to take home.

End of Summer Party | July 22 from 10am-12pm | Library at the Plaza (Downtown)
Celebrate reaching your summer reading goal at our wrap-up party at the Library at the Plaza (Downtown), where program finishers will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize!

Summer Sponsors

MCPL could not make the Summer Reading Program really take off without the help of the Midland County Public Library Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation and how they support library programming, visit their web page (link) and follow them on Facebook @mcplftx!