Welcome to Summer Reading 2026!
Although we will be having in-person programming all summer, we will continue to track books/points online. Please visit martinpubliclibrary.readsquared.com to register and log your reading (this is the same as last summer). You may begin logging pages on Monday, June 1, 2026! You will be able to earn points and prizes for books read and we will also have weekly prize drawings! Click here for information on adult programming. For printable calendars of all events, click here.
Registration begins May 26th and you may begin logging books on June 1st! If you have any questions, please call 587-3148 or email Ms. Jenny at jclaiborne@martinpubliclibrary.org
Summer Reading Registration
You may register at any point during June and July for the Summer Reading Program! We will be using READsquared to log books and track goals this year FOR ALL AGES. Sign up is simple, click here to access READsquared. There is also a free app available for both Android and iOS mobile devices. If you do not have access to internet or these devices, you may register by calling Mrs. Jenny at the library at 731.587.3148. Additionally, there will be a laptop station in the children’s department to use for registering and logging books.
Trudy’s Kids Cafe Food Distribution
Trudy’s Kids Cafe will be setting up outside MPL once again this year to offer meal pickup for kids 0-18 years every Tuesday at noon beginning June 2nd and ending August 4th. Each bag contains: 7 breakfast meals and 7 lunch/supper meals.
Scholastic Book Fair
Help us kick off our 2026 Summer Reading Program with the Scholastic Book Fair. The fair is open during regular hours, May 26-May 30. There will be books available for the whole family! Your name will be entered into a prize drawing for each purchase. All proceeds from the book fair will go directly toward the purchase of new children’s books for the library.
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party!
Join us on Monday, June 1st, 3-5 PM for a dino-tastic party full of fun, games, and a journey back in time!
Dig for “fossils,” feed a dinosaur, get a FREE balloon animal, have your face painted, and more!
Sign up for the summer reading program and receive a swag bag and FREE book to get you started!
East TN Dinosaur Adventure!
Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with a dinosaur!
We’ll learn all about dinosaurs and fossils while having fun. Open to all ages!
The Dinosaur Trainers from East Tennessee Dinosaur Adventure will be bringing some baby dinosaurs for us to meet!
Magic with Terry Hedges!
Get ready for an afternoon of laughter, surprises, and amazing illusions! Join us on Monday, June 15th at 3:00 PM for a special magic show featuring Tennessee magician Terry Hedges.
Families of all ages are invited to enjoy this fun-filled performance full of comedy, audience participation, and magical entertainment.
Runaway Puppet Theater!
Join us on Monday, June 22nd at 3:00 PM as Runaway Puppet Theater presents three stories in their new show for Summer Reading 2026: Tall Tales, Tiny Heroes. Laugh along with the outrageous tale of the Ugly Duckling (who suspiciously looks like a dinosaur), the madcap adventures of the Tiger and the Mouse, and the zany antics of Rumpelstiltskin! The show also features interactive sing-alongs and humorous water buffalo jokes (well, at least we hope they’re humorous…) It's the perfect summer adventure to help readers of all ages Unearth a Story!
Storybook Stroll!
Storybook Stroll is back by popular demand! Participate in the summer reading program at any library in the Obion River Region and receive a ticket to Storybook Stroll at Discovery Park on Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 AM. Bring the whole family to attend the event and then stay at DPA for the remainder of the day for FREE!
Family Trivia Night!
Bring your family and friends to Martin Public Library for a fun-filled Family Trivia Night on Monday, June 27 at 6:00 PM! Doors open at 5:30 PM. Gather your team and test your knowledge with pub-style trivia covering a variety of topics for all ages. Teams may have up to 6 players, and prizes will be awarded to everyone who participates. All ages are welcome to play!
Animals of Discovery Park!
Meet and learn about some of the animals housed at Discovery Park of America on Monday, July 6th at 3:00 PM! This is always a crowd favorite. You never know who may be here to visit!
Magic & Balloon Twisting!
Join us for a fun, interactive magic show on Monday, July 13th at 3:00 PM and leave with a balloon animal! Local magician and balloon artist Campbell’s Family Entertainment will be on hand to shock you with some tricks before twisting a balloon creation for you to take home. All ages are welcome!
Dinosaur Crew!
