Skip to content

Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Program 
June 2 - July 25

Color Our World

Join the branches of the Northeast Regional Library throughout June and July as we celebrate the 2025 Summer Reading Program theme – “Color Our World.”  This year’s activities will celebrate all the things that make life fun and colorful.   

Our branches have planned lots of in-house programs and special visitors this year!  Yearly favorite Debora Waz Davis from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson will be visiting many of our branches, including the ones at Belmont, Booneville, Iuka, Ripley, and Tishomingo to talk about how our animal friends camouflage themselves.  Also at Iuka, learn about birds and do a parrot craft with the Friends of the Pickwick Park Aviary. 

Magicians will be performing this year at both the Belmont and Booneville libraries and a puppeteer will put on a show at Corinth.  And you know it wouldn’t be Summer Reading Program without visits from our local community helpers!  Expect to see visitors from the police and fire departments at Corinth, as well as linemen from the Tippah Electric Company in Ripley.

Rock painting, always a popular pastime, will be held at Blue Mountain, Chalybeate, Burnsville, Iuka, Rienzi, and Tishomingo.  Other fun craft ideas include making your own American flag at Blue Mountain and Chalybeate, making Hawaiian leis at Booneville, and messy art days at Burnsville.

Participants will have fun with colors, markers, and paint at many of our branches and can even enjoy getting their faces painted at the Burnsville Library.  And if cosplaying is more your style, check out the cosplay programs being held at the Burnsville Library.

Those who like to game will find Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers tournaments at the Corinth Library.  NASA Astro Camp programs will continue at Booneville, Ripley, Corinth, and Iuka, with Baldwyn, Belmont, Blue Mountain, Chalybeate, and Tishomingo joining in with the fun.

For those who cannot get to the library during the week, several branches will host events on Saturdays, including a Tiny Art Day with Shrinky Dinks at the George E. Allen Library in Booneville and Pokemon Days at both Booneville and Iuka.

Those unable to attend a specific program can still stop by our branches for lots of fun activities they can do on their own.  Branches will have coloring and activity sheets, arts and craft projects, in-house Scavenger Hunts, puzzles to put together, and other things to do while visiting the library at any time.  And of course, all our branches will have reading logs to record books read during the summer, with incentives for meeting each week’s goal.   

There will be lots of special Story Time activities throughout the summer.  And don’t forget the daily recorded stories on our YouTube channel, as well as Story Walks® at many of our community walking trails. 

To see a full list of events at all NERL branches, check out the list below:

Anne Spencer Cox Library • Baldwyn

It’s that time of year again, for our exciting Summer Reading Program here at Ann Spencer Cox Library

We will also be keeping reading records for the children to keep track of all the books they enjoyed reading throughout the program; and again, the children will be rewarded for participating, on Awards Day.

So come out and enjoy our Summer Reading Program with us in the months of June and July. Here at Anne Spencer Cox Library. If you need more information or have further questions, please feel free to contact us here at the library @ 662 365-3305. We look forward to you joining us this year!

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 11
1:00 PM
Astro Camp: Design an Alien
June 18
1:00 PM
Astro Camp: Make a Colorful Europa
June 25
1:00 PM
Astro Camp: Make a Pastel Europa
July 2
1:00 PM
Astro Camp: Paper Innovations in Flight

Belmont Library

Tishomingo County Libraries Invite You to “Color Our World” This Summer

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, MS
— The Tishomingo County public libraries are excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Our World.” Starting June 5, readers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant season of books, activities, and community events that spark imagination and inspire creativity.

The Belmont Public Library will present this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World.” The goal of the program is to motivate everyone to read, develop positive attitudes about books and reading, and encourage regular use of the library. The program is free of charge and open to everyone.

