“Unearth a Story” this summer with the Custer County Library!

Dig into a summer full of discovery, curiosity, and connection through reading and hands-on fun. Our 2026 Summer Reading Program has something for everyone, with engaging events, great books, and chances to win prizes as you track your reading.

Check out the schedule of events below, register to join the fun, and log your reading minutes through the links provided. Let’s make this summer one to explore, discover, and unearth great stories!

Joining Summer Reading in Hermosa? Click here for Hermosa’s schedule, activities, and program details for kids and teens.

Weekly Calendar of Events

YMCA Kids In the Garden

All YMCA Kids Camp adventurers, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a day of gardening fun at the community garden!

Kick Off Event-Salida Circus

Calling all summer reading participants. Join us at the Armory gym as we launch our summer with a bang. Salida Circus brings an exciting lineup for a high-energy show the whole family can enjoy. All ages welcome.

YMCA Kids at the Library 

All YMCA Kids Camp adventurers! Get ready to explore the library with stories, hands-on activities, and a quick stop full of fun!

Teen Tuesday- Dino Art & Excavation Eggs

Create your own “dino eggs” and uncover what’s inside once they harden. We’ll also explore resist painting techniques to make bold, dino-inspired artwork. Ages 10+. Snacks will be provided, and there’s plenty to do—join the main activity, play games, build with LEGOs, and more. Come hang out and get creative!

Art Journaling

Experiment with mixed media journaling using weekly prompts to guide your creativity. Each session builds on your work, but you’re welcome to join at any point and jump in. For adults and older teens.

Kid Zone- Stories and Dinosaur Eggs

Enjoy stories together, then experiment with your own dino egg to crack and dig open, revealing a fun surprise inside. Geared toward ages 0–5, but all are welcome.

Conversations with the Mammoth Site

Join us for a special presentation with a speaker from the Mammoth Site, exploring the fun and unusual names of prehistoric animals. Learn about the origins and meanings behind these names in a program for all ages.

DIY Dinosaur Kale Chips

Calling all herbivores. Join us for a quick demo on how to make your own kale chips. Easy, healthy, and dino-approved. For adults, older teens, and any herbivores ready to snack like a dinosaur.

Tuesday Teen- Sound of Nature

Partnering with Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA). We will explore how nature “talks” through bird calls, wind, and other sounds, and what those sounds can tell you about what’s happening around us. This session teaches kids to tune into the living soundtrack of the Black Hills. Bring water and expect to walk on the Mickelson Trail. Ages 10+.

Cave Painting

Teen Time Beads and Beats

Make your own beaded critters to hang on your backpack or keys. Choose your colors, get creative, and build something uniquely yours. While you’re here, help us create the ultimate summer playlist by adding some of your favorite tunes. Ages 10+.

YMCA Kids In the Garden

All YMCA Kids Camp adventurers dive into a day of gardening fun at the community garden!

Art Journaling

Experiment with mixed media journaling using weekly prompts to guide your creativity. Each session builds on your work, but you’re welcome to join at any point and jump in. For adults and older teens.

Dinosaur Dig Adventure

Join us at the library as we walk together to the volleyball courts for a hands-on dinosaur dig. Meet us at the courts, if you prefer to drive. Best for ages 6–11, but all are welcome.

Kid Zone Resist Painting

Enjoy stories together, followed by a hands-on craft using resist painting techniques to create dinosaur-themed artwork. Geared toward ages 0–5, but all are welcome.

Summer Book Club

Bring your current summer read and join us for a relaxed conversation, lemonade, and cookies. Share what you’re reading, get new ideas, and enjoy a laid-back book chat. Some sessions may include a light theme to guide discussion. For adults.

Tile Coaster Art

Get creative designing your own tile coasters using a variety of techniques and materials. Supplies provided, but feel free to bring any materials or inspiration you’d like to incorporate. For adults and older teens.

Teen Time Hide a Geocache

Learn the basics of geocaching, then help create and hide a library geocache somewhere in Custer. Check back throughout the summer to see who discovers it. Ages 10+.

YMCA Kids at the Library

All YMCA Kids Camp adventurers! Get ready to explore the library with stories, hands-on activities, and a quick stop full of fun!

1881 Museum Story Time

Meet at the library to walk over, or join us at the museum for a special story time celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States! For ages 0–5, but all kids are welcome.

250 Reading Challenge and USA Anniversary Open House

Celebrate the completion of our 250 Reading Challenge and the United States 250^th anniversary with a cookie and a look at our community reading board. See the titles that helped fill each square and maybe discover a few new reads along the way.

Dinosaur STEM Eggs

Put your excavation skills to the test as you carefully dig into dino eggs and uncover what’s inside. Experiment with different tools and techniques while learning how real fossil discoveries are made. Ages 6–11.

