LBPD Summer Reading Program

LBPD Summer Reading Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2026 Summer Reading at LBPD​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Unearth A Story​​


Summer is a great time to try something new, and the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is here to help you make the most of it. As part of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, LBPD welcomes people of all ages to stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy stories in whatever way works best for them. Our 2026 Summer Reading Program starts this June, offering accessible programs, activities, and challenges for kids.

This year’s theme, Unearth a Story, encourages you to look a bit closer. You might get lost in a good book, learn about hidden histories, or find stories from your own community. There is always something new to discover! The program includes in-person and virtual events, as well as suggested reading lists.

Every story is important, and this summer is a great time to find the ones that mean the most to you.​

Participation Information for Youth Patrons:

Register early to receive Digby the Triceratops, the official summer reading mascot (while supplies last). After registration, you will read books, participate in LPBD, NLS, and public library events, complete library-sponsored activities, and more. On or by August 15, 2026, youth patrons can complete an Exit Ticket and receive a summer reading t-shirt and be entered into LBPD's summer reading raffles. 

Participation Information for Adult Patrons:

LBPD encourages all library patrons 18 and older to check out the Summer Reading Program hosted by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, as well as the many events and activities hosted by local public libraries across Maryland. ​​

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 Registration
Register early to receive Digby the Triceratops!
(while supplies last)​

 Exit Ticket

​Complete the Exit Ticket​ to Finish the Program!

Suggested Reading Lists:​​​

Books from the Library in English (All Ages)​

Bilingual and Spanish Books from the Library​

Activity Information:

​​The Maryland LBPD will offer at-home activities for youth patrons who have registered for Summer Reading. Participants will be texted or emailed when a new activity becomes available, and once it is completed, they can track it on the Exit Ticket. To facilitate this, the library will be using the Remind App, which is available on both Android and iOS devices. To ensure that you receive all updates, please register via the following links or short text. 

Kids: rmd.at/db3hefg or text @db3hefg to number 81010

Teens: rmd.at/7ebgc6 or text @7ebgc6 to number 81010

LBPD will not be hosting virtual or in-person events this summer. We strongly encourage all LBPD patrons to visit their local public library, participate in the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled's Summer Reading Program, and, of course, track personal activities throughout the summer. 

 Library Sponsored Events
​This year, LBPD is going on the road, and you're invited! LBPD will be co-hosting great events across the state for youth patrons. Registration and contact information will be posted when it becomes available. 

Date of Event
  
Event Title
  
Event Description
Registration Information
Tactile Coding
Can you connect storytelling to coding? LBPD partners with Code in the Schools to bring tactile coding to youth who are blind or have low vision. Working with the NFB BELL Academy in Rockville, Baltimore, Mechanicsville, and Salisbury, youth will be challenged to code using Scratch Tactile kits. 

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7/16/2026 2:00 PMDiscovery Archaeology

Join professional archaeologist Dr. Beth Pruitt in exploring how archaeologists find and piece together the past. Touch real artifacts (things people left behind long ago), learn how to play an ancient Egyptian board game, and create your own artifact out of clay. Archaeology happens everywhere, including right here in your own neighborhood. Let's discover the world under our feet together! Beth Pruitt is the Director of Education for Archaeology in the Community, a local DC area nonprofit dedicated to education in history and science for all learners. She has been working as an archaeologist for over 15 years. Held at the Brigadier General Charles McGee Library​.




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7/24/2026 12:30 PMUnearth a Dragon Egg

Create your own dragon egg in this hands-on, accessible library program presented in partnership with Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Enjoy the sensory delight of working with clay and dream up the dragon that might hatch from your unique design. Held at the McCleary Hill Community Center.





https://wcfl.librarymarket.com/event/src-activity-unearth-dragon-egg-74923

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7/30/2026 11:00 AMReptile World Show

LBPD will join you at the Reptile Show! Stop by our table and say "hello"!

July 30th ​


- 11:00 AM: Twin Beaches Branch​





7/30/2026 2:00 PMReptile World Show

LBPD will join you at the Reptile Show! Stop by our table and say "hello"!

July 30th ​

- 2:00 PM: Prince Frederick




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7/31/2026 12:30 PMJurassic Jargon

Use Braille and ASL alphabets to decipher messages and crack the code in this accessible library program presented in partnership with Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.  Held at the McCleary Hill Community Center.

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https://wcfl.librarymarket.com/event/src-activity-jurassic-jargon-74935
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8/31/2026 10:30 AMStorytime for Adults with All Abilities

Unearth Braille with LBPD!

Barnabus lives in a secret lab beneath a pet store. He dreams of escaping to the outside world with his unique friends to find freedom and acceptance.  Become part of the adventure as we learn Braille and create unique mazes using Lego Braille Bricks. Held at the Fletcher Branch.




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 National Opportunities
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The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled​

The 2026 summer reading theme is "Unearth a Story," which emphasizes discovery with dinosaurs, nature, and more. Programs are designed for kids — as well as adults — to encourage reading through fun activities.​

My Amazing Summer Challenge​​

Read the book "The Amazing Generation" (DB134559) on their own over the summer, try something inspired by it, and share a short reflection in the fall. Every student who participates will get a certificate of recognition. Five standout student submissions will receive a $100 bookshop.org gift card, and five select districts will receive up to $1,000 in funding for their school library.
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