Program dates will be Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24. The programs will start at 10:00am. Activities will include presentations, story time, crafts, and door prizes. For more information, call the Belmont Library at 662-454-7841 or visit the website www.nereg.lib.ms.us. The library is located at 11 Third Street and is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Date
Time
Program for Ages 6 - 11
June 3
10:00 a.m.
Nasa Astro Camp: Color our World with Flight
June 10
10:00 a.m.
Color our World with Magic: Bentley the Magician
June 17
10:00 a.m.
Camouflage: How Animals Adapt to their Environment:
Debora Waz, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
June 24
10:00 a.m.
Scavenger Hunt, Activity Sheets, Refreshments, & Awards
Native Animals of Pickwick

Blue Mountain Library

For more information call us at 662-685-4559

Come by your Blue Mountain Public Library and check out books, movies, and CD’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 until 5:00. Also, the Summer Reading Program for 2025 begins June 1st with fun things like Rock Art, Mixing Colors, Draw Your Favorite Book, and more! We will also be having Astro Camp June the 27th at 1:00 for even more fun, so I look forward to seeing everyone!

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 3 & 6
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Rock Painting
June 10 & 13
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Draw your own book cover
June 17 & 20
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Mixing colors
June 24 & 27
2:00 p.m.
Story Time & Paper crafts
July 1
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Make your own flag
July 8 & 11
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Draw and color
July 15
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Make your own story board about your favorite animal
Date
Time
Astro Camp®
June 27
1:00 p.m.
Astro Camp®

George E. Allen Library • Booneville

George E Allen Library is proud to announce the 2025 Summer Reading Programs. We continue to add new and exciting programs and hope you enjoy them!

We will begin our programming learning to make good decisions with The Good Choice Club. Each Monday starting June 2nd, (excluding July 7th), school age children will learn to make good choices through story times and activities. Topics will include Patience, Self-Control, Kindness, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, Sharing, and Confidence.

Our normal programs including Paint and Sip, Chess Club, McDonald’s Story Time, and Chair Yoga, will continue through the summer. Stop by the library for a monthly event calendar.

Our mission will always be to inform, to serve, to educate, and to enrich. These things come from many things, but we will always advocate for literacy. We want children to benefit from the Summer Reading Program by making reading a lifelong habit that starts early in life. Everyone that wants to participate in the reading component of the program will receive a reading log to log reading time. Each time you reach a goal, you will receive a prize. We will also have ongoing daily activities to keep children entertained when you visit the library. Enjoy indoor scavenger hunts, guessing games, puzzles, and coloring pages every day.

We hope you are excited and make plans to join us for our “Color Our World” activities. Follow us on Facebook at George E Allen Library or visit our website at nereg.lib.ms.us for updates. If you have any questions, please contact us at 662-728-6553 Monday-Thursday 9-6, Friday-Saturday 9-5

Activities for Ages 5 and Under

Children 5 and under will meet in the Children’s Area of the library for Toddler Story Time
during the program on June 3, 10, 17 and 24
Date
Time
Programs for Ages 0 - 5
June 20
2:00 p.m.
Story Time at the McDonald’s play area
July 23
2:00 p.m.
Story Time at the McDonald’s play area

Programs for Ages 6 – 11

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 3
10:00 a.m.
Color Our World with Magic: Magician Bentley Burns will perform
June 10
10:00 a.m.
Hawaii Day: Stories about Hawaii and making leis
June 14
10:00 a.m.
Tiny Art Day: Make Shrinky Dinks with library staff
June 16
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
June 17
10:00 a.m.
Musical Dancing with Cindy Ford
June 24
June 24
Camouflage: How Animals Adapt to their Environment:
Debora Waz, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
July 10
2:00 p.m.
Bubble Art at the Park: Story Time and craft at the Booneville City Park
July 15
2:00 p.m.
Coffee filter art with the Prentiss County 4-H
July 21
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
Date
Time
Programs for Teens
July 24
4:00 p.m.
String Art with Library Staff

Astro Camp®

Date
Time
Programs for Adults:
June 19
6:00 p.m.
George E. Allen Night: Celebrate the Library’s 50th Anniversary
with birthday cake and a viewing of the George E. Allen short film
Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 30
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Paint and Sip – independent painting
July 12
1:00 p.m.
Pokemon Day
Date
Time
NASA Astro Camp®
June 16
4:00 p.m.
Astro Camp®
July 21
4:00 p.m.
Astro Camp®

Burnsville

Tishomingo County Libraries Invite You to “Color Our World” This Summer

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, MS
— The Tishomingo County public libraries are excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Our World.” Starting June 5, readers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant season of books, activities, and community events that spark imagination and inspire creativity.

