Summer Reading Program Tim Sonefelt at CCL

            The Calhoun County Library is THE happening place this summer! The Summer Reading Program is in full swing. The Kickoff two weeks ago was a huge success and a hard act to follow, however, it looks like we did it!

Last week, magician and storyteller, Tim Sonefelt performed in front of a full house. There were 186 audience members in attendance! On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Tim performed a number of magic tricks with young assistance from the audience. He amazed the audience with just enough slight-of-hand to keep everyone guessing. He told stories with the help of his puppet friend Larry, the talking duck. Larry helped Tim talk about dinosaurs and books about dinosaurs that were available in the library. While Tim and Larry were ‘quacking’ jokes, they also promoted the excellent series of books called “How Do Dinosaurs…?” The series helps children understanding things like cleaning the room, bathing, and saying good night. Everyone loved Tim’s show so much that the library has already invited him back next year.

This was the very first show performed on the library’s new stage. It was awesome, as everyone in the room could see Tim’s performance. The library will, in the coming years, present many more youth and adult programs designed to bring music, literature, and entertainment to Calhoun County.

We are only two weeks into the Summer Reading Program here at the Calhoun County Library. Looking forward, we have Critter Creeper (Thursday, June 25, 2026), Porkchop Productions (Thursday, July 9, 2026), and a brand-new, never performed for us before, Story Ship (Thursday, July 16, 2026)!

Don’t forget! The library is offering FREE lunches every Thursday in June and July to anyone under 18, FREE crafts and snacks to program attendees, and FREE 100% fun while the summer lasts!

Tea with T-Rex Event

            Have you ever thought about having a fancy tea party with a dinosaur? We did! Since our Summer Reading Program theme, Unearth a Story, is based on dinosaurs and paleontology, we decided to have a tea party with T-Rex!

In the book Tea Rex by Molly Idle, a charming dinosaur joins a traditional tea party, where they discuss familiar topics like the weather and their gardens. We knew we had to create an event inspired by this delightful story! Participants enjoyed a dinosaur-themed tea party on Monday, June 15, 2026, that brought the book to life while celebrating imagination, storytelling, and a little prehistoric fun.

Our tables were set with lace table runners, tea cups and saucers, fresh flowers, and tea party decorations. As guests entered the tea room, they received charming little fascinators to clip into their hair. Tea and lemonade were served from porcelain teapots decorated with flowers, bunnies, and teddy bears, creating an elegant tea party atmosphere. Guests also enjoyed a variety of treats, including macarons, cupcakes, wafer cookies, and miniature sandwiches. While children enjoyed snacks, we read Tea Rex aloud and our very own T-Rex named Tina joined the tea party, too. Tina even wore a hat adorned with flowers and sipped tea from her teacup. Although she made a little mess at the table, we enjoyed her company and cleaned up quickly. Everyone who attended learned what the phrase “pinkies up” means, and they even learned how to curtsy and bow. To complete the party, we made T-Rex hand puppets and took pictures with Tina T-Rex. It was a splendid experience that everyone enjoyed.

Summer Reading Program Kickoff at CCL

            The Calhoun County Library celebrated the beginning of this year’s Summer Reading Program at the Calhoun County Sports Complex with a Dino Run Kickoff.

Our Summer Reading Program officially started on June 1, 2026, and patrons were able to register and start logging minutes from their reading. For every 30 minutes logged, the person receives a reward and also gets an entry into the grand prize drawing at the end of the Summer Reading Program. We’ve got some pretty cool grand prizes such as Apple AirPods and Kindles, so the more minutes you log, the better chance you have to win! Also, we’ve consulted with the local school’s principals, and they’ve agreed to give some type of incentive - extra credit, a homework pass, a boost on a test grade, or something else that’s terrific - for each student who turns in a completion certificate for our summer reading program. So let’s start reading! You can use the QR code on our website or social media to register, or you can come by the library and we’ll help you get registered.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, we held our Summer Reading Program Kickoff from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM at the Calhoun County Sports Complex. Kids received free books, sunglasses, and white t-shirts for the color run, while supplies lasted.

We had to bring back the Color Run this year, but with a prehistoric twist! We transformed it into a Dino Run to match our summer theme, Unearth a Story, which celebrates dinosaurs and paleontology. Our giant inflatable dinosaurs were ready for photo opportunities, and a few smaller dinosaur visitors even joined the fun by running through the obstacle course alongside participants.

The course was packed with obstacles, including tunnels, bouncing balls, balance beams, stepping stones, pole jumps, and more. Of course, it wouldn't be a Color Run without plenty of color! Along the course, participants ran through color stations where vibrant powder filled the air, making the event as colorful as possible. By the end, both children and adults were covered from head to toe in blue, pink, yellow, and green powder! This was the perfect way to begin our dinosaur-themed Summer Reading Program. If you got pictures from this event, especially with our GIANT dinosaurs, please share them on social media and tag us. We would love to see how much fun everyone had!

Thank you to the Calhoun County Fire Department for coming out and keeping us cool by spraying their hose on us! We would also like to thank Hot Dog’on Hamilton and Randolph’s Italian Ice for filling our bellies after a great workout. This event couldn’t have been possible without the support from the South Carolina State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Thank you to the nearly 500 people that also came out in the sun to celebrate with us!

2026 Summer Reading Program Schedule

            The Calhoun County Library is ready to announce that they have a dino-mite summer planned with an Unearth a Story Summer Reading Program!

Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:30 AM, we will welcome Tim Sonefelt, humorist, puppeteer, and storyteller. Come watch him perform tricks and illusions all about dinosaurs.

The Critter Keeper is coming Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. He’ll  be bringing some interesting creatures. Don’t miss some scaly relatives of dinosaurs that might  scare you, so be prepared for a creepy, crawly fright. Enjoy some delicious Randolph’s Italian Ice from 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM!

Thursday, July 2, 2026: we will not be having a program this week in observation of the Fourth of July.

Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM, we will be at the Calhoun County Museum (313 Butler Street, St Matthews, SC, 29135) for Porkchop Productions’ performance of Dinosaur, Dinosaur, WOLF!, a rendition of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. Their new version of the story has more prehistoric creatures!

Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM, visit us at the Calhoun County Museum (313 Butler Street, St. Matthews, SC, 29135) again for The Story Ship. This theatre company has a “top secret” discovery featuring Paleontologist Diggery showing off his dinosaur fossils.

Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will be at the library with a hands-on experience for kids ages 8 and up. They’ll be using mini-excavation blocks in a workshop with fossils. Again, this event is for ages 8 and up.

To end the summer, we are having a Grand Finale to celebrate all the reading everyone did! Come get your prizes, certificates, listen to the Ukaloonies perform well-known sing-alongs, and enjoy tasty, free Randolph’s Italian Ice.

We are looking forward to a rawr-some Summer Reading Program this year!