Summer Reading

What is the Summer Reading Program?

The Livingston Parish Library’s Summer Reading Program is an annual reading challenge that encourages people of all ages to read as many books as they can during the summer months.

Participants can choose books based on their own interests or they can explore new genres, topics, or authors. As part of the challenge, participants can win prizes for completing reading goals and attending LPL events.

What are the dates for this year's Summer Reading Program?

The Livingston Parish Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program runs through the following dates:

• Start: Monday, May 18
• End: Sunday, August 2

Why does the Summer Reading Program matter?

Every summer, many children and teens experience a “summer slide” or a loss of reading and learning momentum during school breaks. Summer reading programs are proven to help maintain skills, build enthusiasm for books, and connect families with their local libraries.

For adults, summer reading programs foster a habit of reading for pleasure, provide mental stimulation to prevent cognitive decline, and offer stress reduction.

But no matter your age, summer reading program encourage lifelong learning, boost vocabulary, and, through library incentives, provide a fun, engaging way to explore new genres and authors. Everyone can benefit from summer reading!

What are the benefits of the Summer Reading Program?

Some benefits of participating in the library’s Summer Reading Program include:

• Prevents academic loss
• Boosts literacy skills
• Encourages lifelong reading habits
• Builds confidence and motivation
• Supports cognitive and emotional development:
• Community and social engagement

Who can participate in the Summer Reading Program?

Anyone! The library’s Summer Reading Program is open to all ages. All you need is a library card to sign up!

Get ready for a summer of fun and reading with four exciting challenges for all ages!

Registration for the Summer Reading Program opens on Monday, May 18, on Beanstack. Your age group will determine which challenge you can participate in. 

SRP Age Groups

Read-To-Me (Ages 0-5)

To complete the Read-To-Me challenge, you must earn 10 points by reading and logging 10 picture books.

• One (1) book is worth one (1) point.

Youth (Ages 6-12)

To complete the Youth challenge, you must earn 3 points by reading and logging 3 chapter books or 180 minutes of reading.

• One (1) book is worth one (1) point.
• Sixty (60) minutes of reading is worth one (1) point.

Teen (Ages 13-18)

To complete the Teen challenge, you must earn 3 points by logging 3 chapter books, 180 minutes of reading, 3 activities, or a mix of all three.

• One (1) book is worth one (1) point.
• Sixty (60) minutes of reading is worth one (1) point.
• One (1) activity is worth one (1) point.

Adult (Ages 18+)

To complete the Adult challenge, you must earn 3 points by logging 3 chapter books, 180 minutes of reading, 3 activities, or a combination.

• One (1) book is worth one (1) point.
• Sixty (60) minutes of reading is worth one (1) point.
• One (1) activity is worth one (1) point.

Kick off this year’s Summer Reading Program with a roar!

Make plans to visit your local LPL branch for our Summer Reading Program Kickoff Day. 

• Date: Tuesday, May 26
• Location: All LPL branches
• Time: During operating hours

Join us for a dino-tastic day packed with creativity, crafts, and prizes for all ages! Sign up for the Summer Reading Program challenge on Kickoff Day – or swing by if you’re already registered – to snag an exclusive one-day-only prize!

Then let your imagination run wild as you transform a dinosaur cut-out into a full-on party animal. We’ll provide all the supplies – you bring the creativity!

Snap some photos, take your masterpiece home, and get inspired. Books, art, and dinosaurs? Yes, please! Make this your most dino-mite summer ever! For all ages.

This summer, you’re invited to witness a spectacular lineup of performances for all ages, featuring enchanting ballet, interactive dinosaur experiences, fascinating animals, mind-blowing magic tricks, toe-tapping musical performances, a delightful cookie decorating workshop, and more!

Youth Ballet

Enjoy an enchanting ballet performance as talented young dancers bring a whimsical tale to life, guiding the audience on a magical journey through a world of imagination, wonder, and delightful adventures. Perfect for families and children of all ages, this event is sure to spark imagination and joy.

• Denham Springs-Walker: 9:30 a.m. on June 5

Nature on the Geaux

Join us for an exciting live animal event with Tanee Janusz of Nature on the Geaux! Get up close with amazing reptiles and amphibians while learning about their habitats, behaviors, and unique adaptations. This hands-on experience is perfect for animal lovers of all ages and offers a special opportunity to see these fascinating cold-blooded creatures right here at the Livingston Parish Libraries. Don’t miss this wild and educational journey!

• Albany-Springfield: 10 a.m. in June 9
• South: 2 p.m. on June 9
• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. on June 10
• Watson: 10 a.m. on June 11
• Main (Livingston): 2 p.m. on June 11

The Dinosaur Experience

Get ready to roar with excitement when the Dinosaur Experience stomps into the library! This interactive show features amazing oversized dinosaur puppets that bring these ancient giants to life right before your eyes. For all ages.

• Watson: 10 a.m. on June 15
• Denham Springs-Walker: 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. on June 15
• Albany-Springfield: 10 a.m. on June 16
• Main (Livingston): 2 p.m. on June 16
• South: 5 p.m. on June 16

Bright Star Theatre

Bright Star Theatre is coming to Livingston Parish to show us that even dinosaurs face tough choices when it comes to standing up for themselves and their friends. In this heartwarming and fun-filled tale, these lovable giants tackle the same challenges kids face today -- learning how to recognize, report, and stand up to bullying while being a great dino-friend. Don’t miss this fun-filled show the whole family will enjoy. 

• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. on June 17
• Watson: 2 p.m. on June 17
• South: 10 a.m. on June 18
• Main (Livingston): 2 p.m. on June 18
• Albany-Springfield: 5 p.m. on June 18

The Crescent Circus

Discover joy, wonder, and pure entertainment. Crescent Circus features talented duo Nathan and Morgan, who perform interactive magic, juggling arts, hula hooping, and balancing stunts. Based out of New Orleans, Crescent Circus has performed in London and earned six international titles for their original stage work. Nathan and Morgan are maestros of delight, leaving a trail of smiles and applause wherever they go. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience at the library!

• Albany-Springfield: 10 a.m. on June 23
• South: 2 p.m. on June 23
• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. on June 24
• Watson: 10 a.m. on June 25
• Main (Livingston): 2 p.m. on June 25

Petite Princess Company: Orange and Blue Pups

Wackadoo! Join us for a fun-filled Bluey adventure with everyone’s favorite Blue and Orange Dogs, brought to you by the Petite Princess Company! Little fans can stomp, roar, and play through dino-themed games and activities inspired by the playful spirit of Bluey. Plus, enjoy hearing a Bluey tale (or two)!

• Albany-Springfield: 10 a.m. on June 30
• South: 2 p.m. on June 30
• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. on July 1
• Watson: 10 a.m. on July 2
• Main (Livingston): 2 p.m. on July 2

Harvey Rabbit & Friends Show

Meet Harvey, the charismatic rabbit with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a talent for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories! Join him on an adventure where laughter knows no bounds and surprises await around every corner. This fun, energetic show features ventriloquism, puppetry, music, magic, comedy, and audience participation.

• Albany-Springfield: 10 a.m. on July 7
• Main (Livingston): 2 p.m. on July 7
• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. on July 8
• Watson: 2 p.m. on July 8
• South: 10 a.m. on July 9

Cookie Decorating with Shelly Frederick

Indulge your sweet tooth and unleash your creativity at this cookie decorating workshop, led by the talented Shelly Frederick! Learn the decorating secrets behind three delightful designs that are as delicious as they are fun. Bring home your mixed-media creations to enjoy, but snap a picture first because this art is edible. No need to worry about supplies! All materials are provided.

• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. on July 14 (Ages 6-12)
• Denham Springs-Walker: 12:30 p.m. on July 14 (Ages 13-18)
• Note: Registration is required for both sessions.

Lady Chops

Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops, is a one-woman drumming sensation who has wowed audiences across the country -- including performances with the hit show STOMP! With a dazzling mix of rhythm, energy, and creativity, she brings drumming to life using buckets, body percussion, and more. This high-energy event is perfect for all ages and will have everyone tapping along to the beat. Don’t miss the chance to see Lady Chops in action at the library! 

• Albany-Springfield: 10 a.m. on July 14
• South: 2 p.m. on July 14
• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. on July 15
• Watson: 2 p.m. on July 15
• Main (Livingston): 10 a.m. on July 16

Tri-Parish Ballet

Experience the artistry of dance as the Tri-Parish Ballet presents a captivating youth performance! Dancers will bring stories to life through graceful movement, delightful costumes, and fun choreography. This enchanting performance is a celebration of talent, dedication, and the magic of ballet.

• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. on July 20
• Watson: 2 p.m. on July 20
• Main (Livingston): 10 a.m. on July 24

Join us for an exciting series of events for adults designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and delve into intriguing history!

Paint Party with Cathy Bond

Join us for a fun and relaxing guided painting session led by local artist, Cathy Bond, where you’ll create your very own masterpiece. All supplies will be provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to paint.

Registration is required.

• Albany-Springfield: 2 p.m. on May 27
• Main (Livingston): 5 p.m. on June 4
• Watson: 5:30 p.m. on June 16
• South: 3 p.m. on July 9
• Denham Springs-Walker: 5 p.m. on July 21

Mean Girl Self-Defense with Wall to Wall Martial Arts

Empower yourself at the library for a Mean Girl Self-Defense seminar led by Coach Kristine Stone from Wall to Wall Martial Arts. Mean Girl Self-Defense aims to provide women and girls with fun and high-quality self-defense and violence prevention courses to develop and build confidence, resilience, and self-worth. This seminar will include five steps for violence prevention and self-defense techniques. This session, along with all Mean Girl programs, classes, and workshops, is designed by women, for women, and taught by women. Wear comfortable athletic clothing for this event as we will be active.

Registration is required.

• Denham Springs-Walker: 6 p.m. on June 3
• Denham Springs-Walker: 6 p.m. on July 22

The Loyal Colony: Sources of Pro-British Sentiment in the Forgotten 14th Colony

In recognition of America 250, join Dr. Samuel Hyde for a fascinating look at the little-known history of British West Florida, the 14th Colony, which included the Florida Parishes of present-day Louisiana. Often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary narratives, this region played a unique and influential role in early American history. Dr. Hyde will explore why many residents remained loyal to the British Crown and why the 14th Colony has largely been forgotten in the historical narrative. This presentation offers a fresh perspective on America’s founding and invites audiences to rethink what they thought they knew about the Revolutionary era. Refreshments will be provided.

• Denham Springs-Walker: 10 a.m. on June 27

Cookie Decorating with Shelly Frederick

Indulge your sweet tooth and unleash your creativity at this cookie decorating workshop led by the talented Shelly Frederick. Learn the decorating secrets behind three delightful designs that are as delicious as they are fun. Bring home your mixed-media creations to enjoy, but snap a picture first because this art is edible. No need to worry about supplies! All materials are provided.

Registration is required.

• Denham Springs-Walker: 3 p.m. on July 14