A Garden of Stories
We at the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County are excited to announce our 2026 Summer Reading Program: A Garden of Stories! This year’s theme celebrates plants, gardening, and all the life that helps things grow – while encouraging a love of reading all summer long.
We have a full schedule of fun programs and activities for children and teens below! Be sure to follow our Facebook page for updates and event details as we get closer to kickoff.
Hattiesburg Library Events
- May 30th:
- Summer Reading Kickoff Party – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- June 1st:
- Craft & Curiosity: Light Spectrum – 3:00 PM
- June 2nd:
- Baby Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 3rd:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 4th:
- Movie Matinee – 10:00 AM
- Teen Decorate a Squishy Cactus – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- June 5th:
- Teen Shrinky Dink Keychains – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- June 6th:
- Summer Teen Book Club – 2:00 PM
- June 8th:
- Stormin’ Bob Swanson – 11:00 AM
- Craft & Curiosity: Water Cycle – 3:00 PM
- June 10th:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 11th:
- Movie Matinee – 10:00 AM
- June 12th:
- Southern Arena Theatre Library Story Time: Curious George – 11:00 AM
- June 13th:
- Baby Craft – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- June 15th:
- Craft & Curiosity: Wind Movement – 3:00 PM
- June 16th:
- Stuffed Animal Sleepover – All Day
- Baby Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 17th:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 18th:
- Movie Matinee – 10:00 AM
- June 19th:
- Freedom Ranch – 11:00 AM
- June 20th:
- Teen Stained Glass Window Clings – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- June 22nd:
- Ed’s Backyard Bees – 11:00 AM
- Craft & Curiosity: Plant Growth – 3:00 PM
- June 23rd:
- MS Museum of Natural Science – 3:00 PM
- June 24th:
- Story Time with Chick-fil-a Tea Party – 10:00 AM
- June 25th:
- Movie Matinee – 10:00 AM
- June 26th:
- Hattiesburg Zoo – 11:00 AM
- June 27th:
- Gnome & Fairy Tea Party – 1:00 PM
- June 30th:
- Pokémon Club – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- July 1st:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- July 2nd:
- Movie Matinee – 10:00 AM
- July 11th:
- Summer Reading Finale Party – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Petal Library Events
- May 30th:
- Summer Reading Kickoff Party – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- June 11th:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- Teen Shrinky Dink Keychains – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- June 18th:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 24th:
- Stuffed Animal Sleepover – All Day
- Carnivorous Plants with MSU Ext – 3:00 PM
- June 25th:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
- June 29th:
- Bee Suncatcher Craft – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- July 2nd:
- Story Time – 10:00 AM
There will be reading challenges for all ages this summer!
Children up to age 11 earn rewards for every hour they read. Ages 12–17 can choose between the Children’s Program or the Teen Reading Challenge, where completed challenges earn entries into weekly prize drawings. All programs run through July 11.
Summer Reading Pre-Registration
Summer Reading pre-registration will take place at the Story Walk at the Pocket Museum on May 23 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, sponsored by USM’s School of Library & Information Science. We’ll have crafts and activities, and it’s a great chance to get signed up early!
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
Our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party will be held on Saturday, May 30:
- Hattiesburg: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Petal: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Come celebrate, sign up, and enjoy a variety of activities!
Please Note:
- Baby programs are for ages 0–24 months, and teen events are for ages 12–18.
- If you plan to bring a camp or childcare group, we ask that you please bring an adequate number of adults to chaperone, and that you please call the library at least one week in advance so we can prepare.
- All events are free and do not require a library card.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at hattlibyouthlibrarian@gmail.com.
We can’t wait to read and grow with you this summer!