When school’s out and summer’s in full swing, the local library becomes one of the best resources for family fun, creativity, and learning. Whether your kids love reading, crafts, animals, drama, or science, the libraries across Roanoke County, Roanoke City, and Salem are here to keep your summer full of enriching (and free) adventures.
🌈 Roanoke County Public Library: Color Your World
Summer Reading Program
📅 June 2 – August 2, 2025
🎨 Theme: Color Your World
Encouraging all ages to explore their world through reading, Roanoke County's program includes reading goals, interactive challenges, and creative programming.
Reading Goals:
- Babies & Toddlers: Read 10 books
- Kids, Teens & Adults: Read 3 books each
📦 Finish and earn a colorful badge bag!
Kickoff Events:
- 📍 South County Library: Saturday, June 7, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- 📍 Vinton Library: Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Highlights This Summer:
- 📚 Cat Kid Book Club – Comic book fans unite for a fun, creative club based on Dav Pilkey’s popular series.
- 🎭 Teen Drama Club – Great for budding performers, this club includes improv, scene work, and drama games.
- 🎨 Art Activities – Weekly opportunities across branches for hands-on creative projects for all ages.
- 🎪 Special Events – Expect exciting guests throughout the summer: petting zoos, balloon artists, and more!
Get all the details on the Roanoke County Summer Reading Program and Events here.
🌟 Roanoke City Libraries: More Than Just Books
Roanoke City Libraries are going big this summer with a season full of reading, performing arts, and innovative camps for curious young minds.
📚 Summer Reading Program
Details will be announced soon, but expect plenty of reading rewards, weekly programs, and fun family activities.
🎤 Career Quest Speaker Series (Teens)
This teen-focused speaker series brings in professionals from across the region—from chefs to engineers—to help students explore potential future careers and find the right path for themselves.
🧁 Cupcakes with City Employees
A fun way for kids and parents to learn how the city works while enjoying a cupcake and chatting with leaders like city council members and public service pros.
🌿 At Belmont Library:
- Clean Valley Council’s Environmental Camp – A special opportunity for kids to explore sustainability and environmental science through hands-on learning.
- 🎥 Content Creators Camp – For the aspiring YouTubers and storytellers in your house, this camp teaches media creation and digital storytelling skills.
📖 Salem Public Library: Read, Reward, Repeat
Salem Public Library is keeping kids, teens, and even grown-ups turning pages this summer with an easygoing but engaging reading challenge.
Summer Reading Challenges
📅 June 1 – August 3, 2025
📚 Theme: Color Our World
Open to all ages, Salem’s program encourages reading and offers exciting prizes.
Reading Goals:
- Kids (Pre-K – 5th Grade): Read 10 books
- Teens (6th – 12th Grade): Read 3 books
- Adults (18+): Read 3 books
🎁 Prizes:
- Kids and teens receive a free book upon registration.
- Adults are entered into a drawing for a Summer Sun & Fun Bundle, including beach chairs, innertubes, a cooler-tube, and a beach umbrella.
Additional Highlights:
- 🐶 Barks and Books Program – Kids can build reading confidence by reading aloud to friendly therapy dogs throughout the summer.
- 🧑💻 Virtual Speakers & Activities – Perfect for busy families or rainy days, these interactive sessions bring fun and learning directly to your screen.
Registration:
Sign up and track your reading progress at salemva.beanstack.org.
🎭 The Library Is Your Summer Stage
All summer long, Roanoke-area libraries along with Salem library will be welcoming folk singers, musicians, and performers from Mill Mountain Theatre—bringing storytelling, and toe-tapping tunes right into the local branches. Whether your child is watching a puppet show or clapping along to a live performance, or interacting with an enchanting storytime, the library will be buzzing with energy and entertainment.
🧭 Don’t Miss a Thing!
There’s so much happening this summer, and the best way to stay on top of it all is to follow along at Roanoke.MacaroniKid.com! You can find all the details on the programs mentioned here and more.
✅ Bookmark our Events Calendar for weekly updates on library programs, camps, and family fun
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This summer, your local library is more than a place to check out books—it's a stage, a classroom, a camp, and a creative haven. From career-building for teens to storytime magic, every child (and parent) can find something to love. So go ahead—explore, create, and connect at your local library. It’s all waiting for you... and it’s all free.
