Adult Summer Reading Program
Plant a Seed, Read!
July 11th – August 14th, 2026
Whether you enjoy digging in the garden, cooking, cultivating new hobbies, or preserving memories and stories, you’ll want to join us at the library this summer as we celebrate growth in all forms!
Beginning July 11th, log your reading, participate in library programs, and win collectibles and prizes!
How it Works
- Pick up your Summer Reading Program tote bag, including a reading log and Bingo card, from the Main Circulation desk located on the second floor.
- Fill out one raffle ticket for each book you read or library program you attend. Achieve summer-themed “Bingos” to win collectible buttons—perfect for your new tote bag!
- Enter your raffle tickets into the flower pot on the main floor to win prizes.
Weekly Drawings and Grand Prize*
There will be weekly prize drawings every Friday, and a Grand Prize drawing at the Summer Reading Banquet.
Weekly prizes = small items accompanied by books
Grand Prize = 2 large gift cards, and a surprise gift
You must have a Rhode Island library card to participate in any of our Summer Reading Programs.
Prizes will be available to pick up in person only.
Click each heading below to see the programs happening in each category
2026 Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
Saturday, July 11, 12:00pm – 3:00 pm, in the Courtyard Garden
Come enjoy Del’s lemonade, lawn games, and a Summer Reading mini-parade featuring shoebox floats!
No registration required. This event is designed for all ages. In the case of inclement weather, this event will take place in the Herreshoff Community Room.
Write to Grow Workshop with Hannah Little
Monday, July 6, 13, and 20, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, in the Herreshoff Community Room
The Write to Grow workshop program encourages participants to use the written word as a tool for building a well-rounded, balanced life. Each of the three, 6-minute workshops is comprised of a mix or reading, reflective & creative writing, and group discussion.
Session Topics: Growing Gratitude (July 6), Cultivating Self-Compassion (July 13), and Nurturing Acceptance (July 20)
This series is designed for writers of all levels. No previous writing experience is required.
Registration is required for each separate session.
The A-“Bee“-Cs of Beekeeping
Saturday, July 18, 2:00pm – 3:00 pm, in the Herreshoff Community Room
Join local hobbyist beekeeper Susan Helly for an engaging look at bees, beekeeping, and life inside the hive. Enjoy stories, photos, and hands-on demonstrations of beekeeping equipment… plus, your little bumblebee will have a chance to try on a kid-sized beekeeping suit!
Registration is not required for this program. All ages are welcome.
Palliative & Hospice Care with Hope Health
Monday, July 20, 12:00pm – 3:00 pm, on the Main Circulation Floor
For 50 years, Hope Health has provided hospice, palliative, dementia, and grief support services to the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts community.
Meet with organization representatives and learn more about Hope Health while they table on the Main Circulation floor!
To learn more about Hope Health: https://www.hopehealthco.org/
DIY Mini Herb Gardens
Thursday, July 23, 10:00pm – 11:00 am, in The Studio
Come check out The Studio and make your very own Mini Herb Garden!
Registration is required. All materials provided.
July Craft Night: DIY Cutlery Holders
Monday, July 27, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, in the Herreshoff Room
Bring an old pair of jeans, a ripped flannel needing some love, or any other fabric with you to repurpose into flatware/cutlery holders. All other supplies provided. If you don’t have fabric, we will have options available.
Ages 13+
Please register on the library’s website.
The August Craft Night will be DIY Flower Bouquets. This event occurs on August 31, after the conclusion of our Summer Reading Program.
What’s Cooking in Bristol?
Thursday, July 30, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, in The Herreshoff Community Room
Do you have a treasured family recipe, a garden-fresh favorite, or a dish that always brings people to the table? Help Rogers Free Library create a community cookbook inspired by our summer theme, Plant a Seed, Read!
Join fellow food lovers to share recipes, swap stories, and celebrate the flavors that make Bristol unique. Whether your specialty is baking, cultivating a fresh salad from your garden, or a regional dish shared by family and friends, we’d love to include your contribution. Come plant the seeds of a cookbook that will blossom through the recipes and memories of our community.
Bring your physical recipe or submit a digital version via the following ways:
Fill out the Google Form linked here (LINK COMING SOON)
Submit a picture to [email protected] with the recipe title in the subject line
4th Annual Rogers Free Library Chess Tournament
Saturday, August 1, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Room
Welcome, once again, to the 4th Annual RFL Chess Tournament!
50 players will compete for the title and a grand prize!
All participants MUST register. Teens and adults welcome.
Bring your best game! Good luck!
The Greeks: Comedy, Tragedy, and Theatre
Tuesday, August 4, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in The Herreshoff Community Room
Discover the evolution of early Western theatre through some of the earliest-known theatrical writings with Michael Langlois. Hear where we’ve come from, and be reminded that over the course of thousands of years, humans really haven’t changed all that much.
Michael Langlois is a performer, educator, and theatre advocate who blends the art of theatre with literary and historical exploration. His lectures offer in-depth analyses of plays and texts from the perspective of an actor and director, exploring themes, historical contexts, and dramatic structure.
