The Montgomery City Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program is off to a DINO-mite start! Thank you to the families, teens, and adults who already registered for the program. Registration is still open for those who would like to join.

Participants of all ages can join the reading challenge by logging reading minutes and completing fun activities for a chance to win prizes. Raffle prizes include a dinosaur ottoman for young children, a Jurassic World LEGO set and books for school-aged kids, a $50 Amazon gift card for teens and a Jurassic entertainment basket for adults.

The summer reading program is packed with fun and exciting events for all ages. Here are just a few highlights to enjoy this summer at Montgomery City Public Library.

MCPL kicked off summer reading on June 1 with a celebration of National Dinosaur Day with dinosaur-themed activities and family fun.

Due to the popularity of last year’s event, Pastiche Night is returning for teens and adults on June 3 at 6 p.m. Registration is required for this creative and entertaining evening.

Don’t miss the Dinosaur Encounter on June 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MCPL will welcome some very special prehistoric visitors to the library.

Chef Bananas will present a fun children’s program on June 17 at 10 a.m.

Celebrate International Mud Day on June 27 from 9 a.m.-noon at MCPL. Families can explore with all their senses during this muddy adventure, so wear clothes that can get dirty. The firetruck will even be there to help rinse off the mud afterward.

Reading Rita will present an educational and entertaining program about dinosaurs and fossils on Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m.

MCPL will also host an interactive showing of National Treasure on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.

Christmas in July will take place on July 25 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 0–12, and registration is required.

Another summer highlight is the Adult Tea Party with a Twist on July 30 at 7 p.m. This entertaining evening for adults requires registration.

All the summer reading events listed for June and July are free and do not require a library card to participate. You do not need to be registered for the reading challenge to attend either.

June events at MCPL:

• June 1 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) – Kickoff celebration on National Dinosaur Day (all ages)
• June 3 (6 p.m.) – Pastiche Night for teens and adults (registration required)
• June 6 (7 p.m.) – Movie night featuring “We’re Back” (rated G)
• June 8 – Library Programs for ages 0–5 at 10 a.m. and ages 6–11 at 2 p.m.
• June 9 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) – Adult Craft: Dino Skeleton Cookies (registration required)
• June 10 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) – E3 Dinosaur Encounters (all-day, all ages)
• June 17 (10 a.m.) – Chef Bananas (children)
• June 22 – Library Programs for ages 0–5 at 10 a.m. and ages 6-11 at 2 p.m.
• June 23 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) – Teen “Stuffie Taxidermy” (registration required)
• June 27 (9 a.m.-noon) – International Mud Day (Dress to get messy!)
• June 29 (3 p.m.) – Live reptile program with the Missouri Department of Conservation

July events at MCPL:

• July 6 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) – Teen Craft: Altered Art Dinosaurs (registration required)
• July 10 (10 a.m.) – Reading Rita (Ages 0-11)
• July 11 (7:00 p.m.) – Interactive Movie night: National Treasure (all ages)
• July 13 – Library Programs for ages 0–5 at 10:00 a.m. and ages 6-11 at 2 p.m.
• July 14 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) – Adult Craft: Fossil Painting (registration required)
• July 25 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – Christmas in July (ages 0-12) (registration required)
• July 27 – Library Programs for ages 0–5 at 10 a.m. and ages 6-11 at 2 p.m.
• July 30 (7 p.m.) – Adult Tea Party with a Twist (registration required)

The 2026 summer reading project is 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 would like to thank the Missouri State Library for awarding grant funding to support books and performers for the 2026 Summer Reading Program.

This summer, the Montgomery City Public Library is the place to be for fun and learning. There are fabulous events for everyone in your family! We hope you’ll join us for the “Unearth a Story” summer reading program!