The Arapahoe Libraries Summer Reading program will begin June 1, 2026 with a FREE book giveaway. Kids and teens 0 to 18 can visit the library to choose a free book and start the summer excited to read. No sign-up or library card is needed. Anyone (up to age 18) can participate. Families can find drop-in activities and crafts in the libraries (available anytime during library hours) and adventure-themed events throughout the summer — festivals, art workshops, storytimes and more.
The program offers young readers and families ways to explore and connect during the summer while encouraging reading for fun.
How To Participate
The program welcomes anyone and everyone up to age 18 — babies, kids and teens. (No “reading log,” and no sign-up required. Anyone can join the fun.)
Simply stop by the library for the free book giveaway. Or visit arapahoelibraries.org/summer-reading to find activities and events. We encourage patrons to visit the library all summer long.
FREE Book Giveaway
The book giveaway is open to everyone up to age 18, no sign-up or library card needed.
Participants can pick from a variety of new and exciting titles (available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian, depending on location) and receive a FREE tote bag, while supplies last.
To participate, visit any of the following Arapahoe Libraries locations from June 1 through July 31:
- Bookmobile: English, Arabic, Spanish
- Castlewood Library (6739 S. Uinta St. Centennial): English, Spanish
- Davies Library (128 2nd Ave. Deer Trail): English, Spanish
- Eloise May Library (1471 S. Parker Rd. Denver): English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian
- Kelver Library (585 S. Main St. Byers): English, Spanish
- Koelbel Library (5955 S. Holly St. Centennial): English. Spanish, Russian
- Sheridan Library (3425 W. Oxford Ave. Denver): English, Spanish
- Smoky Hill Library (5430 S. Biscay Cir. Centennial): English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian
- Southglenn Library (6972 S. Vine St. Centennial): English, Spanish, Russian
Letting kids choose a book is a proven way to encourage reading for fun. Books are hand-picked by librarians and are fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate.
Arapahoe Libraries photo
Summer Events
During the summer, the Arapahoe Libraries will host several adventure-themed events, including:
Roar & Lore: Creatures of Wonder
Saturday, June 6, 10 am–noon at Koelbel Library (5955 S. Holly St., Centennial)
Sunday, June 14, 10 am–noon at Smoky Hill Library (5430 S. Biscay Cir., Centennial)
Ages 5–12. Younger siblings welcome.
An outdoor family festival inspired by creatures of lore — dragons, fairies, yetis and more. Come for a day packed with fun and discovery:
- Meet mythical creatures
- Wildlife presentations
- Arts and craft stations
- Inflatable obstacle course
- Treat truck
Heroes Destiny: A Medieval Role-Play Adventure
Thursday, June 18, 4–6 pm at Sheridan Library (3425 W. Oxford Ave., Denver)
Ages 5–12
A live-action role-play game. Kids and tweens will step into a fantasy kingdom to become royalty, traitors and spies — then use problem-solving and foam swordplay to save the day. Presented by Heroes Destiny.
Main Character Energy
Friday, July 10, 6–8 pm at Koelbel Library (5955 S. Holly St., Centennial)
Friday, July 24, 6–8 pm at Smoky Hill Library (5430 S. Biscay Cir., Centennial)
Ages 9–18
Teens and tweens will be the main characters at this after-hours festival inspired by their favorite books, movies and shows —Wednesday, Spider-Man, Project Hail Mary and more. Activities include:
- Physical challenges
- Art stations
- Costume contest
- Special effects make-up
- Treat truck
(The idea for this event came directly from our teen patrons, who said they want to feel like the main characters in their favorite stories. We listened and planned this festival so teens of all interests can explore and have their special moment.)
Events are free and open to everyone in the appropriate age group. Specific activities could change based on weather or availability.
Space is limited. To browse events and RSVP, visit arapahoelibraries.org/summer-reading.
Growth and Community Impact
Community participation has grown steadily in recent years. In 2025, the libraries gave away 19,500 books as part of the program, up from 18,400 in 2024. Many patrons say it is a favorite part of their summer plans and something they look forward to each year.
Learn More
Learn more at arapahoelibraries.org/summer-reading or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
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