Looking for affordable and enriching family activities this summer? Local libraries and literacy organizations across Alamance and Orange County are filled with free opportunities to help children continue reading, learning, and exploring while school is out.
From storytimes and summer reading challenges to STEM programs, crafts, educational performers, and free attraction passes, families have so many ways to encourage literacy and learning throughout the summer season.
Whether your child loves books, science, art, music, or hands-on learning, local libraries offer welcoming spaces for children of all ages to discover, create, and grow.
Alamance County Public Libraries (ACPL)
Families can explore free programs all summer long at local ACPL branches, including:
- May Memorial Library (Burlington)
- Graham Public Library
- Mebane Public Library
- North Park Library
- Main Street Branch
- Bookmobile services
Families can browse upcoming storytimes, crafts, performers, and activities here:
Alamance County Public Libraries Calendar
Learn More About ACPL Summer Reading
Alamance County Public Library Summer Reading Program
Orange County Public Library
Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough also offers exciting summer programming for families, including storytimes, crafts, STEM activities, reading challenges, and educational events throughout the season.
Families can browse upcoming storytimes, crafts, performers, and activities here:
Orange County Public Library Calendar
Learn More About Orange County Public Library Summer Reading Program
Orange County Public Library Summer Reading Program
Gibsonville Public Library
Families can enjoy a summer full of free dinosaur-themed programs and reading adventures at Gibsonville Public Library during the Summer Reading Program (June 22–August 1).
Highlights include:
- Monday (Ages 6–12): Live Like a Dino!
- Tuesday (All Ages): Book Talk & Activity
- Wednesday (All Ages): Movies & Videos
- Thursday (Ages 13–18): Make a Dino Movie!
- Friday (All Ages): Dino Trivia
- Saturday, August 1: Summer Wrap-Up Celebration
Special events include:
- July 18: Dino Petting Zoo (Drop-in, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- August 1: Wrap Party & Student Film Screening (Drop-in, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Families can also participate in a town-wide dinosaur scavenger hunt, track their reading through ReadSquared or a paper log, and enjoy free lunches during weekday programs (12–1 p.m.).
Browse the complete schedule, printable activity guides, and reading logs here:
Gibsonville Public Library Summer Reading Program
Free Book Friday with Triad Goodwill
Looking for even more ways to keep your children reading this summer? Triad Goodwill is bringing back its popular Free Book Friday program beginning June 12.
Every Friday throughout the summer, children and teens ages 0–18 can visit participating Triad Goodwill locations and select a FREE book to take home.
This literacy initiative is made possible through partnerships with Ready for School, Ready for Life, Impact Alamance, Randolph Partnership for Children, Smart Start, and Basics Guilford.
Families are also encouraged to donate books their children have outgrown so other young readers can discover new favorites.
Free Book Friday
📅 Begins June 12, 2026
👶 Ages 0–18
💲 Free
It's a simple and fun way to build a home library while encouraging children to read all summer long.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Alamance County
Families with young children should also check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, available to eligible children throughout Alamance County from birth to age five.
Each enrolled child receives one FREE age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home every month until their fifth birthday — at absolutely no cost to families.
The program now also offers bilingual English/Spanish books for participating families.
Many local children look forward to checking the mailbox each month for their special book delivery, helping build excitement around reading from an early age.
Families can learn more or register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here:
Register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Alamance County
Additional Summer Reading Programs Families May Enjoy
Pizza Hut BOOK IT!
Children can earn FREE personal pan pizzas through reading programs and literacy challenges.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a FREE book through summer reading participation.
Kingdom Kids Summer Book Club at Things Above Bookstore (Graham)
Children can earn prizes, movie tickets, gift card entries, and discounts on books while participating in summer reading activities.
ACPL ZOOM Pass Program
One of the best hidden gems for local families is the ACPL ZOOM Pass Program.
This program allows families to reserve FREE passes to local attractions including:
- North Carolina Zoo
- Children’s Museum of Alamance County
- Sylvan Heights Bird Park
- Studio 1 Theatre
- Putt-Putt Fun Center
- and more
It’s a wonderful way for families to explore educational and family-friendly destinations while saving money during the summer months.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Summer reading helps children:
- maintain literacy skills while school is out
- improve vocabulary and comprehension
- build imagination and creativity
- strengthen focus and confidence
- discover new interests and hobbies
Most importantly, reading together helps create meaningful family memories.
Even simple moments — choosing books together, attending storytime, listening to audiobooks, or reading before bed — can help children develop lifelong reading habits.
This summer, consider adding local libraries, literacy programs, and reading adventures to your family’s list of favorite family activities.
