The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library (MFRL) has announced the launch of the 2026 “Unearth a Story” summer reading program, inviting children, teens and adults to celebrate imagination, creativity, and the joy of reading all summer long.
Program dates: kids and teens: June 1 – July 25; adults: June 1 – July 31.
Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for a fun summer activity, there’s something for everyone.
Kick-off events June 1 at the Meadowbrook Library, 3 p.m.: grand kick-off celebration. Decorate a bucket hat and sign up for summer reading.
The Christiansburg Library will kick off summer reading with a kickoff party on June 6 at 2 p.m. with popsicles, sidewalk art and prizes when you sign up for summer reading.
Program highlights for kids:
Rodney’s Raptors Master Falconer, “Birdman” Rodney Stotts introduces us to the exciting world of falconry with the help of one of his own birds of prey!
The Tarantula Lady Robin Snyder visits with her squad of tarantulas to educate and entertain. Learn about each tarantula’s personality and physical attributes, as well as the care that goes into keeping them happy and healthy.
Expedition Dino Squad Mark and Tami Daniels will guide you through the exhibits on the T. rex, Triceratops, Diplodocus, and the Velociraptor.
Dino Dig
Learn to think like paleontologists during a mock dig for dinosaur “bones,” touch fossils from different geological periods, and learn how fossils are formed. Presented by the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
Bubble Brigade Enjoy a summer foam and bubble party—fun for all ages!
For adults:
Join the Adult Summer Reading Challenge, designed just for grown-ups. Read great books, complete fun activities, and enjoy engaging events like:
Speed Friending – June 4 at Blacksburg Library, July 9 at Christiansburg Library
Vinyl Swap – Saturday, June 20 at Blacksburg Library
Puzzle Tournament – Saturday, July 11 at Meadowbrook Library
Adult Book Fairs
Prizes for everyone:
Adult participants will be automatically entered into weekly prize drawings featuring gift cards and coupons from local businesses including Blacksburg Books, Kroger, The Book House, and Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.
Adult grand prizes include:
$100 gift card to Blacksburg Books
$100 gift card to Sacred Star & Stone
$50 gift card to the Book House (2 available)
$50 gift card to Amazon (x 2)
Tickets to author event at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
Fae Jewelry set by Anne Vaughan Designs ($250 value)
Red Rooster Coffee prize pack
True crime book bundle – set of autographed books by Ron Peterson Jr.
Smart Bird Feeder
Plus several fun gift baskets.
Weekly events for all ages
From storytimes and craft workshops to sensory experiences and puzzle tournaments, MFRL branches will host a variety of events every week. Check with your local branch for a full schedule.
How to participate:
Register: Sign up at any MFRL branch or online at https://mfrl.beanstack.org.
Read and complete activities: Track your reading and activities via the Beanstack app, website, or a paper log available at your library.
Join the fun: Attend events, complete challenges, and read all summer long!
Why join?
Summer reading helps prevent the “summer slide” in academic skills, promotes family engagement and lifelong learning, and makes reading fun! It’s a wonderful way to stay curious, creative, and connected during the summer months.
Sponsors include:
The 2026 Adult Summer Reading Challenge is generously supported by our community partners, including: Friends of the Library, Anne Vaughan Designs, Blacksburg Books, Floyd Center for the Arts, Downtown Blacksburg Inc., New River Art & Fiber, NRV Superbowl, the Virginia Tech Center for the Arts, Red Robin, Red Rooster, and Sacred Star & Stone.
The 2026 Youth Summer Reading Challenge is generously supported by our community partners, including: Friends of the Library, Floyd Friends of the Library, Mid Atlantic Library Alliance (MALiA), Floyd Center for the Arts, June Bug Center, Red Robin, NRV Superbowl, Panda Express, Roanoke Parks and Rec, Montgomery Parks and Rec, SweetFrog, Christiansburg Aquatic Center, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Sacred Star & Stone, Inbalance Yoga, Mill Mountain Zoo, Dogtown Pizza and Subway.
For more information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, event schedules, and registration details, visit our website at www.mfrl.org or contact your nearest MFRL branch.
Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
