The “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program was a tremendous success at the Montgomery City Public Library this summer. Thank you to everyone who participated in the reading challenge, attended the special events and programs and volunteered their time to help make this year’s program such a memorable experience.

We hope everyone remembered to turn in their reading records to be entered into the prize raffles. This year’s exciting raffle prizes include a dinosaur ottoman for young children, a Jurassic World LEGO set and books for school-aged children, a $50 Amazon gift card for teens and a Jurassic-themed entertainment basket for adults. Good luck to everyone who entered!

A special thank you goes to Reading Rita, who visited MCPL on July 10. Her high-energy performance kept children laughing while they enjoyed jokes, magic and fascinating dinosaur and fossil facts. Families also had a wonderful time at the “National Treasure” movie night on July 11. If you’d like to recreate the fun at home, interactive movie bags are still available while supplies last.

MCPL also has one copy of National Treasure available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis. Other copies can be ordered through the Missouri Evergreen interlibrary Loan service. Also, the movie can be found on several streaming platforms.

Santa Claus made a special stop at MCPL during his summer vacation for the Christmas in July children’s party on July 25. He brought smiles, laughter and gifts for the children, while participants also enjoyed Christmas games, music and festive treats. A heartfelt thank you goes to Santa Claus and Theo Tate for helping make this holiday celebration so memorable.

Thank you as well to everyone who attended the Tea Party with a Twist. It was a delightful evening filled with laughter, conversation and creativity. The elegant hats and outfits were spectacular! Special thanks to Pat Garrett and Becky Coil for helping plan this entertaining event.

The 2026 Summer Reading Program was supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. The Montgomery City Public Library sincerely appreciates the Missouri State Library’s grant funding, which helped provide books and outstanding performers for this year’s summer reading program.

While June and July were packed with exciting activities, August offers a slightly slower pace before school and fall events begin. To continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday, MCPL hosted a free showing of Top Gun: Maverick on Aug. 1 at the Community Room. Rated PG-13, the film celebrates patriotism, teamwork, and determination. Children can also enjoy weekly patriotic take-home activity kits throughout August. Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families are asked to take only enough for their own children.

Another fun community activity is the month-long “Oh, The States I’ve Been” bulletin board. From August 1 through August 31, visitors are invited to place their initials on a large map of the United States to mark the states they have visited. Participants are also encouraged to display photographs from their travels around the map. Please write your name and phone number on the back of each photo before posting it. A special recognition display will honor those who have visited all 50 states. The completed display will remain on view through September.

The Montgomery City Public Library offers something for everyone throughout the year, from children’s programs and family events to book clubs, technology resources, movies and lifelong learning opportunities. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, a fun family activity or a welcoming place to connect with others, we invite you to stop by and see what’s happening at your Montgomery City Public Library. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and first-time visitors as we continue serving our community.