“Color Our World” celebrates the transformative power of storytelling—bringing to life new perspectives, bold adventures, and shared experiences. From rain-drenched rainforest tales to neon-lit mysteries, our curated reading lists span a full spectrum of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, biography, poetry, and more—ensuring that every reader finds the perfect palette for exploration.

“We’re thrilled to see our community come alive through reading and creativity,” said Teresa Templeton, Branch Manager of the Iuka Public Library. “This year’s program invites everyone to explore new worlds, share their own colorful stories, and discover how books can brighten every corner of our lives.”

All events are free and open to the public. Participants can register and track their reading progress at any Tishomingo County public library. The Iuka Library will also feature an indoor Scavenger Hunt and an outdoor Story Walk for added fun.

For more information about Burnsville Library’s Summer Reading Program, call 662-427-9258. The library is located at 7 Norman Ave in Burnsville and is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 4
ALL DAY
Join us to Paint Rocks for our Rock Snake.
Additional rocks can be painted to take home
June 10
ALL DAY
Face Painting
June 12
ALL DAY
Face Painting
June 16 - 20
ALL DAY
Crafting
June 18
2:00 p.m.
Messy Art Day: Join us Outside to Have Fun with Paint
(Play clothes are recommended)
June 24
11:00 a.m.
Paint Your World: Paint a Tree Using Your Handprints
June 27
1:00 p.m.
Character Creation 101: Learn How to Design Characters
July 7
ALL DAY
Teddy Bear Sleepover: Drop off your favorite stuffed animal
to have a sleepover at the library. Then check the library’s Facebook page
to see what your stuffie got up to while you were away.
(Stuffed animals can be picked up the next day)
July 11
12:00 p.m.
Cosplay Creation 101: Learn How to Design Costumes and Make a Paper Crown
July 17
11:00 a.m.
Handprint Painting
July 31
ALL DAY
Handprint Painting Reveal: Pick up Your Artwork

Chalybeate Library

For more information call us at 662-223-6768

Please visit your Chalybeate Public Library on Thursdays at 12:00 until 5:00 to check out some awesome books! Also, the Summer Reading Program for 2025 begins June 1st with fun things like Rock Art, Mixing Colors, Paper Crafts, and more! Additionally, Astro Camp will be on Thursday, June 12th at 2:00. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 5
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Rock Painting
June 12
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Draw your own book cover
June 19
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Mixing colors
June 26
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Paper crafts
July 3
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Make your own flag
July 10
1:00 p.m.
Story Time & Make your own Story Board About Your Favorite Animal
Date
Time
NASA Astro Camp®
June 12
2:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®

Corinth Library

How will you be spending your summer vacation? Might you go camping and make some s’mores? Perhaps you’ll head to the beach and splash in the ocean? Or maybe you’ll make some new friends at a local farm. Whatever your pleasure, the Corinth Library invites you to go on an adventure with us during our Summer Reading Program 2024!

We’ve added some cool crafts and awesome activities to our regular Story Time on Tuesdays. And our much-loved in-house scavenger hunt is back with a twist… you’ll have to find the images to solve a secret code! A variety of program themed Take-Home Activity Packets will be also available for you to pick up and enjoy at your leisure.

Are you interested in hiking? We’ve got you covered… our Story Walk is back at the Corinth Park, and we’ll have a special Story Hike along with a scavenger hunt one summer morning. We’ll be visiting one of the siege lines for a Nature Hike and learn about trees and creepy crawlies! In July, we are partnering with the park services for a Historic Home Hike.

If adventure that makes your heart beat a bit faster is your thing, we have a few of those lined up as well… Deb from the Natural Science Museum is making her return with her alligators in hand, Park Ranger Loralee will be presenting a gross and gory program called “Wounded”, and Kristina from the Red Cross will teach us how to prepare for emergencies.

