Adult & Teen Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Three pedestal stands behind red velvet rope and metal stanchions, with each pedestal hold a dinosaur skull, stack of old books, and balloon dog pop art sculpture respectively. Text above reads "Summer at the Museum; The Lakeland Public Library's Adult & Teen Summer Reading Challenge"

Three pedestal stands behind red velvet rope and metal stanchions, with each pedestal hold a dinosaur skull, stack of old books, and balloon dog pop art sculpture respectively. Four gold frames above include text "Art Night, Book & Movie Clubs, Reading Challenge, Cool Prizes" and text above "Summer at the Museum; The Lakeland Public Library Adult & Teen Summer Reading Challenge 2026"

Welcome to our Summer at the Museum Adult and Teen Summer Reading Program. Roam our galleries, from the Big Bang to the Information Age, to learn more about our collective human history.

Pick up your reading log at any of our Lakeland Public Libraries and start earning tickets to be entered into one of our three grand prizes to be given away at the end of summer.

You can earn tickets in two ways:

Complete a Reading Challenge

Reading is the foundation of our summer programs, and this year we’re exploring the stories inspired by the ages and eras that have brought us to the present time.

You can check out the books for each gallery in our summer reading suggestions. The lists include books for both adults and teens, fiction and non-fiction.

Week One - The Big Bang/Deep Time
Week Two - Prehistoric Age
Week Three - Ancient Civilizations
Week Four - The Middle Ages

Or, if you’re looking for something more laid back, just pick a book from your own TBR list.

For each week you read, write the title of the book next to the corresponding week’s gallery. The same title can be used for more than one week. If you spend time reading or listening to audiobooks during the week, it counts.

Bring your log into any Lakeland Library and we will stamp your log and give you a ticket to fill out for one of our three grand prizes.

There are eight weeks of summer reading. That’s eight chances to earn a ticket!
Attend a Summer Program for Adults & Teens

You can also earn entries for our grand prizes by joining us for these in-person events. At the end of these programs, you will receive an entry ticket to fill out for the prize of your choice.

Cinema-Saurus Movie Club at the Lakeland Public Library
Jurassic Park
Thursday, June 11 at 4 pm
All ages, but children 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult

Let's unleash our inner dinos by watching the original 1993 movie Jurassic Park! Get ready for an adventure through prehistoric landscapes and thrilling encounters. Whether you're a fan of action, sci-fi, or just love a good story, this screening is sure to captivate your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat. This summer program isn't just for bookworms—it's a ticket to blockbuster fun too!

No registration is required. Jurassic Park (1993) is rated PG-13.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Thursday, July 9 at 4 pm
All ages, but children 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult

We’re following up our June Summer Movie Club pick Jurassic Park with the 1997 sequel The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Return to a world of prehistoric landscapes and thrilling encounters as the story unfolds with even more action and excitement.

No registration is required. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) is rated PG.

Night at the Library: Make a Mini Masterpiece at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library
Monday, June 15 @ 5 pm
Ages 18+.

In this adult program, participants will paint their own mini masterpiece on a 4-inch canvas using acrylic paints and simple techniques. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to relax and try something new, this is the perfect way to unwind, socialize, and create a one-of-a-kind work of art small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. All supplies provided.

To help provide inspiration and ambiance, we will be showing Night at the Museum on low volume, with subtitles.

Registration is required and will open one week before the event.

Dinosaurs & Discussions Book Club at the Lakeland Public Library
Jurassic Park
Thursday, June 25 at 5:30 pm
Ages 18+.

Grab your reading glasses and buckle up for a dino-sized adventure! Join us for a special summer book club, inspired by this year’s dinosaur-themed summer reading program. We’re diving head-first into the prehistoric playground of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. We'll chat, debate, and get swept away by all things dino and science!

No registration is required.

Dinosaurs & Discussions Book Club at Lakeland Public Library
The Lost World
Thursday, July 23 at 5:30 pm
Ages 18+.

Join us as we dive into The Lost World by Michael Crichton, the action-packed sequel to Jurassic Park. Filled with suspense, science, and prehistoric adventure, this month’s discussion will explore the dangers, discoveries, and dinosaurs that await on a mysterious island where survival is anything but guaranteed. Whether you joined us for the first book or are jumping in for the sequel, this special summer book club is perfect for fans of science fiction, adventure, and all things dinosaurs!

No registration is required.

Jurassic Bingo at the Lakeland Public Library
Saturday, July 18 at 2 pm
All ages welcome

Grab your explorer gear and stomp on over to the Lakeland Public Library for a roaring good time at Jurassic Bingo! Join our prehistoric adventure as we dive into multiple rounds of dinosaur-themed bingo, all to celebrate our epic dinosaur summer reading program.

No registration is required.
Prizes and Rules

You can pick up a reading log at any Lakeland Library. Each week you read or select special event you attend earns you an entry ticket into a drawing for one of three grand prizes. You can apply your entry the prize of your choice.

This year’s prizes are:

A Science Museum Basket

This prize includes a Family Membership to The Orlando Science Center for one year. This membership level allows free admission for up to two adults and all youth under age 18. Other perks include free parking & stroller rental, access to member-only events, and free or discounted admission to 350 museums and science centers across the country.

See the full list of OSC membership benefits.

This basket also includes a few items to make your nerdy heart beat faster: a multi-tool pen set, a solar system crystal ball with LED wooden base, and a collectible Funko Pop dinosaur.

An Art Museum Basket

This prize includes a Sponsor Membership to The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art for one year. This membership level covers two adults and any child under 18, and provides savings on studio art classes, lecture series, and workshops, access to a free After School Art program and savings on Spring Break and Summer Art Camps for kids. There are also reciprocal benefits at 235+ museums, including local favorites The Ringling Museum of Art, Lightner Museum, & Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

See the full list of AGB membership benefits.

This basket also comes with a few items to bring out the artist in you: a mini watercolor paint travel set, a 36 pack of colored pencils, a pencil pouch, and the book One-Year Art Journal.

A History Museum Basket

This prize includes a one-year membership to The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Members receive the award-winning quarterly magazine, Preservation, which features gorgeous photography and an in-depth look at historic places, discounts on travel and admission to hundreds of historic sites, including local treasures like the Historic L.B. Brown House Museum in Bartow, The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa, and the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden in Winter Park.

Check out the NTHP website for a full list of destinations.

This basket also features a few items to delight history buffs: a leather journal, the game Chronology, and book nook kit.

The contest opens the week of June 1^st and closes on Friday, July 24th.

Drawings will take place on Friday, July 31st.

The Adult & Teen Summer Reading Challenge is for participants aged 13 and up. Participants younger than 18 years old must have their parent’s or guardian’s permission to receive the prize should they be selected as a winner. Each annual membership must have a named member who is over 18 years old and holds a valid ID.

Children 12 and younger are invited to check out our Kids’ Summer Reading Program.

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