The arrival of summer in Josephine County will once again bring more than sunshine, family outings, and school vacations. This year, local libraries are preparing to turn reading into a countywide celebration as Josephine Community Library launches its 2026 Summer Reading Program with a full day of activities, crafts, music, games, and community gatherings spread across all four library branches on June 13.
Carrying the theme “Plant a Seed, Read,” this year’s program encourages readers of all ages to dig into books, discover new ideas, and grow lifelong reading habits throughout the summer months. Organizers say the annual program is designed not only to keep children engaged while school is out, but also to create opportunities for families, seniors, and community members to connect through literacy, creativity, and shared experiences.
From Grants Pass to Wolf Creek, each branch will host its own kickoff celebration tailored to the surrounding community, blending reading activities with hands-on projects, entertainment, and local partnerships.
At the Grants Pass branch, festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are expected to draw large crowds with a mix of live music, interactive booths, giveaways, and family-friendly entertainment. Children registering for the Summer Reading Program will receive a free Kona Ice snow cone while supplies last, adding a cool treat to the start of the season. The event will also feature a live broadcast from KLDR radio and opportunities for children to meet and take photos with the popular children’s character Bluey.
Community organizations will also play a visible role throughout the event. Activity stations hosted by the Josephine County Food Bank and The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon will offer educational and interactive experiences for young visitors, while attendees checking out books during the event can earn raffle tickets for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses.
The Illinois Valley branch will host its celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a slightly more hands-on and crafty atmosphere. Face painting, themed snacks, and activities inspired by classic children’s stories are planned throughout the afternoon. Organizers say the branch’s “Jack’s Beanstalk” craft project ties directly into this year’s gardening-inspired reading theme, encouraging children to connect stories with imagination and creativity.
In Williams, the library’s kickoff activities will stretch beyond the walls of the branch itself. Earlier in the day, library representatives will participate in Herb Pharm’s Picnic in the Garden event at the Herb Pharm Botanical Garden on Bonlinda Lane. Visitors there will be able to enjoy a Storybook Walk and storytime activities before the celebration shifts back to the Williams branch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for additional crafts, snacks, and giveaways.
Meanwhile, the Wolf Creek branch will host activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., including a DIY seed paper craft led in partnership with Southern Oregon Sanitation Recycling & Community Outreach. The environmentally themed activity reflects the broader “Plant a Seed, Read” concept while also introducing participants to recycling and sustainability practices. Additional activities at the branch will include themed snacks and children’s crafts.
Library officials say one of the goals of the Summer Reading Program is making participation accessible to everyone in the county. All events and reading activities are free to the public, and community members are not required to have a library card in order to participate.
For residents interested in obtaining a library card, Josephine Community Library continues to offer sponsored annual library cards for children and adults living outside district boundaries through support from the Josephine Community Library Foundation. Organizers say the sponsorship program helps expand access to books, digital resources, internet services, and educational programming throughout rural areas of Josephine County.
Beyond the kickoff events themselves, the Summer Reading Program serves as one of the library district’s largest annual community initiatives. Throughout the summer, participants will be encouraged to track reading goals, complete challenges, attend library events, and earn prizes while exploring books and educational activities suited for all ages.
In a county where libraries often serve as more than just places to borrow books, the annual summer program has become something of a seasonal tradition. For many families, it marks the unofficial beginning of summer break, combining education with entertainment in a setting designed to feel welcoming, creative, and community-centered.
Additional information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, registration details, and upcoming events can be found through Josephine Community Library.