Registration is required.
Seeds in Motion: Grow, Gather, Tell with Providence Children’s Museum
Friday, August 7, 10:00 – 11:30 am, in The Herreshoff Community Room
Join local hobbyist beekeeper Susan Helly for an engaging look at bees, beekeeping, and life inside the hive. Enjoy stories, photos, and hands-on demonstrations of beekeeping equipment… plus, your little bumblebee will have a chance to try on a kid-sized beekeeping suit!
Registration is not required for this program. All ages are welcome.
“Julie & Julia” Film Screening
Friday, August 7, 2:00 – 4:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Room
To go along with our “What’s Cooking in Bristol” community cookbook program, we’re showing Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Amy Adams, and more!
Frustrated with a soul-killing job, New Yorker Julie Powell embarks on a daring project: she vows to prepare all 524 recipes in Julia Child’s landmark cookbook, ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking.’ Intertwined with Julie’s story is the true tale of how Julia Child herself conquered French cuisine with passion, fearlessness, and plenty of butter.
Directed by Nora Ephron
Rated PG-13 | Runtime 2 hr 3 min
Please register for this fun movie on the library’s website.
The Books that Grew Us: Multi-Media Project
Tuesday, August 11, 12:00 – 3:00 pm, in The Studio
What book planted a seed in your life?
In this workshop, you’ll work with Ocean State Media and Rogers Free Library staff to turn the most influential book in your life into a multi-media project. Whether it’s a childhood classic or a recent discovery, we invite you to share a book you love and transform that inspiration into art.
All materials are provided. All ages welcome. Registration is required on the library’s website.
“Burnt” Film Screening
Wednesday, August 12, 3:00 – 6:00 pm, in the Herreshoff Room
Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper), former chef at one of Paris’ premier restaurants, wants to turn his life around. After destroying his career with drug use and a manic drive for perfection, he is given another chance to fulfil his dreams of gaining three Michelin Stars. Returning to London, he assembles a crew to create one of the finest restaurants ever and gain the recognition he has always wanted in the culinary world, but the journey is certainly not an easy one.
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Matthew Rhys, Uma Thurman, and more!
Directed by John Wells
Rated R | Runtime 1 hr 41 min
Please register for this fun movie on the library’s website.
Lawn Game Day
Friday, July 24, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, in the Courtyard Garden
Soak up the sun and get those wiggles out after all your summer reading with lawn games in the courtyard!
Games include: Life-Sized Sorry!, Giant Checkers, Spikeball, Giant Connect Four, Giant Dice, and more!
No registration required. All ages welcome!
End of Summer Reading Banquet
Thursday, August 13, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Room
Join members of the community to celebrate the end of the summer! As a thank you to everyone who participated in the Adult Summer Reading Program, we invite you to grab your Journals and join us for a banquet with light refreshments, book giveaways, and the Grand Prize drawing.
Registration is required. See you there!
Middlemarch Reading Group
Every Thursday, starting July 9, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, in the Main Floor Reading Room
The library (and you!) will be reading and discussing one of the most respected and interesting novelists of the Victorian era, George Eliot. Her novel, Middlemarch, describes a town in a time of social change, and addresses how the choices we make affect not only ourselves but others around us. She also investigates the limits of the individual in altering the world for the better. The story is a study in character development at its finest as only George Eliot can do.
Come join us for the fun of exploring her ideas, starting July 9. Please read the Prelude and the first two chapters for the debut session discussion.
Author Talk: James Sullivan & “The Bristol Bombers”
Wednesday, August 19, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Community Room
Baseball fans know every great game starts with a good lineup… and every reading fan knows that every great summer starts with a great book! Local author and native Bristolian James Sullivan is coming to the library to discuss his 2025 book, “The Bristol Bombers.” Learn about the real events that inspired the book, how authors bring local history to life through fiction, and more!
Q&A and book signing to follow. Registration is not required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Learn more about James Sullivan at his website: https://authorjamessullivan.com/about.html
Synopsis:
Step up to the plate for a nostalgic journey back to the summer of 1994, where dreams of baseball and friendship collide in a small Rhode Island town. Join James Sullivan and his band of mid-twenties misfits as they dive headfirst into a season filled with laughter, unforgettable antics, and the bittersweet struggles of growing up.
In The Bristol Bombers, the focus isn’t on the scorecard—it’s about the camaraderie, the lighthearted ribbing, and the wild adventures that unfold between the bases. As they navigate the ups and downs of life, these friends find themselves at the enchanting “Bomber Stadium,” a mystical place watched over by the Legendary Bulls, Conrad and Pomeroy, and their enigmatic friend, “The Hawk.”
With a blend of reality and fantasy, this heartfelt tale captures the essence of youth and the magic of a summer spent chasing not just balls, but dreams. Get ready to reminisce about the joy of play, the thrill of friendship, and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. Are you ready to join the Bombers?
Bristol Newcomers Group
Saturdays, July 18 & August 15, 10:00 – 11:00 am, in the Herreshoff Community Room
This is a monthly get-together, a social gathering for anyone who is new to Bristol, has moved back to Bristol or just wants to make new friends. We look forward to meeting you.
