One of the best parts of summer in the mountains is Grand County Library District’s Summer Library Program, formerly the Summer Reading Program. Yes, we’ve experienced a name change.

Summer at the library means more than just books and reading. We strive to provide fun, adventure, entertainment and boundless opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Of course, there will also be books!

Let me convince you why you should not miss out on this year’s Summer Library Program.

Top 10 Reasons to visit the library this summer:

1. All five libraries are participating!
2. Sign-ups have already begun and run through June. Kids from birth through 18 years will receive a free book, courtesy of the Friends of Grand County Library!
3. This year’s theme is “Color Our World”. Summer activities will be colorful, engaging, and broad enough to encompass all genres, interests, reading, and ability levels. Come on adults, be a positive role model for the kids in our community!
4. Kick-off events will occur at all locations June 11-12. There will be entertainment and Kona Ice. Check our calendar for dates and times at GCLD.org. Click “Programs & Rooms.”
5. Library programs are free, and the storytellers will amaze you! Magic Teagan and Story Creations’ Dog Comedy will be here in June. Smokey Bear and Dino O’Dell will educate and entertain in July. Rocky Mountain Puppets will round out the summer with “Prism Break.” Pop artist Michael Albert, will be conducting two collage art workshops in August.
6. “Color Our World” is for all ages, birth to 99+, and will encourage you to discover new information and pursue outdoor fun. Participating in the program helps keep students from suffering significant summer learning loss. Parents and educators cheer when kids complete the program!
7. Read or listen to anything you desire and find ways to create your own learning opportunities. Enjoy books, magazines, kits, games, Launchpad tablets, or online resources.
8. Since the theme is “Color Our World”, discover diverse experiences by reserving tickets through Access Grand. Venture to the Headwaters River Journey Museum, learn about the Moffat Railroad at the museum in Granby, express your creative side at All That Glitters in Kremmling, or visit the Butterfly Pavilion or Denver Firefighter Museum. Admission is free to all these venues when you make an online reservation with your library card.
9. Librarians are planning awesome activities. Join us for STEAM programs, crafts, collaborative art projects, scavenger hunts and more. Make some new friends, share ideas, or challenge yourself to explore the beautiful color Grand County has to offer.
10. Still on the fence? We have great prizes for children, teens, and adults who complete the program before August 1. Each participant from birth to 18 years who completes the program wins a day pass donated by either the YMCA of the Rockies (birth-Grade 5) or Winter Park Resort (Grades 6-12). All who complete the program will have the chance to win incredible grand prizes, too!

The Summer Library Program is the best part of summer. Try it. You have nothing to lose, lots to gain, prizes to win, and an opportunity to share fantastic experiences with other.

I’d also like to offer a special thanks to the Friends of Grand County Library who generously support the Summer Library Program each year through their fundraising efforts. This year, they acquired a generous donation from the Anschutz Family Foundation in the amount of $5,000 to help fund this year’s programs, bringing the Friends total sponsorship for 2025 to $24,650.