For those with a competitive spirit, we will have a Lego Mania event where kids can make whatever they want and build as big as they can. We will offer a Puzzle Palooza Program to see who can solve a mystery by assembling a puzzle. Or if you enjoy art, Merry’s students will be back with another exhibit, and you can try your own hand at Art in the Park or Art Night at the Library.

Maybe you simply prefer to sit back and experience life vicariously through others. A local author, Patricia Bradley, will talk about her adventures in writing and a local photographer, Bill Avery, will share his adventures in worldwide travel. Then we will be making Adventure Journals to smash our own words, photos, and “junk” into… it’s a creative way to express yourself!

We sure have packed a lot into our Summer Reading Program this year but don’t forget…

Adventure Begins at Your Library!

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 0 - 5
June 3
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
June 10
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
June 24
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
July 1
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
July 8
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
July 22
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
July 29
2:00 p.m.
Story Time and Craft
Corinth Programs for ages 6-11:
Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 9
2:00 p.m.
The World of a Police Officer
June 10
10:00 a.m.
Literature Out Loud: Reading a classic children’s book and discussion
June 16
3:00 p.m.
Mario Kart Tournament
June 17
10:00 a.m.
Literature Out Loud: Reading a classic children’s book and discussion
June 17
2:00 p.m.
The World of a Fire Fighter
June 18
2:00 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Story Time
June 19
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
June 20
2:30 p.m.
Puppet Theatre with puppeteer Ed May
June 24
10:00 a.m.
Literature Out Loud: Reading a classic children’s book and discussion
July 1
10:00 a.m.
Literature Out Loud: Reading a classic children’s book and discussion
July 8
10:00 a.m.
Literature Out Loud: Reading a classic children’s book and discussion
July 9
2:00 p.m.
Stories and Poems with Cody Daniel and Autry Davis
July 14
3:00 p.m.
Cracking the Code with 4-H: Learn how to read codebooks and solve coding problems
July 15
10:00 a.m.
Literature Out Loud: Reading a classic children’s book and discussion
July 15
2:00 p.m.
Super Smash Brothers Tournament
July 16
2:00 p.m.
Stories and Poems with Cody Daniel and Autry Davis
July 17
4:00 p.m.
Astro Camp®
Date
Time
Programs for Teens
June 26
3:00 p.m.
Story Puzzles: Listen to a story and use it to get clues to put puzzles together
July 12
11:00 a.m.
Timed Puzzle Competition
Date
Time
Programs for Adults:
July 29
6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Poet Series
Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 7
10:00 a.m.
Merry Overholt’s Art Students Display & Discussion in the Corinth Library Auditorium
June 12
4:00 p.m.
Book Bingo!
June 25
10:00 a.m.
Book Bingo!
July 10
4:00 p.m.
Book Bingo!
July 22
10:00 a.m.
Book Bingo!

Iuka Library

Tishomingo County Libraries Invite You to “Color Our World” This Summer TISHOMINGO COUNTY, MS — The Tishomingo County public libraries are excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Our World.” Starting June 5, readers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant season of books, activities, and community events that spark imagination and inspire creativity.

“Color Our World” celebrates the transformative power of storytelling—bringing to life new perspectives, bold adventures, and shared experiences. From rain-drenched rainforest tales to neon-lit mysteries, our curated reading lists span a full spectrum of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, biography, poetry, and more—ensuring that every reader finds the perfect palette for exploration.

“We’re thrilled to see our community come alive through reading and creativity,” said Teresa Templeton, Branch Manager of the Iuka Public Library. “This year’s program invites everyone to explore new worlds, share their own colorful stories, and discover how books can brighten every corner of our lives.”

