It was another unforgettable week at Carson City Library as families gathered to read, create, experiment, and explore through our 2026 Summer Reading Program, Wander Beyond Words. From hands-on STEAM activities to outdoor storytimes and imaginative adventures, the library was filled with opportunities for community members of all ages to discover something new, build connections, and make lasting memories.

We began the week with our Color by Number programs, where artists of all ages enjoyed the relaxing process of transforming numbered designs into colorful masterpieces. We were also thrilled to bring this program into the community through our outreach partnership with La Tapatia, making it even easier for local families to enjoy free library programming outside our walls.

One of the week’s biggest highlights was our Stuffie Sleepover. Children tucked in their favorite stuffed animals before saying goodnight, leaving their cuddly companions behind for an overnight adventure at the library. While their owners were sleeping, the stuffies explored the library, made new friends, and got into plenty of magical mischief after the library closed. We can’t wait to share the photos from their unforgettable night!

Our youngest readers also had the opportunity to meet some real-life heroes during Firefighter Storytime with the Carson City Fire Department. Families explored a fire engine, met local firefighters, listened to stories, and learned valuable fire safety lessons through an engaging, hands-on experience. We are grateful to the Carson City Fire Department for partnering with us to inspire curiosity while teaching important life skills.

Our weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaign continued as brave adventurers worked together to solve puzzles, battle fearsome monsters, and shape an epic fantasy story. Beyond the adventure, programs like Dungeons & Dragons encourage teamwork, communication, creativity, and critical thinking while giving participants a welcoming place to build friendships.

We also took stories beyond the library walls during Read in the Park, where families gathered outdoors to enjoy books, sunshine, and fresh air together. Bringing storytime into our community parks is one of our favorite ways to combine literacy, recreation, and a love of the outdoors while making reading accessible in fun and unexpected places.

Saturday brought another exciting Saturday STEAM program as participants designed their own Coats of Arms. After learning about the history and symbolism of heraldry, attendees created unique family crests that reflected their personalities, interests, and values. The program blended history, art, and creativity while encouraging participants to tell their own stories through design.

We wrapped up the week with Crystal Growing, where science met a little bit of magic. Participants mixed their crystal solutions, explored the science behind crystal formation, and began growing sparkling creations they could watch develop over the coming days. It was the perfect way to end a week filled with curiosity and discovery.

Summer Reading at Carson City Library is about so much more than reading books. Every program is designed to spark imagination, encourage lifelong learning, strengthen community connections, and create experiences that families will remember long after summer ends. Whether participants are crafting, experimenting, reading, exploring, or simply spending time together, each event helps build a stronger, more connected community.

None of these experiences would be possible without the incredible support of the Friends of the Carson City Library and Browser’s Corner Bookstore. Through their dedication and fundraising efforts, they help provide the resources that make our Summer Reading Program possible each year, allowing us to offer engaging activities, exciting prizes, hands-on learning opportunities, and free programs for our entire community.

One of the easiest ways to support Carson City Library is by supporting Browser’s Corner Bookstore. Every time you shop for books, puzzles, movies, and other treasures—or donate your gently used books—you are helping fund library programs and services that benefit our community year-round. Your purchases and donations directly support opportunities like Summer Reading, making it possible for us to continue offering free educational and enriching experiences for readers of all ages.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week. Whether you attended one program or several, you helped make Carson City Library a place filled with learning, creativity, laughter, and adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting week of Summer Reading as we continue to Wander Beyond Words together!

About the Summer Reading Program

Carson City Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program: Wander Beyond Words continues through August 15 and features free programs, performances, outreach events, STEAM activities, crafts, and reading challenges for children, teens, and adults. There’s still plenty of time to sign up, track your reading, attend programs, and join the adventure.

To learn more about upcoming events, visit Carson City Library or explore our online events calendar. We hope to see you at the library soon!