Little Rock, Arkansas – The Central Arkansas Library System is gearing up for a summer packed with books, activities, and prehistoric excitement as officials encourage families to sign up for its annual Summer @ CALS program starting May 26.
The program officially runs from June 6 through July 26, and this year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” takes readers on a journey back in time with dinosaurs at the center of weekly activities, contests, and educational fun designed for children, teens, and families across the region.
From the very beginning, organizers are planning a high-energy kickoff. Summer @ CALS will launch with a Prehistoric Party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 at the Children’s Library. Sponsored by Wright Lindsey Jennings, the event will feature dinosaur-themed games, hands-on activities, refreshments, and live entertainment from Tommy Terrific.
Library officials say the goal is to turn reading into something interactive and social, not just a quiet activity. Every participant who signs up for the program will receive a tote bag or backpack, along with a ticket to Library Night at a local Travelers baseball game on June 24, while supplies last.
Beyond the opening celebration, the summer schedule is built around weekly engagement and challenges. Bingo-style reading cards will be available for all age groups, encouraging children and preschoolers to complete a list of activities. Once they finish five items, younger participants can visit their local branch to claim a prize from a treasure box.
For those who take on the full summer challenge, the rewards go even further. Preschoolers, children, and teens who complete eight digital badges through Beanstack will be eligible to select a free book as a final prize, reinforcing the program’s focus on literacy and long-term reading habits.
Entertainment will play a major role throughout the season. Featured performers include Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show, magician Scott Davis, Big Poppa Bubble, and Jurassic Experience Arkansas, which will bring its popular Raptor Encounter to library locations. These events are designed to blend education with live performance in a way that keeps young audiences engaged.
In addition to performances, the Central Arkansas Library System is expanding its outreach through partnerships. The YMCA’s Y on the Fly mobile program will visit library branches during mealtimes, while AR Kids Read will host family literacy workshops at multiple locations, aiming to support reading development at home as well as in the library.
Organizers say the combination of entertainment, education, and community partnerships is what makes the program stand out each year.
“Summer at CALS is not only an opportunity for kids to keep up with their reading, but also an opportunity to join in fun with the entire community,” CALS Youth Services Coordinator Amanda Orgel said. “From magic to music to art to STEM, we are looking forward to an amazing summer with your families.”
The program has grown into one of the library system’s most anticipated seasonal events, drawing families from across Central Arkansas who are looking for free, accessible activities during the summer months. Officials emphasize that the initiative is about more than entertainment, focusing instead on maintaining literacy skills during school breaks while building excitement around learning.
Registration is now open, and a full list of themed events and activities can be found at CALS.org/Summer or by visiting local library branches. With dinosaurs, magic shows, reading challenges, and community events all on the schedule, organizers say this year’s summer program promises to be one of the most active yet.
As June approaches, anticipation is building for a season where stories, science, and imagination come together under one prehistoric theme, inviting children and families alike to explore, learn, and read their way through summer.
