Library Summer Reading Programs Return
The Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library summer reading program, “Unearth a Story,” begins June 1 and will offer free activities for all ages through July 25.
This year’s theme focuses on dinosaurs, rocks and discoveries beneath the earth, especially for younger children. Participants can register at the library beginning June 1 and will receive a packet containing program information, schedules and event dates.
Children’s story times will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Barnesville Memorial Park Amphitheater from June 17 through July 15.
The library will also host Tuesday children’s programs featuring educational and interactive activities throughout the summer, which will start June 16.
Special events include:
- June 16: Dinosaur Day with crafts, activities and a balloon artist
- June 23: “Stories in the Stones,” a presentation about rocks and what they reveal about history
- June 30: A USA birthday party celebrating America’s 250th anniversary
- July 7: A program with the Belmont County Farm Bureau
- July 14: The annual “Water Balloon the Librarians” event
- July 21: An end-of-summer pool party from 6-8 p.m.
Children participating in the reading program can check out books, complete reading charts and earn prizes. Each returned book earns a penny toward a jar activity, and children can also receive prizes from the library’s treasure box.
The program will also feature weekly themed family basket giveaways, including movie-themed and water activity baskets. Anyone who checks out books may enter the weekly drawings.
“Summer reading is very important for kids,” Executive Director Brandi Little said. “The library is a free service. We have multiple programs and fun events, and not too many places anymore do activities for free anymore … We just hope it’s a fun summer for all ages and look forward to seeing everyone.”
Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library’s 2026 Summer Reading program is sponsored by the Sinclair Foundation, a family foundation based in Rock Hill, SC, with Belmont county roots. The foundation primarily funds public school library initiatives and makes charitable contributions to churches and various 501c3 organizations.
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