Summer is almost here and most Libraries around Columbus are kicking off their Summer Reading Programs with a celebratory party! These parties are all free to attend, and have some fun activities planned. I’ve put together a list of Summer Reading Kickoff Parties happening at Libraries around Columbus here, organized by date. Check on the link for the event where you’ll find all the details you need for each party. And remember to check my post on Summer Reading Challenges!
Find this helpful? Follow Columbus Moms Network on Instagram for more!
Friday, May 23
Westerville Library: 9am-6pm
Swing by the library for family-friendly activities. And you might just spot one of your favorite characters – like Bluey – while you’re here! Then challenge yourself to a summer of reading. Set your reading goal and earn prizes.
Register by midnight on May 26 for a chance to win tickets to Kings Island or COSI! Learn more. Schedule of Appearances (subject to change). To be announced in mid-May. Characters include Bluey, Pete the Cat, Elephant & Piggie, Snoopy, Mango & Brash (of the InvestiGators), and more.
Thursday, May 29
Northwest Library:6:30pm-8pm
Celebrate the 2025 club with crafts, activities and a visit from Bring the Farm to You.
Pataskala Library:10am-3pm
Join us as we kick-off the 2025 Summer Reading Program Color Our World! We have programs for Kids entering grades K-5, Tweens and Teens entering 6-12, and Adults 18+.
K-5 Summer Reading packets will be available for pick-up all day. There will be activities in the Community Room from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Tween/Teen and Adult entry forms will be available for pick-up all day.
Friday, May 30
Worthington Park Library: 6pm-8pm
Games, crafts and so much more are a not-to-be-missed start to summer-reading season.
Bexley Library: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Celebrate the end of school and the start of summer with a party at the library! Sign up for our summer reading program, enjoy fun activities and games with your family, have a cool treat, and get a chance to win prizes. Plus, a visit from one of our favorite characters, Bluey! Bluey will be visiting between 4:30 – 5:30 PM.
At 5:30, join The Alans for an unforgettable magic adventure! Magicians Jason and Stacy Alan bring high-energy entertainment packed with laughter, interactive surprises, and jaw-dropping magic. With colorful props, mind-blowing tricks, and plenty of audience participation, this show is a must-see!
Saturday, May 31
Marysville Library: 10am-12pm
Kickoff the Summer Reading Program with us! There will be bounce houses, face painting, snow cones, and more!
New Albany: 10am-12pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Gahanna Library: 10am-2pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Main Library: 11am-1pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Parsons Library: 1pm-3pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting
Hilltop Library: 2pm-5pm
Join us for games, activities and snacks to kickoff your summer reading. Free colorful, temporary airbrush tattoos for kids! Outside games and an inflatable obstacle course are weather permitting.
Old Worthington Library: 10am-12pm
Mark your calendar for fair fun at the library! Kids are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for a best-in-show contest. Prep stations will be available to get stuffies blue-ribbon ready!
Miller Park Library: 10am-4:30pm
Patrons of all ages can kick off the Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” with a different art activity featured at each UAPL location while supplies last. Stop by one branch or visit them all!
Lane Road Library: 10am-4:30pm
Patrons of all ages can kick off the Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” with a different art activity featured at each UAPL location while supplies last. Stop by one branch or visit them all!
Tremont Road Branch: 10am-4:30pm
Patrons of all ages can kick off the Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” with a different art activity featured at each UAPL location while supplies last. Stop by one branch or visit them all!
Monday, June 2
Dublin Library: 10am-2pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Karl Road Library: 11am-1pm
Join us for outdoor games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Northern Lights Branch: 1pm-3pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Whetstone: 2pm-4pm
Join us for an outdoor celebration including lawn games, sidewalk chalk and lots of bubbles to kickoff your summer reading. Inside, complete a library discovery quest with a special prize.
Shepard: 2pm-4pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Outside games and activities (including a bouncy house!) are weather permitting.
Driving Park: 2pm-4pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Franklinton: 2pm-3:30pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Whitehall: 5pm-6:30pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Tuesday, June 3
Southeast Library: 11am-3pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Wednesday, June 4
Barnett: 1pm-3pm
Join us for games, activities, and a visit from the Kona Ice Truck to kick off your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Northside:1pm-4pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Marion-Franklin: 3pm-5pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Thursday, June 5
Canal Winchester: 11am-12pm
Join us for games, activities, and snow cones from the Kona Ice Truck to kickoff your summer reading! Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
South High: 2pm-4pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Martin Luther King: 4pm-7pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Reynoldsburg: 4pm-6pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Friday, June 6
Linden: 2pm-4pm
Join us for games and activities to kickoff your summer reading. Groups call ahead. Outside games are weather permitting.
Remember that our local Libraries hold many other events over the summer for the whole family! Have a great summer!
