Children’s Summer Reading
Plant a Seed and Read
July 11th – August 15th, 2026
Excitement and fun await those who journey to Rogers Free Library and participate in the summer reading program, Plant a Seed and Read. Reading plants a seed that grows into life long learning and fun. In addition to reading great books, library patrons can participate in exciting programs.
Beginning July 11th, log your children’s reading, participate in library programs, and win fantastic prizes!
Reading recommendations from the Bristol Warren Regional School District can be found on our Reading and Resources Page.
We also have programs for teens & for adults! To learn more, visit our Teen SRP & Adult SRP webpages.
How it Works:
Read (or, be read to) 5 Days a Week for 5 Weeks
- Pick up your log in the Children’s Room and receive a free book to start your reading journey!
- Color-in a section for each day you read
- Each week you complete your reading, visit the library for a prize!
- Finish all five weeks and get a coupon for free ice cream or pizza!
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 in that category
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Saturday, July 11th, 12:00-3:00 PM, Courtyard Garden
Are you ready to plant a seed and read? Join us at the 2026 Summer Reading Kickoff Party!
We will start things off with a miniature parade. Followed by games, crafts, face painting, and Del’s Lemonade! Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and get a free book!
All ages event. No registration needed.
If you would like to enter a shoebox float in the parade, please register.
*In case of inclement weather, the event will move inside.
Juggling and Other Nonsense
Tuesday, July 14, 6:30-7:30 PM, Herreshoff Community Room
Featuring Jay and Leslie a comedy duo in the vaudeville tradition. This is a show for the whole family and includes juggling, mime, magic, puppetry and audience participation!
Seed Detectives
Wednesday, July 22, 1:00-2:30 PM, Herreshoff Community Room
15 Minute Field Trips will be here bringing a hands-on educational experience at the intersection of art, community action, and the natural world. Uncover the mystery of how seeds get around! Listen to a story, do a seed sorting activity, make paper seed flyers, and do a seed mandala craft. Ages 5-8.
Scratch Coding Camp
Wednesdays, 1-2:30, July 22-Aug. 19, The Studio
Get a head start on learning how to code, while having fun and exploring the world of coding! Scratch is a free, beginner-friendly, block-based visual programming platform from MIT. Kids drag and drop colorful blocks to create interactive stories, games, and animations, making coding fun, intuitive, and accessible.
This course is best for rising first-graders to rising sixth-graders (ages 6-10).
Funding for this course is provided by the State of Rhode Island’s Learn 365 grant program.
Family Messy Art
Tuesday, July 28, 6:30-7:30 PM, Herreshoff Community Room
Explore a variety of process art stations. Process art encourages focus on the process and exploring fun materials like paint, bubbles, and pipettes! Create and then leave the mess! No registration needed.
Farm Friends Petting Zoo
Monday, August 3, 10:00 AM-Noon, Courtyard Garden
Xen’s Critters is bringing the farm to the library! Pet bunnies, ducks, chickens and more in the library courtyard garden. An animal expert will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance. Event will move indoors in case of inclement weather.
Seeds in Motion: Grow, Gather, Share with the Providence Children’s Museum
Friday, August 7, 10:00-11:30 AM, Herreshoff Community Room
Step into a world of discovery with Seeds in Motion: Grow, Gather, Share, a playful, hands-on experience for all ages!
Drop in and explore interactive stations where you can:
- Plant and investigate how seeds grow
- Play games that show how pollinators help plants thrive
- Discover foods and stories from around the world
- Create seed balls to help grow your own garden
Come for a few minutes or stay to explore it all! No registration is required for this drop-in program.
This program is in collaboration with the Providence Children’s Museum. No registration needed.
The Books that Grew Us: A Community Media Project
Tuesday, August 11, 10 am-12:30 pm, The Studio
What book planted a seed in your life? 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. In this collaborative two-part workshop, you’ll dive
into a multimedia project, moving from personal storytelling to hands-on creation. By the end of the
series, you’ll have the tools and the tech to bring your favorite literary moments to life.
This program is in collaboration with Ocean State Media
End of Summer Reading Bash
Friday, August 14th, 10 am-12 pm, Courtyard Garden
Celebrate a wonderful summer of reading and fun with Kimberly’s Pocket Circus. This one-woman show is a pocket-sized tent jammed full of circus surprises—and one highly skilled performer bursting with excitement to share her favorite tricks with you. Acrobatics, hula hoops, handstands – hard to pick your favorite when they’re all so fun!
It’s a seriously skilled circus wrapped in silliness, charm, and whimsy. will amaze and delight people of all ages.
Drop-in program; no registration is required.
All Ages Storytime with Miss Erin
Every Wednesday from July 8th to August 12th, 10:00 – 10:30 AM, Children’s Room
This fun story time will include stories, interactive songs and rhymes, and a Grab & Go Craft Kit (while supplies last).
For children ages 0-7 and their parents or caregivers
Drop-in program. No registration is needed.
Mrs. Katz & Her Hats Storytime
Every Thursday, July 9th to August 13th, 5:30-6:00 PM, Children’s Room
See which hats Mrs. Katz will wear during this fun storytime! Mrs. Katz’s collection of hats has grown to over 200 hats! Once a month, Mrs. Katz has a special giveaway sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Parents and caregivers, storytimes are every Thursday!
Best for ages 2-8 and their parents or caregivers
No registration is needed.