Welcome to 2026 Summer Reading at the Eglin Community Library!
Online Registration Opens: May 30
The Eglin Community Library invites readers of all ages to join in its annual Summer Reading Program! During the months of June and July, with a kick-off party on May 30, participants of all ages can earn fun incentives and win great prizes by reaching their reading goals while participating in this great program. Participation is FREE! From early learners to elementary, teens, and adults — all age groups are encouraged to make reading a part of their adventures this summer!
The iREAD® theme for this year’s program is Plant a Seed, Read — “Plant a Seed, Read” is rooted in the concept of farm to table. A farm grows food that nourishes our bodies; a library grows ideas that nourish our minds. Both food and stories connect us to our family, culture, economy, and ecology. iREAD 2026: Plant a Seed, Read will provide a context for exploring culture, history, science, health, and human connection.
Grand prizes will be awarded to readers at the end of the program and various prize giveaways will also take place during the summer at events and programs!
Age Groups
Prizes & Reading Goals
Pre-Readers
3 Levels
 1 Level = Every 240 Minutes Read
🎉 1 Prize for every level achieved!
Additional incentives available if readers read over 1800 minutes.
School Age Readers
6 Levels
 1 Level = Every 300 Minutes Read
🎉 1 Prize for every level achieved!
Additional incentives available if readers read over 1800 minutes.
Teens
3 Levels
1 Level = Every 360 Minutes Read
🎉 1 Prize for every level achieved!
Adults
3 Levels
1 Level = Every 360 Minutes Read
🎉 1 Prize for every level achieved!
After each level of reading is complete, patrons will be allowed to pick something from the SRP Incentive Store. Patrons will earn virtual badges through Beanstack by attending programs and participating in the SRP program.
2026 Events & Programs
Nature Walks with Seek by iNaturalist
Join the community all summer with a nature-inspired scavenger hunt with the Seek by iNaturalist app! Identify local plants, animals, and fungi, earn badges, and join nature challenges.
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SRP Kick-Off Party
Get ready to grow and feed your mind! Join the library for a morning of fun, including crafting stations, giveaways, games, and more! May 30, from 10 a.m. to Noon!
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Community Story Time
Children and parents from the Eglin community are welcome to enjoy stories, singing, dancing, crafting, and all the fun of being together!
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Pet Portraits Workshops
Create a vibrant, easy-to-make custom portrait of your favorite animal companion! These workshops are designed for all skill levels
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Volunteen
Calling all teens! Get ready to go behind the scenes at the Eglin Community Library and help them gear up for their biggest event of the year.
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Book 2 Movies
We are bringing beloved stories from the page to the big screen. This program is open to all ages
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Seed Mandalas Workshop
Unique hands-on workshop where art meets ancient tradition, showcasing the intricate world of Tibetan sand mandalas.
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Emerald Coast Wildlife Rescue Show
This program offers a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers of all ages to get an up-close look at one of Florida’s local species while learning about the vital work of wildlife conservation.
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Junk Journaling
If you love scrapbooking, mixed media, or just need a creative place to dump your thoughts, this is the session for you.
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Open Journal
This specific special evening of journaling for adults and teens with an optional prompt will be presented, but everyone is free to write, draw, collage, plan, reflect, optimize, and experiment! All journaling styles are welcome.
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Reptile Education with the 6th Ranger Battalion
Eglin Community Library is proud to partner with Hurlburt Field on 17 June to host a unique educational experience featuring the 6th Ranger Battalion Reptile Team.
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STEAM Board Games
This Summer Reading Program event brings together the best of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through fun, interactive play.
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Summer Fun Swap
Get ready to refresh your toy chest and bookshelves by donating gently used items, and take home something new to enjoy for the rest of the summer. You don’t need to have donated an item to participate
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Slime Lab
This vibrant, hands-on event is all about gooey fun and creative experimentation, where kids can dive in to make their very own custom slime from scratch.
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Arty Party
This vibrant crafting celebration is designed to inspire artists of all levels to explore their creative side through a variety of hands-on projects.
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Transcribe-A-Thon
We’re learning to transcribe historical documents for the Library of Congress and looking for all history buffs. No experience necessary.
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The Oregon Trail
Dust off your wagon wheels and pack your salt pork! The Eglin Community Library is bringing the pixelated peril of the 19th century to life for a special Oregon Trail Live Action Adventure for all ages!
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Emerald Coast Science Center Outreach
 The science center and the libraries are teaming up at the Eglin Bayview Community Center for a STEM event inspired by this year’s SRP theme.Â
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2026 SRP Awards Ceremony
Get ready to celebrate your awesome reading achievements at our 2025 Summer Reading Program Awards Ceremony on Saturday, July 25th at 10:00 a.m.Â
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