2026 Summer Reading Program Kick-off on June 26
Published June 18, 2026The Atlantic City Free Public Library will hold a kickoff party for its annual Summer Reading Program on Friday, June 26, from 2-4 p.m. at the William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library). The Summer Reading Program is for all ages.
Register for the program at the kickoff party, which will include crafts, coloring, giveaways, face painting and snacks.
Those participating in the program for children and teens (ages 0-18) can earn a day of free rides at the Steel Pier – our Summer Reading Program sponsor – in August by meeting certain participation incentives. The top two adults who read the most will win gift baskets.
This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story.” Many of the programs are related to dinosaurs and paleontology. Dig into reading this summer at the library with some books that rock!
YOUTH PROGRAMS AT WILLIAM K. CHEATHAM BUILDING (MAIN LIBRARY)
America 250: Crafty Kids
Wednesday, July 1, at 5:30 p.m.
Kids/Tweens/Teens will participate in an engaging, hands-on STEM activity for creating an America250 craft! Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. All materials supplied. Space is limited.
America 250: Teen Boston Tea Party and Hamilton
Thursday, July 2, at 11 a.m.
Teens, join us for delicious cold iced tea and the movie version “Hamilton.”
America 250: Scavenger Hunt
Friday, July 3 (all day)
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday with this American-themed scavenger hunt. Win a prize if you find all 10 hidden pictures!
Dino Slime Making
Wednesday, July 8, at 2 p.m.
Kids and teens will have a sticky fun time making dinosaur-themed slime!
Minecraft Gaming: UnEarth the Giants
Wednesday, July 8, at 3 p.m.
Play Minecraft together during this special session. Grab your brush and head to the dig site to uncover ancient discovery mechanics. Place together prehistoric giants and bring them to life as you build the ultimate museum! This program is for kids 9 and older. Registration required.
Story Seekers Book Club
Fridays at 2 p.m.
July 10 and Aug. 14
Kids ages 9-12 join our summer book club and UnEarth a Story.
Participants will read the classic “Holes” by Louis Sachar in July and Monster's Bones (Young Readers Edition) by David K. Randall in Auugst.
Family Bingo
Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m.
This program is open to ages 6 and older. Bingo is a game in which each player matches numbers in different arrangements on cards. When a player finds that the selected numbers are arranged on their card in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line, they call out "Bingo!"
Science Heroes
Wednesday, July 15, at 1 p.m.
Unearth your curiosity as we dig into the incredible science that’s all around us! Harness the power of pressure and energy with our Toilet Tornado™, Experiment with physical vs. chemical changes with our Disappearing Polymer™, Experience the laws of motion with the incredible Egg Drop™and more!
Family Movie Matinee
Saturdays at 2 p.m.
July 18 and Aug. 29
Families are invited to enjoy a couple of free movies at the library. “The Pout Pout Fish” will be shown in July and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” in August. Both are 2026 animated films and rated PG. Popcorn and juice will be served at both.
Magic Dinosaur Show: Reading is Dino-Mite
Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m.
This is a new show jam-packed with magic, comedy, puppets, storytelling and tons of audience participation. Throughout the show, Brian Richards and his cast of characters will unearth some good stories and help kids get excited about READING.
Teen Movie Night w/ Dino Nuggets
Thursday, July 30, at 5:30 pm
Teens, enjoy some dino nuggets served by the library staff as you watch the 1993 movie “Jurassic Park.” This movie is rated PG-13.
Roblox Gaming: Ember Games
Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 3 p.m.
Join us for the ultimate tournament-style survival arena inspired by The Hunger Games. This player-vs-player combat game challenges you to use resources, outwit opponents and be the last survivor. For ages 9 and older. Registration required.
Snakes N Scales
Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m.
Take a walk back in time with this amazing program that includes some pre-historic looking reptiles, such as the alligator-snapping turtle, lizards with tough scale, and snakes that are cousins to the gigantic Titanoboa with a number of real and replica fossils. Ever want to touch a Mammoth bone? Or a million-year-old hunk of dino poo? Then look no further!
Dinosaur Classic Movie & Snow Cones
Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m.
Families, join us for snow cones while enjoying the 2002 animated movie “Ice Age.” This movie is rated PG.
WEEKLY YOUTH PROGRAMS AT WILLIAM K. CHEATHAM BUILDING (MAIN LIBRARY)
Kids Chess Club
Fridays 3 p.m.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28
Chess is a classic, two-player strategy board game. It is a game of pure skill and strategy, with no elements of luck. Beginners are welcome!
Teen Lounge Open
Mondays 2-4 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24
Teens join us in our Teen Lounge to play on our PS4, Switch, Switch Lite and Xbox1.Signed permission slip is required.
Preschool Story Time & Craft
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
Children ages 3-5 and a caregiver are invited to share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Family and siblings are welcome. Childcare groups, please call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3050, in advance to reserve a spot.
Family Yoga for Beginners
Tuesdays 11 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
The whole family can do yoga together! Beginner yoga is a foundational, slow-paced practice designed to introduce basic postures), breathing techniques and mindfulness. It emphasizes accessibility, safety and learning the fundamentals without needing prior flexibility. A limited number of mats will be available. Those interested must sign a waiver to take class.
YOUTH PROGRAMS AT RICHMOND BRANCH LIBRARY
Magic Dinosaur Show
Tuesday, July 7, at 11 a.m.
A former teacher with a theatrical background, Jim Vagias creates an amazing, magical and interactive experience. Children will be entertained with magic, humor and tons of audience participation. This dinosaur-themed show will inspire kids to become readers and fulfill their potential.
Zoophoria
Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 3 p.m.
Zoophoria NJ delivers memorable, age-appropriate wildlife experiences through thoughtfully curated educational presentations. A zoologist and wildlife educator will engage children and adults. Come see, learn and even touch the wildlife!
SUMMER READING PROGRAM SPONSOR: Steel Pier
