MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Get ready to dig deep into history and roar into a summer full of adventures! Marion Public Library is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 Summer Reading Adventure, kicking off on Monday, June 1. This year’s prehistoric-sized theme, “Unearth A Story,” invites readers of all ages to travel back in time, discover hidden tales, and explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and paleontology.

Running through June and July, the Summer Reading Adventure is designed to promote lifelong learning and foster a love of reading. To support critical summer literacy, the library proudly continues its partnership with Let’s Read 20, Marion’s county-wide initiative encouraging adults and children to read for at least 20 minutes every day.

We are thrilled to bring dinosaurs to life at the library this summer! Whether you are a young reader discovering your first T-Rex book, a teen getting lost in a new adventure, or an adult tackling your summer reading goals, there is something for everyone to unearth at Marion Public Library.

Participants of all ages can join in on the prehistoric fun and earn great prizes just by tracking their reading:

• Kids & Teens: Pick up reading logs in the library’s kids’ area. Reach different milestones to earn special prizes and entries into big prize drawings. Participants must be present to register and claim prizes, with a limit of two logs per reader.

• Adults: Grab a reading log at the main desk. Simply read two books to be entered into prize drawings!

• Perks for Everyone: While supplies last, participants will receive a sign-up prize at registration and be entered into prize drawings. Additionally, participating in Summer Reading is a great opportunity to have overdue fines waived. All prizes must be picked up by August 8.

Exciting June Event Highlights Include:

• June 1: Summer Reading Begins!

• June 3: Family Fun Night: Dinosaur Party with a visiting Allosaurus from Columbus Zoo at 5:30 PM

• June 5: Paleontology and Fossils with Wayne Fowler at 3:00 PM (Supplemented by a generous grant from the Janis & Greg Swepston Family Fund at Marion Community Foundation)

• June 27: Presto Prehistoric Magic Show! With Dana Hill Magic at 11:00 AM (Supplemented by a grant from Marion Rotary Club)

Families are also encouraged to stretch their legs at the Marion Tallgrass Trail this summer to explore and read the newest featured book on the library’s outdoor trail walk.

Community members can find a full schedule of summer events by visiting the library or checking the official website at MarionLibrary.org/SR.