This year, the nationwide theme for the Summer Reading Program 2026 is Unearth a Story!
Join us here at the McDowell library this summer as we learn, create, and have lots of fun!
Summer Reading 2026
Join us this summer for reading, prizes, programs, and fun for all ages! Our Summer Reading Program encourages the community to explore new stories, discover new interests, and stay engaged with reading all summer long.
Summer Reading Kickoff
📅 Monday, June 8
⏰ 12-3 PM
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with games, crafts, activities, and sign-ups for all ages! We’ll also have a special performance by B-Rad the Magician from 1-2 PM.
How It Works
Children’s Summer Reading
Children will receive a reading log to track their reading time throughout the summer.
Read 2 hours to earn a raffle ticket
Attend a library program to earn a raffle ticket
Raffle tickets can be placed into the prize basket of your choice
Every participant is also automatically entered for the grand prize drawing
Teen Summer Reading
Teens can participate by tracking their reading time during the summer.
Read a total of 8 hours to earn a raffle ticket
Attend a library program to earn a raffle ticket
Choose which prize basket to enter with your raffle ticket
All teen participants will also be entered into the grand prize drawing
Adult Summer Reading
Adults can join the fun too!
Read a total of 8 hours to earn a raffle ticket
Attend a library program to earn a raffle ticket
Complete a BINGO challenge or a Monopoly reading challenge to earn a raffle ticket
Place your raffle tickets into the prize basket of your choice
All adult participants are automatically entered into the grand prize drawing
Paper Logs & Online Tracking
Participants can track their reading with traditional paper logs or online through READsquared.
Beginning June 8th, this page will include:
Printable reading logs
A direct link to sign up for READsquared
We can’t wait to spend the summer reading with you!
Welcome to our Seed Library, a community initiative run by our local McDowell Master Gardeners and local volunteers. Our Seed Library offers a diverse selection of gardening seeds free of charge for anyone in the community to take and use in their gardens. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, we welcome you to explore our collection and discover new varieties to grow.
How it Works:
1. Browse our collection of seeds, conveniently organized by type.
2. Select the seeds you’d like to grow and take them home with you, free of charge.
3. Plant your seeds, nurture your plants, and watch them thrive in your garden.
4. Harvest and enjoy your homegrown produce, and consider saving seeds from your healthiest plants for future seasons.
5. If you’re able, consider donating seeds from your own garden to help replenish our library and keep it thriving for others in the community.
Our Seed Library is a celebration of biodiversity and a testament to the power of community collaboration in nurturing our shared environment. We hope you’ll join us in this wonderful gardening adventure and help us grow together!
As an additional resource, we offer seed cleaning screens available for borrowing. These screens make it easy to clean and prepare seeds harvested from your garden for future planting. Simply ask the front desk staff to borrow a seed cleaning screen, follow the instructions provided, and ensure your seeds are ready for storage and sharing with fellow gardeners.
Propagation Station
Visit our Propagation Station, located next to the Seed Library.
What is plant propagation?
Plant propagations are pieces, or cuttings, from plants that grow their own root systems and become new plants.
Want to adopt cuttings?
Spray a paper towel with water.
Remove a cutting from a cup, and wrap the plant roots gently in the paper towel.
Place the wrapped roots in a plastic bag.
When you get home, continue to grow the cutting in water or plant it in well-draining soil in a pot with drainage holes.
Want to donate cuttings?
We take houseplants or indoor herbs only.
Please no soil or potted plants.
Please root the cuttings in water before donating them.
Cuttings must be healthy and free of pests or disease.
Pour water into one of the donations cups. Record your donation in the notebook and include care tips plus the cup’s number where you place your donation.
Our Books by Mail service brings library materials straight to your mailbox, FREE of charge, for eligible McDowell County Public Library patrons.
📬What is Books by Mail?
Books by Mail is a service for library card holders who are physically or visuallyunable to visit the library in person. Whether you’re homebound due to disability or a long-term health condition, we’re here to make sure library resources are still within reach.
✅ Who is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
Have a McDowell County Public Library card
Have a physical or visual disability that prevents you from visiting the library
