Unearth A Story with centre county libraries this summer!

BELLEFONTE, PA (May 26, 2026) — Centre County Library & Historical Museum is excited to announce the launch of its annual Summer Library Pursuit, an engaging, summer reading and activity program that runs from June 15 through August 1, 2026. This year’s theme, “Unearth A Story,” encourages individuals and families of all ages and abilities to explore the natural world, history, and our own curiosity!

While summer reading programs have traditionally been geared toward preventing the “summer slide” in school-aged children, Centre County Library & Historical Museum believes summer is a season for lifelong learning—for everyone. That’s why the Summer Library Pursuit is designed to engage the entire community through reading, events, goal setting, and learning activities.

“Summer is the perfect time to connect with the library in fun and unexpected ways,” said Beth Schwartz, past Communications Manager of the Centre County Library & Historical Museum. “This year, we’re encouraging library patrons and visitors to engage with the library while focusing on art and community.” She noted that, “People’s shared experiences of the stories and art the library contains help to broaden and ‘color’ our world.”

Participants can take part in the program at three Centre County locations: the Centre County Library in Bellefonte, Centre Hall Area Branch Library, and Holt Memorial Library in Philipsburg. Upon registration, each participant will receive a custom “artist journal”—a tool to document reading progress, track activities completed, and stay engaged with weekly programming.

Each week, the libraries will host programming and activities related to discovery, inspired by different historical and ecological themes ranging from archeology to cryptids. The program includes:

·       Customized ‘Field Journals’ for reading & activity goal tracking

·       Themed storytimes

·       Free take-and-make craft kits

·       Unique community events such as reptile meet and greets, fossil excavation, watercolor geode painting, cryptid crafts, ice cream socials, and more.

·       The chance to win a variety of different prizes

Participation earns raffle tickets that can be entered for the chance to win exciting prizes each week and a grand prize at the end of the summer. But the real reward is the merriment, personal growth, and friendships cultivated throughout the program. Visit the Centre County Library & Historical Museum website at https://www.centrecountylibrary.org to learn more and register for the Summer Library Pursuit. If you prefer to sign up at your nearest library, just stop by one of our locations in the next couple of days and let the library staff know that you want to register. We can’t wait to see you and start on the journey of unearthing a story together this summer!

For media inquiries please contact

Sa’ida Bronner

Communications Assistant

sbronner@centrcountylibrary.org

814-355-1516 x1016