All events are free and open to the public. Participants can register and track their reading progress at any Tishomingo County public library. The Iuka Library will also feature an indoor Scavenger Hunt and an outdoor Story Walk for added fun. For more information, please visit www.nereg.lib.ms.us, call (622) 423-6300, or stop by the Iuka Library at 204 North Main Street. We are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 5
3:00 p.m.
Rock Painting & Story Time
June 10
3:00 p.m.
Kid’s Disco Color Rave:
Sensory Warning: This activity includes music and flashing lights
June 26
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
July 24
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
July 26
11:00 a.m.
Pokemon Day
July 31
2:00 p.m.
Re-Illustrate Your Favorite Book
Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 19
3:00 p.m.
Visit with Friends of the Pickwick Park Aviary
June 25
10:00 a.m.
Camouflage: How Animals Adapt to their Environment:
Debora Waz, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
July 10
3:00 p.m.
Visit with Friends of the Pickwick Park Aviary
July 17
2:00 p.m.
Sensory Slime Craft Day with Games and a Movie
Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 17
ALL DAY
Colors in Different Cultures coloring sheets & activity pages
June 24
ALL DAY
Vision to Learn coloring sheets & activity pages
July 8
11:00 a.m.
Story Time with Mrs. Tammie
Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 3
ALL DAY
Community Art Project: Rock painting
July 22
ALL DAY
Art Gallery
Date
Time
Programs for Teens
June 10
ALL DAY
Make Your Own Comic Book
July 1
ALL DAY
Block of Color: Learn Basic Coding Skills using Robotics
Date
Time
Programs for Adults
June 10
1:00 p.m.
Paint and Chat

Ripley

For more information about our Summer Reading Program, please visit our website at www.nereg.lib.ms.us, call your local library branch here in Tippah County at Chalybeate, Ripley, and Blue Mountain, or email us at rp@nereg.lib.ms.us.

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 0 - 5
June 26
2:00 p.m.
Sensory Day: Sensory stations and coloring
Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 17
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
June 20
2:00 p.m.
Your World Through Books: Story Time and art project
July 7
2:00 p.m.
The World of Animals: Visit with Brandon Alberson from the MSU Extension Office
July 15
4:00 p.m.
NASA Astro Camp®
Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 13
11:00 a.m.
Camouflage: How Animals Adapt to their Environment:
Debora Waz, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
June 30
2:00 p.m.
Powering Our Community: Tippah Electric Company linemen and bucket truck
Date
Time
Programs for Teens
June 6
2:00 p.m.
Color Your World: Art instruction with Eden Thomas

Tishomingo Library

Tishomingo, MS – The Tishomingo Public Library is thrilled to announce the 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” coming this June and July where there is something for all ages.

Can’t make it to a program? That’s okay! There are other ways you and your family can participate through our passive programming. They include a community puzzle, in-house scavenger hunts, a community art board, and an assortment of coloring & activity sheets.

Reading logs will be available for anyone who wants to participate in the reading component of the Sumer Reading Program. Attendance is not required – just visit the library with your reading log and show us what you’ve read. Incentives will be given for participation.

Get ready to color your world at the library. We can’t wait to see you this summer! For more information, please call 662-438-7640 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Follow us on Facebook at Tishomingo Public Library or visit our website at nereg.lib.ms.us for updates.

Date
Time
Programs for Ages 0 - 5
June 5
10:30 AM
Eric Carle’s Colorful World StoryTime Hour: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
June 12
10:30 AM
Eric Carle’s Colorful World StoryTime Hour: How Does a Seed Sprout?
June 19
10:30 AM
Eric Carle’s Colorful World StoryTime Hour: Where is the Sun?
June 26
10:30 AM
Eric Carle’s Colorful World StoryTime Hour: Mister Seahorse
Date
Time
Programs for Ages 6 - 11
June 16
10:30 AM
NASA Astro Camp®
June 23
10:30 AM
Storybook Collage
Date
Time
Programs for Teens
June 30
10:30 AM
Mosaic Bean Art
Date
Time
Programs for Families / All Ages
June 9
10:30 AM
Camouflage: How Animals Adapt to their Environment:
Debora Waz, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
July 7
10:30 AM
Color Our World Game Day Party

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Join Us Every Weekday
for a New Online Story Time

Story Walks® are returning...

to many of our community walking trails.  Story Walks® are outdoor reading experiences where a children’s book is presented via plastic signs at various points along a walking trail.  Participants walk the trail, stopping at each sign to read the pages of the story.  We are proud to partner with our local communities and their Parks and Recreation departments to present Story Walks® in the following areas:

Corinth Belmont Blue Mountain Booneville Iuka Ripley

Our Story Walk® Schedule is available here.