“Our Summer: 250 Years of History” is theme of EVPL’s 2026 summer reading celebration

Evansville – This summer, EVPL invites the community to take a fun and fascinating trip through time as we honor the people, events, moments and stories that have shaped our shared history.

People of all ages can participate in Our Summer: 250 Years of History, this year’s summer reading celebration, by reading, attending programs or both.

The two-month program will begin Sunday, May 31, with a kick-off event at EVPL Central from 1-4 p.m. that will include games, music and activities for all ages.

People can sign-up at the event, or at any EVPL location June 1 through July 31, when the program ends. Many EVPL Outreach events will also offer Our Summer registration opportunities.

“We offer a specific summer reading and activity program for participants ages 0-5, 6-8, 9-12, and teens and adults, which can be tracked in a logbook or app,” said Kelli McDaniel, Programming Librarian, and chair of the Our Summer committee. “Everyone will receive a registration prize, and by reading and participating in a variety of activities, people can also earn completion prizes and entries for grand prizes.”

EVPL staff also note that all types of reading count toward reading goals, whether a person is reading on their own, reading with someone else, listening to an audiobook or reading an e-book.

In addition to reading, Our Summer encourages participation in special programs, as well as recurring favorites, in this year’s summer event lineup at EVPL.

“Epic struggles, momentous triumphs, local traditions, and fascinating heroes are all part of our 250-year collective story,” said Erika Qualls, Director of Programming & Outreach at EVPL. “Many of the activities and programs this summer will take people on a trip through our nation’s history. In June and July, we are offering nearly 600 free programs that will offer learning and fun for all ages.”

More information about the summer reading celebration is available at evpl.org/oursummer2026.