UPDATE: Book lovers of all ages lined up, checked out, perused, played games and more Saturday at Carson City Library’s annual kickoff party to celebrate the launch of its annual Summer Reading Challenge.
Going with the theme “Wander Beyond Words,” the free, family-friendly event turned the library into a fantasy-inspired celebration that featured games, crafts, activities and opportunities to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Wander Beyond Words,” runs from June 13 through August 15 and encourages readers of all ages to discover new stories, attend library programs and build a lifelong love of reading.
Readers of all ages also signed up to earn prizes for reading throughout the summer with books that highlights adventure and imagination.
Kick-off party activities featured a pancake breakfast by Kiwanis Club of Carson City, hands-on crafts, fantasy-themed games and information about the library’s summer programs and events.
Even with school out for the summer, Seeliger Elementary fifth grade teacher Lindsey Blei and her father Steve brought along her 3-year-old son, Oliver, to the event to get the program started for their family and then moved onto Browser’s Corner Book Store across the library for its parking lot sale and raffle.
Over the summer, where there’s a long gap for kids to not be in a full-time learning enviroment, Blei said students can become complacent during the time off and by the time they returned to school at the end of summer, it can be overwhelming for them to start reading again.
“Being able to have the summer program — even to keep light reading up — is going to make the first week of school not so intense,” said Lindsey Blei. “I love this program because it is really geared for all ages — teenagers find it fun, little kids find it fun and adults find it fun.”
She praised Carson City Library’s efforts turning something that is difficult — creating a program every age group can enjoy — into an important annual education event for students, families and teachers.
“It’s a program where we’re seeing people dress up today to go on a reading adventure through books and stories. I love how they make this open and free for the whole community with activities and prizes. They have done a phenomenal job,” she said of the Carson City Library staff.
Go here for more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library events.
Community Block Party Monday
Meanwhile, the Carson City Library invites community members of all ages to celebrate its 60th anniversary at a free Community Block Party on Monday, June 15, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the library grounds.
This family-friendly event will feature local vendors, community organizations, food trucks, games, activities, and opportunities to connect with neighbors while celebrating six decades of library service to Carson City.
As part of the celebration, the library will host a special Time Capsule Ceremony, preserving memories and mementos from the community to be opened by future generations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the library’s history, current services, and vision for the future.
The Block Party is one of several events commemorating the Carson City Library’s 60th anniversary and coincides with the launch of the library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Wander Beyond Words.
Community members are encouraged to bring their families, enjoy local food, meet community partners, and celebrate one of Carson City’s longest-serving public institutions.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Visit the Carson City Library or go to carsoncitylibrary.org for more information.
