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!