Area libraries throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area provided space for children and teenagers during the summer. Many offer summer reading programs and other scheduled activities for children and adults. This list is not comprehensive.
Allen Public Library
The library is running a summer program for all ages through July 31. The program is broken down by the following age groups: 0 to sixth grade, seventh to 12th grade and adults age 18 and up. Prizes and free books are awarded for preschoolers (ages 0 to 5), elementary school-age kids (kindergarten-sixth grade) and teens (seventh to 12th grade). Adults will be entered into a drawing for one of five prize bags.
- 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m, Friday-Saturday; 2-6 p.m., Sunday
- www.allenlibrary.org
Celina Public LibraryWhile the library offers a summer reading challenge, there is also a community-wide challenge this year. To celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary, the library created a goal of reading 150,000 minutes before Dec. 31. Prizes are available, according to the library website.
Colleyville Public LibraryThe library offers a national program called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten for residents. Parents and guardians can record their reading logs with the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app. Patrons can log in audiobooks, and Colleyville Library Story Time programs also count toward the 1,000-book goal. Rewards are available for every 100 books read.
- 110 Main St., Colleyville
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, closed Sunday
- www.colleyvillelibrary.com
Denton Public LibraryEach Thursday through July 23, Denton libraries and Denton Parks & Recreation Aquatics partner together for Splish Splash Story Time. From 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m., kids in the children’s pool are read a story at the Denton Water Works Park at 2400 Long Road.
- North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St.; Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St.; South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane
- Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday
- www.library.cityofdenton.com
Fort Worth Public Library-Golden TriangleThe Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge, championed by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, is back with prizes for young readers who exceed 1,000 reading minutes. Last year, the program had 6,482 registrations and the 4.6 million minutes read were the most in the past five years, according to a City Council presentation June 23.
Frisco Public LibraryDuring the summer for every Friday except July 3, the summer cinema plays a different movie from 2:30-4 p.m. Another library initiative is Monday Mindstretcher, a STEM program held at various times with a magician, zoologist, clowns and a traveling dinosaur exhibit.
- 8000 Dallas Parkway, Frisco
- Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday
- www.friscolibrary.com
Grapevine Public LibraryThe library features a makerspace and recording studio, where cardholders can produce their own art, inventions, 3D prints and podcasts. There are 3D printers, vinyl cutters, laser cutters, robotic kits, sewing machines, button makers and circuits within the makerspace, according to the library website.
John & Judy Gay LibraryThe library offers a dedicated children’s section with a computer lab. There are twice-weekly events for Baby & Me (0-10 months) and Toddler Time (16 months-3 years). In addition, bundle backpacks and activity kits are available for checkout.
Keller Public LibraryMayor Ross McMullin is hosting a reading challenge, where readers who log all 63 days of reading during the summer will get an end-of-summer pizza party with the mayor Aug. 6. There will also be an entry for Mayor for a Day, which includes a meeting with McMullin, a tour of the fire and police stations, and participation in a City Council meeting. The library also has a sensory room for patrons who need a calming space.
Plano Public LibraryEach of the city’s five libraries has dedicated children's activities and play areas for early childhood learning. Harrington and Davis libraries have play areas for babies and toddler-friendly furniture, according to a social media post. The Plano Public Library also has inclusive story time for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory issues or short attention spans.
- Maribelle M. Davis Library, 7501 Independence Parkway; William O. Haggard Jr. Library, 2501 Coit Road; Gladys Harrington Library, 1501 18th St.; Christopher A. Parr Library, 6200 Windhaven Parkway; Louise Ernestine Rammers Schimelpfenig Library, 5024 Custer Road
- Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday
- www.plano.gov/9/plano-public-library
Prosper Community LibraryCraft days are held for children each Monday, Tuesday and Friday, from July 6-24 at Prosper Community Library. Each Wednesday is story time with four different time slots for all ages. Tickets are required for story time, according to the library website.
- 200 S. Main St., Prosper
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, closed Sunday
- www.prospertx.gov/306/library
Richardson Public LibraryDue to construction, the library is in a temporary location, though it is still hosting five weekly story times for children from 6 weeks old through 7 years old. Registration for city residents is required due to space, according to the library website.
Roanoke Public LibraryThe library offers weekly story times in Meeting Room A. On Tuesdays, there is Baby Rhyme Time, which is for children 0-2 years old and their caregivers with board books and finger plays. Namaste & Read is a yoga and movement story time for children ages 2-6 on Thursdays. Friday is preschool story time with rhymes and songs for kids 2-6. Teen Tuesdays, for students in sixth through 12th grade, will be held at 2 p.m. July 21 and July 28.
Southlake Public LibraryThe library will offer a family art program and a family gardening program in July. Art & STEM workshops and programs run through July with registration, according to the library website.