Please register on the library’s website.
NAMI Family Support Group
Thursdays, July 23 & August 27, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Community Room
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Rhode Island’s monthly Family Support Groups are designed for adult family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with a mental health condition. Benefit from others’ experiences, empower yourself, and build community by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space. You and your family are not alone!
Memory Cafe
Wednesdays, July 29 & August 26, 9:30 – 11:30 am, in the Herreshoff Community Room
Rogers Free Library’s Memory Café is a welcoming monthly program for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, other memory-related challenges, and their caregivers. Enjoy live music, conversation, sensory activities, and opportunities for social connection in a relaxed, supportive environment. Memory Cafés reduce isolation, encourage cognitive engagement, and connect community members with helpful resources. Caregivers, support persons, and family members are encouraged to attend alongside participants. No registration is necessary for this drop-in program.
This program is generously funded by the Friends of Rogers Free Library, and is supported in part by a grant from the Office of Library and Information Sciences (OLIS).
Book Chat
Second Wednesday of the Month, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Room-
What are you reading? Share your book recommendations in a relaxed atmosphere.
There’s no assigned reading for this group! Simply come prepared to summarize your book selection and explain why you would recommend it. It can be fiction or nonfiction.
Optional: If you have time to locate an excerpt to read aloud to the group – that would be welcome.
Bristol Writing Group
Every Tuesday, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in the Herreshoff Room
Do you like to write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, letters to the editor, or very detailed grocery lists? Would you like to join a community of writers who write together and share work with each other? Become a founding member of the Bristol Writing Group today! We will meet for weekly sharing/critique and co-writing sessions.
All levels of experience are welcome.
Registration is not required.
Library Knitting Circle
Every Wednesday, 1:30 – 4:00 pm in the Quiet Study South
This program is for anybody who loves a good game of chess. We are a fun group of players. We like a competitive match, but we are not too serious!
People of all levels are welcome.
No registration is necessary.
Chess Club
Every Wednesday, 5:30 – 7:30 pm & Every Saturday, 2:00 – 4:00 pm in the Herreshoff Room
This program is for anybody who loves a good game of chess. We are a fun group of players. We like a competitive match, but we are not too serious!
People of all levels are welcome.
No registration is necessary.
Authors Unplugged – Virtual Talks
Livestreamed talks with award-winning authors happen throughout the summer. Check each talk’s details for the dates and times.
Karin Slaughter Small Towns and Big Secrets, Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 pm
Reyna Grande The Hidden Cost of the American Dream & Healing Through Storytelling, Thursday, July 16, 2:00 pm
Dr. Marisa Franco Lasting Friendships in a Lonely World, Tuesday, July 28, 2:00 pm
Paula J. Johnson The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen, Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 pm
Beronda Montgomery America’s Black Botanical Legacy, Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 pm
Lucy Foley High Altitudes and High Stakes, Thursday, August 27, 2:00 pm
Tech Navigation Help by Appointment
Tuesdays and Fridays
appointment times vary
in the Quiet Study South
Click HERE to make an appointment
At the Senior Center
2nd Wednesday of the month
12:00 – 1:00 pm
At the Benjamin Church Senior Center
please make an appointment with Donna or Lucy at (401)253-8458.
Our staff and volunteers will help you with basic questions you might have regarding how to use computers, mobile devices, or e-readers. We also answer questions about software, and social media. There are no stupid questions!
We cannot offer Tech Help appointments to the same patron more than once in a week.
This is a free service intended to help users learn to navigate basic tasks using common applications and programs. If your question turns out to be beyond our capabilities, we will let you know, and may be able to help you find a local IT professional to assist you further. If you’re not sure whether we can help with your specific case, please reach out to [email protected] before you book your appointment.
We cannot perform hardware repairs, recommend specific brands to purchase, or offer case-specific guidance about online forms or paperwork, or participate in credit card transactions. The Library is not liable for any data loss, damage, malfuncion, or any other changes made to your device.
Here are some examples of topics we’ve dealt with in the past:
- What is Zoom and how do I use it?
- How can I get free eBooks from the library?
- I forgot my password, how do I get back into my account?
- My device says that I have been hacked / that I have a virus, what should I do?
- How can I attach a photo or document to an email?
- How can I make my phone more usable when I have trouble seeing, hearing, and/or using touch controls?
- How can I create / edit a fillable PDF document?
- How do I connect my Bluetooth headphones to my iPad?
- How do I install a webcam on my computer?
- How do I organize the files / photos on my computer?
- What is an app and how can I put one on my smartphone?
- What is the Cloud and how does it work?
- Can you help me create an Instagram account?
- How can I back up my smartphone?
- How can I stop friends from tagging me on Facebook?
If you have any questions about the adult summer reading program, please call or email Peyton Warnock or August Thompson: 401 253 6948, or at [email protected] & [email protected]
We also have programs for children & teens! To learn more visit our Children’s SRP & Teens SRP webpages.