The Eglin Library invites readers of all ages to join in its annual Summer Reading Program! During the months of June and July, participants of all ages can earn fun incentives and win great prizes by reaching their reading goals. 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 Read, Renew, Repeat — highlighting the beauty and importance of our natural world and emphasizing the idea and practice of conservation. Conservation as a movement focuses on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity. Read, Renew, Repeat makes for a wonderfully diversified program that encourages reading as a restorative method of self-improvement and self-preservation.

Participation is FREE! Online registration opens June 1 at Beanstack.org (Link coming soon!)

In addition to the self-paced reading portion of the Summer Reading Program, the Eglin Library has a full schedule of special summer events for participants to enjoy! …

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
Saturday, June 1 | 9-11 AM
Gather at the Eglin Library for the official launch of this year’s Summer Reading Program, with face painting, FREE pizza and popcorn, crafting stations, and more! Goodie bags will be given to the first 50 children through the door, and other exciting prizes will be given away by random drawing. (Must be present to win.) Library staff will be available to offer assistance with Summer Reading registration. Plus, get a look at this year’s incentives and grand prizes on display! No registration required to attend. Open to all with base access.

Tiny Art Contest
June 1-18
Tweens and teens are encouraged to create and enter a work of art that encompasses this year’s Summer Reading theme. Pick up a tiny canvas at the Library between Saturday, June 1 and Saturday, June 8. Create a masterpiece and return it to the Library by Monday, June 17. The contest winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 18, and all canvases will be proudly displayed at the Library through the end of July. Artists may pick up their artwork after the program’s end. Intended for ages 10-17. Open to all with base access.

Seed Library Swap
June 1-30 | During Open Hours
Bring a pack of seeds, take a pack of seeds, and begin the garden of your dreams. The ability to impact your local ecosystem is empowering! By gardening, we’re growing our own food and creating new homes for endemic creature friends. This “little library” of seeds will be available all month long. The amount of seed packets you donate is the amount of seed packets you’re allowed to take home with you. Intended for ages 10 and up. Open to all with base access.

The Library Visits School Age Care
Mondays, June 1 – July 8 | 10:30-11:30 AM
The Library is on the move and bringing STEM, books, and fun to Eglin’s School Age Care (SAC) this summer! These visits will be exclusive to registered students attending SAC (Bldg 2582B) and are not open to the general public. Please inquire at SAC for more details: 850-882-8291

Tots N’ Tales DUPLO® Club
Tuesday, June 4 | 10:30-11 AM
Tuesday, July 9 | 10:30-11 AM
Parents and guardians of infants and toddlers are invited to a special mixture of story time and play time with DUPLO® building bricks! We will read together, sing songs, and have a “free building” session to end our time together. Intended for ages 4 and below. Open to all with base access.

Family Story Time
Select Wednesdays | 10-10:45 AM
• June 5, 12 & 26
• July 10 & 17
Enjoy a time of stories, songs, and activities for EVERYONE! — Children of all ages and their families are welcome. Time spent reading in this program will count toward minutes on Beanstack for all Summer Reading participants. Supplies for crafting activities are first come, first served, while supplies last. No registration required to attend. Open to all with base access.

Endangered Animal Book Buddy Read Along
Select Fridays & Tuesdays | 10:30-11 AM
• Fridays: June 7 & 21
• Tuesdays: July 2 & 16
Youth from preschool to school age are invited to a special one-on-one time of learning about various animals from around the world that are in danger of becoming extinct! Children will choose an endangered animal stuffy and a book about that animal, then read the book aloud to their buddy and even share a treat with them! (Pre-readers can “read” the book or have their parent or caregiver read with them.) Intended for ages 3-12. Online Registration Required

LEGO® Pop-Up Days
Select Fridays | 9 AM – 2 PM
• June 14 & 28
• July 12 & 19
All ages are welcome to stop by the Library and enjoy a purely creative, stress-free time of LEGO® building, with bricks supplied in the Library’s child, teen, and adult areas for FREE and self-paced play. Bring a friend or two! No registration required. Open to all with base access.

“Under the Sea” Marine Life Party
Saturday, June 15 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Have a “splashing” good time with a sea animal-themed craft and a viewing of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” — with a special photo-op visit from Ariel herself! Goodie bags will be given to the first 24 children through the door. Intended for ages 2-12. Craft supplies are available first come, first served, while supplies last. No registration required. Open to all with base access.

Mini Fairy Gardens
Saturday, June 29 | 10-11:30 AM
Adults, bring your whimsy and creativity to the Library for an opportunity to craft your own magical mini fairy garden! All supplies will be provided for this self-guided project — and don’t worry, Library staff will be standing by to offer help when needed. For ages 18+ only. Craft supplies are available first come, first served, while supplies last. No registration required. Open to all with base access.

Little House Dioramas
Wednesday, July 3 | 1-2:30 AM
This fun activity will have kids creating their own “tiny house” inside a small cardboard box, with all craft supplies provided. Completed dioramas will be proudly displayed at the Library over the summer, and can be picked-up by their creators at the end of July. Intended for ages 5-17. Craft supplies are available first come, first served, while supplies last. No registration required. Open to all with base access.

Date Night for Grownups
Friday, July 12 | 6-8 PM
Adults, come out for a special evening at the Library in conjuction with the Eglin CDC’s Parents’ Night Out. Enjoy a quiet, peaceful, kid-free space with computers and Wi-Fi available, plus special crafting activity areas. For ages 18+ only. No registration required. Open to all with base access.

End of Summer Awards Ceremony
Saturday, July 20 | 9-10:30 AM
All Summer Reading participants are invited to the program’s grand finale at the Eglin Library. Every reader with logged minutes will be honored for their achievements, and two grand prize winners in each age category—pre-readers, children, teens, and adults—will be presented their awards. There will also be refreshments provided (while supplies last) and chances for attendees to win additional giveaways! Must be present to win. Join us for a fun farewell to a great summer of reading! No registration required to attend. Open to all with base access.

Cook with Your Library
Saturday, July 26 | 6 PM
In conjunction with the What’s Cooking? – Master Chef Virtual Cooking Classes with Chef Luca Manfè, the Library encourages all patrons to participate and upload their final dish with a photo shared to the Library’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. During the live cooking demonstatration, visit the Library’s virtual room to hang out while we cook together! Need more creative ideas for kitchen adventures? Check out the Library’s specially displayed cookbook collection.

Events, dates, and times may be subject to change.

Visit the Eglin Library in Bldg 843 to learn more!
You can also email eglinlibrary@gmail.com or call 850.882.9308 for more information.

Thank You to Our Local Sponsors:
• Eglin Federal Credit Union
• Raytheon