St. Tammany Parish Library (STPL)’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge (SRC), “Unearth a Story,” will begin for all ages on May 21. Patrons can register using the online tool Beanstack or in person at any of the library’s 12 branches.
To celebrate the start of SRC, the library will host two kickoff parties from 4 to 7 p.m. on both sides of the parish.
- Thursday, May 21: Madisonville Branch (1123 Main St.)
- Friday, May 22: Slidell Branch (555 Robert Blvd.)
Kickoff party attendees will get a first look at this summer’s exciting special guests, performances, programs and more. With this year’s theme, Unearth a Story, the library has been dino-fied with dinosaur-themed decorations, crafts and events.
Both kickoff parties are free and open to the public and will be filled with dinosaur fun. The Dinosaur Experience, opens a new window will be at both events, with several shows in the large meeting rooms to accommodate audience demand. The traveling rock experience, We Dig, opens a new window, will present on geodes, give away gemstones and will have a baby dino for guests to meet.
Families can also enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, and Blue Bell ice cream while visiting several community tables. Parents wanting to learn about swim safety should visit the Goldfish Swim School and the Department of Health tables for more information. Other guests will include 94.7 the Lake radio station, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
STPL provides riveting learning and entertainment opportunities for residents throughout the Summer Reading Challenge. This initiative promotes engagement in literary and creative activities across all age groups. Primarily, the SRC serves to mitigate the "Summer Slide," preventing the loss of academic knowledge in school-aged children during their break. Furthermore, the program provides lifelong learning for all ages, offering teens and adults a variety of age-appropriate classes and special guest presentations.
Visit the library’s Summer Reading page at sttammanylibrary.org/SummerReading, opens a new window to learn more about the challenge, register, and view all the upcoming programs in the Summer Reading Guide, opens a new window.