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By Katrina Wilson | Sponsored by Prince William Public Libraries
Prince William Public Libraries’ 2026 summer reading theme, “Unearth a Story,” is full of activities for readers of any age; it kicks off June 15 and concludes August 16.
Readers can uncover hidden worlds, explore the past and discover something new with every page. From dinosaurs to learning about local rocks and fossils and everything in between, PWPL is offering more than 350 free programs designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection for all ages.
Starting June 15, readers can sign up at any PWPL branch, online at pwcva.gov/library, or through the Beanstack Tracker app. Summer Reading is open to everyone—from babies and preschoolers to students in grades K–12 and adults.
“Once you’ve logged 500 minutes of reading—just 20 minutes a day for 25 days—you can visit the library to choose a free book to keep,” said Rachel Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director of Prince William Public Libraries. “Yes, adults included!”
Track progress using a paper tracker available at the library, or log the minutes digitally in the Beanstack app.
Beyond the reading challenge, a full lineup of special events and activities brings the “Unearth a Story” theme to life. Brand-new programs alongside returning favorites with a prehistoric and nature-inspired twist. Here are a few highlights:
Dinosaurs with Dinoman
All Ages
#Lake Ridge: Monday, June 15, 10:30 a.m.
Montclair: Monday, June 15, 2 p.m.
Nokesville: Tuesday, June 16, 10:30 a.m.
Independent Hill: Tuesday, June 16, 2 p.m.
#Potomac: Wednesday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.
#Haymarket Gainesville: Wednesday, June 17, 2 p.m.
Central: Thursday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.
Bull Run: Thursday, June 18, 2 p.m.
Dinosaurs are coming! Dinoman and his raccoon sidekick, Reflex, will answer questions about when dinosaurs were here and how fossils are created. There will also be magic, props, and real dinosaur fossils.
#Tokens (# indicates locations with tokens) will be handed out 30 minutes before the program starts.
Unearth a Story with Master Gardeners
Grades K–5
Bull Run: Monday, July 6, 10:30 a.m.
Independent Hill: Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.
Manassas City: Saturday, July 25, 1 p.m.
Potomac: Monday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.
If gardeners wanted to feed Triceratops today, what would be planted in the garden? Join the Master Gardeners and explore the world of prehistoric plants and the fossils they left behind.
For history lovers, unearth genealogy and local history programs. View page 28 of PWPL’s Explore Magazine to learn more.
“Summer Reading is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions help fund programs, provide free books and expand outreach across the community,” she said.
To see a full list of sponsors, visit pwcva.gov/library or stop by your local library during the program.
PWPL thanks Amazon, their Naming Sponsor for the fourth year in a row, and Bricks & Minifigs, Woodbridge, which donated a gift card for a free bulk of LEGO bricks to everyone who completes Summer Reading while supplies last.
Whether patrons track their reading, attend events or simply want their next great book, visit pwcva.gov/library to get started and make the most of the Summer Reading experience.
Katrina Wilson is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.
