2026 Summer Reading Program Brings Thousands to St. Johns County Libraries
- 3 August 2026
- Category: Community Well-Being SJC News
- Tags: 2026
Stars, Stripes, and Stories at St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) offered engaging events and rewards for all ages
Key Points
- SJCPLS’ “Stars, Stripes, and Stories” 2026 Summer Reading Program delivered more than 200 events and activities for all ages, attracting over 17,500 visitors to six library branches and bookmobile stops between May 31 and July 25.
- The program celebrated the United States’ 250th anniversary with Americana-themed experiences, including story times, hands-on history and STEM activities, and creative crafts designed to engage families and foster a love of reading.
- More than 8,000 prizes were awarded through free reading logs, reinforcing literacy and helping local students avoid the “Summer Slide” through a community-supported initiative sponsored by Friends of the Library groups.
The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) is excited to share that its “Stars, Stripes, and Stories” 2026 Summer Reading Program offered over 200 engaging events and activities for all ages between May 31 and July 25. The annual program designed to promote educational and family-friendly summer fun brought more than 17,500 visitors over eight weeks to SJCPLS’ six branches and bookmobile stops.
“With the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year’s program was particularly special, celebrating the many stories that make our nation,” said Lisa Calvert, Assistant Branch Manager and Youth Services Librarian. “Storytelling bridges generations across our communities, bringing us all together to foster a lifelong love of reading.”
Families enjoyed Americana-inspired festivities, created and led by library staff members, ranging from baseball-themed story times to parading in handmade tricorn hats to tea parties with American Girl dolls. They explored the nation’s past by digging into archaeology-themed STEM crafts, writing with colonial ink and quills, traveling the Oregon Trail with hands-on activities, and so much more.
Participants picked up free reading logs from library branches and bookmobiles to earn prizes for every five days tracked. Over 8,000 prizes were awarded this summer.
“The Summer Reading Program has encouraged generations of St. Johns County kids to beat the ‘Summer Slide,’” said Debra Rhodes Gibson, Director of the Public Library System. “This is a real partnership between our libraries and local community to promote literacy in a fun and engaging way during the summer break.”
Initiatives like the Summer Reading Program directly support the St. Johns County Strategic Plan priority of Community Well-Being.
Summer Reading Programs are proudly sponsored by SJCPLS’ multiple Friends of the Library groups. To learn more about the program or discover all of the services and resources SJCPLS offers, contact your local branch library or visit the SJCPLS website.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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