Get ready for a prehistoric adventure at Martin Public Library! Join us on Saturday, July 18th at 1:00 PM for a special program with The Dinosaur Crew. Meet some incredible dinosaurs up close, learn fun facts about these fascinating creatures, and enjoy an exciting interactive experience for all ages. Dinosaur fans won’t want to miss this roaring good time!
Mr. Bond’s Science Guys!
Join us for an exciting and fun science program on Monday, July 20th Explore the wonders of science through demonstrations and interactive activities. All ages are welcome!
This program is sponsored by Woodmen Life.
Daily Summer Activities
Toddler Time
Toddler Time is for children 0-3 years old and their caregivers. Enjoy age-appropriate stories, songs, bubbles, and more! Toddler Time meets every Tuesday at 10 AM in the Event Center.
Story Hour
Story Time is intended for children ages 3 - 5 years old. Enjoy age-appropriate stories, crafts, and a snack. Story Time meets each Tuesday at 10 AM in the Story Hour Room.
**Story Hour will occur on select Saturdays. See calendar for details.
Family Movies
Each Tuesday of the summer beginning June 4th, we will be showing movies the whole family can enjoy! Join us in the Event Center at 2 PM. Pillows and blankets are encouraged for a more comfortable movie experience. You may bring snacks.
LEGO® Club
Summertime LEGO® Club will meet every Wednesday at noon through the months of June and July. Use your imagination to build something amazing!
The Obion River Regional Libraries will be partnering with Discovery Park of America again this fall for the LEGO® Competition. Monthly themes will be announced and you may begin building your entries during the summer.
Makerspace Summer Schedule
The Makerspace will be open Mondays at 11 AM, Wednesdays at 11 AM & 2 PM, and Thursdays at 11 AM & 3 PM through June and July. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, there will be a highlighted project. Click here for a printable craft schedule for children or here for teens. Please ask for assistance before using any equipment within the Makerspace.
Children under 10 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Pokémon Card Trading Days
Bring your card collection and possibly make some trades! Trading days occur on the third Thursday of each month throughout the year. These events are come and go, with no obligation or registration required! All ages are welcome!
Family Cooking Classes
Join us each Friday at 11:00 AM in the Demonstration Kitchen to go on a food adventure! Learn how to make simple snack items. All ages are welcome. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Music Classes for Kids!
Becca Steele, Dresden Middle School Band Director, will teach us how to make music using Boomwhackers! Classes will meet on Thursdays at 10:00 AM.
Watercolor Class for Tweens
Join instructor Teresa Collard to learn the tricks and techniques of creating beautiful watercolor pieces. Classes will be June 1 - 4, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. There will be an art exhibit on June 4 beginning at 12:00 PM.
This class is for students in 6th-8th grades. Participants MUST be at least 11 years old on June 1st. Registration is required as space is limited.
Raptor’s Art Club
Children and teens ages 7+ are invited to get creative with instructor MaK Boaz this summer! The class will meet each Thursday at 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM. Registration is required as space is limited to 10 participants. Please note: there will be a separate registration required for each week.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Bring your stuffed animal to the library for a special bedtime story at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 16th. Leave your friend with us for a night of fun! Pick them up on Friday morning and learn all about their sleepover adventures.
Kids 100-Point Party!
Children who achieved 100 points during the summer reading program, along with their families, are invited to a party at Virginia Weldon Park on Thursday, July 23rd! There will be water slides, games, and BUBBLES! Be sure to bring a towel.
Medals (Bronze - 150 pts; Silver - 200 pts; Gold - 250 pts) and trophies (Top 10 readers in “PreK” and “Child” categories) will be handed out. If you are unable to come, medals and trophies can be picked up at the library beginning July 27th.
100-Point Teen Lock-Ins
Middle School and High School students who have achieved at least 100 points during the summer reading program are invited to attend a lock-in at the library on Friday, July 24th. Food, games, music, and more! Any middle or high schooler who has volunteered at least once during the summer is also invited! Please note that a signed note from a parent or guardian is REQUIRED at drop-off.
Middle Schoolers: 12PM - 5PM; High Schoolers: 6PM - Midnight (band students may come late after band camp)
Medals (Bronze - 150 pts; Silver - 200 pts; Gold - 250 pts) and trophies (Top 10 readers in the “Teen” category) will be handed out. If you are unable to come, medals and trophies can be picked up at the library beginning July 27th.