Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge in June and July! All ages are welcome. Kids birth to 12 years old earn a prize for every 2 hours of reading (up to 8 hours). Teens and adults will earn two great prizes for reading 6 books in June and July.

A trip to the library, gallery, bookmobile or Adventuremobile is a great way to keep brains active and entertained with performers, activities, art and reading.

Summer Toolkit


Summer Ad
Explore unexpected animal friendships with fun activities, some cool art and lots of surprising facts! We’ve also included local animal info and resources from our friends at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center. The annual art exhibit for children is made possible in part by The Library Foundation through contributions from the Sabatini Family Foundation.

Tuesdays & Thursdays
10-10:30am

Hear stories, sing songs and take home a fun activity! We’ll encourage a love of reading and help develop early learning skills. This program is geared toward 3-5 year olds.


Fun at One

Tuesdays & Thursdays
1-2pm

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in June & July create, play and discover with a cool activity for elementary age kids!

Find Details
for each Event


Blockbuster Wednesdays

Blockbuster Wednesdays
10-11am, 1-2pm & 6:30-7:30pm

Every Wednesday watch an amazing performer for kids and teens!

ASL interpretation provided at the 6:30pm shows.


Seaman High School “Viking Steel” Band | 10am & 1pm
Get in the rhythm with this unique experience! Seaman High School musicians entertain you with cool beats & sounds. Families with kids who can take the noise & excitement will love this local talent!

Operation Wildlife - Deluxe Raptor Program | 6:30pm
Watch hawks, falcons and owls from the Dayshift and Nightshift programs for five or six raptors. You’ll learn about the hunting habits and adaptive characteristics of the birds presented.


Jack Reid Magic
Prepare to be dazzled with mind reading, crafty card tricks, & Jack’s zany personality! Jack has 10 years in the art and was named Kansas City’s Closeup Magician of the Year. This is an amazing show.
Brian Wendling
Watch a high-energy mix of award-winning juggling, audience antic, and personable wit! An international Jugglers’ Association Team champion, Brian has an incredible range of skills.
Dino O’Dell
Let’s take a trip around the world! Dino & the T-Rex Trio transport us to all 7 continents highlighting interesting details about history, sports, animals, food and weather.
Mad Science – Science is Astounding
We are all in this together!  Volunteers may be asked to help out to create chemical reactions to show it takes more than one to make incredible things happen.
Stone Lion Puppet Theater - Helpful Hannah Hippo
Hannah just wants to be helpful! This little hippo finds a tiny chick that was washed away in a flood. Join her on her journey to reunite her little friend with her missing family.
Mr. Stinky Feet
Boogie in a rockin’ dance party for the whole family! Award-winning kid rocker and author, Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove celebrates 25 years of uniting communities through music.
Operation Wildlife - Nightshift | 10am & 1pm
Discover what some birds are doing while you sleep. Watch a combination of four or five owls and learn about their hunting habits & adaptive characteristics.

Joseph Stringer | 6:30pm
Back by popular demand, the one and only Joseph Stringer is here to wrap up your summer with an amazingly fun magic show! Watch his comedy magic show based on Fischer Price toys.


Fridays | 1-3pm

Let’s watch fabulous family movies together every Friday in June & July!

Friday Flicks

June

June 9 – Coco
June 16 – Wonder
June 23 – Monsters, Inc.
June 30 – Encanto

July

July 7 – Vivo
July 14 – Zootopia
July 21 – Moana singalong
July 28 – Wall-E


Start Reading

Reading is an adventure – it’s a family activity that’s fun, relaxing and provides playful learning that prompts lots of questions and a few snuggles with your kids. Reading this summer is a trip that doesn’t require a schedule.

Easy to choose books

Easy ways to get your books