2026 Summer Reading Program Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
(View the Summer Reading Calendar here!)
Children's Events
**Take note: three of this year's programs will be held off-site to accommodate a larger crowd (Bigfoot Hunt, Touch-a-Truck, & Foam Invasion). See below for program descriptions and off-site information.
SomerCamp
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Get ready for six weeks of creative adventures with Tanya! From dragons and unicorns to glow parties and fantasy terrariums, each session is packed with hands-on fun and imagination. No registration required; best for ages 5–12.
June 23: Dragon Eye Craft
June 30: How to Draw Creatures with author/illustrator Ryan L. Higgins
July 7: Paint Your Own Unicorn
July 14: Glow Dance Party
July 21: Fantasy Terrariums
July 28: Special Event: Song Sparks with Friend Andrea (high energy interactive music and movement program). This session is for all ages! *Sponsored by the Children's Literacy Foundation.
Sizzling Reptiles: Desert Creatures Up Close
Friday, June 26 at 10 AM
Get up close with snakes, lizards, frogs, bugs, and more during this exciting live animal show from Rainforest Reptile Shows! Meet desert creatures from around the world, learn how they survive in extreme environments, and even have the chance to touch an animal at the end of the program. No registration required. All ages!
Stars & Stripes Craft Morning
Friday, July 3 at 10 AM
Join us for a fun morning of patriotic crafts!
Best for ages 12 and under. No registration required.
Bigfoot Hunt
Off-site at Mast Point Dam
Friday, July 10 at 10 AM
Join us for a wild Bigfoot adventure! We’ll read fun stories about the legendary creature, learn how trackers search for clues in the wild, and head out on the trails at Mast Point Dam to hunt for footprints, markings, and possible sightings of the elusive beast. Keep your eyes peeled… Bigfoot may be closer than you think! No registration required. Best for ages 12 and under.
Fairy Magic with Susie Spikol
Friday, July 17 at 10 AM
Step into a world of wonder with local author and naturalist Susie Spikol! Children and families will enjoy enchanting fairy stories, learn about the folklore and magic of fairies, create their own wooden fairy to take home, and build whimsical fairy houses using natural materials. This imaginative program is perfect for young nature lovers and anyone who believes a little magic can be found outdoors. No registration required. Best for ages 12 and under.
Touch-a-Truck
Off-site at Maple Wood Elementary School
Friday, July 24 at 10 AM
Come explore trucks, listen to a story, and enjoy a summer morning with us!
Featuring:
- Somersworth Fire Department
- Somersworth Police Department
- Somersworth Public Works
- Special Storytime guests: Officer Josh Wright and K9 Cara
- Freeze pops for all!
Bring a blanket to sit on for storytime. No registration required. All ages!
Foam Invasion: Summer Reading Finale
Off-site at Idlehurst Elementary School
Friday, July 31 • 10 AM - 12 PM
Join us at Idlehurst Elementary School as we wrap up an amazing Summer Reading season with our biggest celebration of the summer! This year’s finale will feature some unforgettable activities:
Foam Invasion Party: Dive into a mountain of foam as Foam Invasion fills the field with billowing foam, upbeat music, and beach balls for an epic foam dance party. Kids will run, play, and celebrate while parents relax and enjoy the fun.
Foam sessions (30 minutes each, max. 50 participants per session):
10:30 AM or 11:00 AM
Children should wear swimsuits or loose-fitting shorts and shirts. They may go barefoot or wear old sneakers. Please bring a towel and/or a change of clothes.
Tie Dye with Soul Shine Tie Dye: A Summer Reading tradition! Pre-register for a Summer Reading logo t-shirt in your chosen size and tie dye it at the event.
Tie dye sessions (max. 25 participants per session):
10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM or 11:30 AM
This event is open to children ages 0-12, but may be most suitable for children 3+. Registrants must be current participants in our Summer Reading Program.
Registration is required!
Tween & Teen Events
Junk Journals
Tuesdays, June 23 & 30 • 5:30 PM
Join Autumn for a 2-part Junk Journaling adventure! Turn everyday craft materials into a one-of-a-kind journal you’ll love to keep.
Registration is required. For adults and teens 12+.
Hooked on Creatures: Beginner Crochet Workshop
Wednesdays June 24, July 1, & July 8 • 2 PM - 3 PM
Kids 9+ are invited to join Sarah for this introductory crochet class. Participants will learn the basics of crochet while creating their own adorable amigurumi Kraken to take home. No prior crochet experience is needed. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and limited to 7 participants. Attendance at all three sessions is strongly encouraged. Sign up today!
Art with Vero: CREATING A FANTASY WORLD
Wednesday, July 15 at 5:30 PM
Step into imagination and design your very own fantasy world! In this hands-on art workshop led by local artist Vero Stewart, participants will create a small booklet-style guidebook describing a world they invent—from magical places and creatures to maps and details that bring it all to life.
Participants will learn how to fold and assemble a simple zine using computer paper, along with basic book design skills to help organize and present their ideas creatively. All supplies are provided.Best for ages 9+. Registration is required.
Creature Creator Lab
Wednesday, July 22 at 5:30 PM
Create your own unique creature in this hands-on computer lab with Tanya & Sarah. Kids will invent a creature, design a Pokémon-style card, generate a digital image of their creature, and customize their card design using Canva. Ages 9+.
Registration is limited to 8 participants, so be sure to sign up early!
Arts in Reach: Put a Stamp on It!
Wednesday, July 29 • 1 PM
Come get creative and learn how to design and carve your own stamp—or use one of ours—to print a fabric design from start to finish. You’ll also have a chance to learn more about AIR’s free creative youth programs. No experience needed & all supplies provided! Best for ages 9+.
Hosted by AIR (Arts in Reach)
Teen & Adult Crafternoons
Thursdays • 2 PM
Join Autumn each Thursday during the Summer Reading Program for a fun hour-long crafting session! No registration is required. Ages 12+.