Teen Time Natures Clues with BHPFA

Step into the wild and learn to read the landscape like a field naturalist. Through hands-on observation, teens will decode the stories animals leave behind in tracks, scat, and behavioral signs. We will walk to the sand courts. Ages 10+.

YMCA Kids In the Garden

All YMCA Kids Camp adventurers dive into a day of gardening fun at the community garden!

Art Journaling

Experiment with mixed media journaling using weekly prompts to guide your creativity. Each session builds on your work, but you’re welcome to join at any point and jump in. For adults and older teens.

Field Notes with BHPFA

A blend of nature trivia with story time! Test your knowledge as we dive into questions about the natural world and uncover the hidden meaning behind animal signs and calls! Good for all ages.

Kid Zone Fossil Press

Enjoy a story and a hands-on activity all about fossils. Use playdough to create your own “fossil” imprints. Ages 0–5, but older kids are welcome.

Upcycle Dinosaur Build Competition

This is your chance to go big. Bring your team and your recyclables and take on the challenge of building a dinosaur entirely from repurposed materials. The library will have supplies on hand, but your creativity is what counts. Registration required. All ages. Click Here for the flyer and more details.

Dinosaur Soap Making

Create a custom soap bar using scent, color, and design. Experiment with layering, textures, and subtle dino-inspired elements to craft a piece that’s both functional and creative. For adults and older teens.

Teen Time Whodunit Mystery Case

The library’s dinosaur bones display has been stolen… and everyone is a suspect. Take on a role, uncover clues, and see if you can solve the case in this interactive mystery experience. Ages 10+.

Art Journaling

Experiment with mixed-media journaling, using weekly prompts to guide your creativity. Each session builds on your work, but you’re welcome to join at any point and jump in. For adults and older teens

Kid Zone Pinch Pots

Enjoy stories together, then create your own pinch pots using simple clay techniques. Ages 0–5, but all kids are welcome.

Gold Discovery Days Parade

Join us for the Gold Discovery Days Parade. Watch for the library entry, or better yet, walk with us. We’re inviting families and patrons of all ages to take part and celebrate our community together.

Last Day to Log Minutes

Be sure to log and submit your minutes by July 17 to count toward your Summer Reading prize drawings. Weekly prizes can be picked up until July 25. Let’s see if we can beat last year’s reading minutes! Keep reading and get those minutes in!

Ice Cream with Seniors

Help us celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a scoop (or two). Join the library at the assisted living facility to serve ice cream and spend time with our senior community. All ages are welcome to join the fun. Planning to attend? Let us know so we have enough ice cream to share.

Reading Challenge Finale

Celebrate the completion of our summer reading challenge. We’ll share results, recognize participants, and enjoy some dino-themed fun. Summer programs will continue, so keep an eye out for more events ahead.

Congrats on reaching your reading goals. Let’s celebrate together!

Teen Time Fun with Food

Join us for a hands-on cooking session featuring simple, tasty recipes you can make again at home. Ages 10+.

Story Time Walk Adventure

Meet at the library and walk together for a special off-site story time. Enjoy some movement, stories, and a snack along the way. Geared toward ages 6–11, but all are welcome to join the walk.

Summer Book Club

Bring your current summer read and join us for a relaxed conversation, lemonade, and cookies. Share what you’re reading, get new ideas, and enjoy a laid-back book chat. Some sessions may include a light theme to guide discussion. For adults

Teen Tuesday Games and Dirty Sodas

Come for the games, stay for a soda. Play a variety of board games, and create your own dirty soda combo for a fun, laid-back hangout. Ages 10+.

Story Time Walk at Pageant Hill

Join us at the library for a walk to Pageant Hill or meet us there for a group storybook walk. Enjoy stories along the way, plus some fresh air and a snack. Best for ages 6–11, but all are welcome.

Teen Survival Skills

Partnering with BHPFA. This workshop is designed to introduce teens to essential skills that can make a real difference when the unexpected happens. Basic shelters, fire safety, purifying water, basic navigation. Click Here for more details.

Teen Time Lego Build Challenge

Wrap up the summer with our final Teen Tuesday. Team up, take on a building challenge, and see what you can create with LEGO bricks. Bring your ideas and a little competitive spirit. Ages 10+.

Summer Book Club

Bring your current summer read and join us for a relaxed conversation, lemonade, and cookies. Share what you’re reading, get new ideas, and enjoy a laid-back book chat. Some sessions may include a light theme to guide discussion. For adults.

Coil Bowl Art

Transform yarn and cord into a functional piece of art. Using a coiling technique, you’ll wrap and stitch your way from a small spiral into a custom basket, shaping it as you go. Experiment with color, pattern, and form to create something uniquely yours. For older teens and adults.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

We extend our sincere thanks to all donors and sponsors of our Summer Reading Program. Your support makes it possible for us to encourage and promote literacy in our community. As contributions are received, donors and sponsors will be recognized here.