July Library News
2026
America’s 250th Anniversary is a significant milestone, and it has been wonderful to see the community engage with our recent themed programs. These sessions have offered a chance to reflect on our shared history while looking ahead to the future.
We have one more event in this series you won’t want to miss. On August 1, we will host 250 Years of Beekeeping in Pennsylvania. This program examines the long-standing tradition of apiculture in our state and its impact on our local environment and economy, dating back to the colonial era.
Visit the library soon to pick up your next book or learn more about our upcoming programs. We look forward to seeing you.
Closed July 3 & 4
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary this Independence Day! Cherish the American spirit and make this day special. Explore our online catalog and apps Libby, hoopla, and Kanopy. Embrace American freedom!
Feature Events
We’d love for you to join us for a free event! We’re excited to offer quality programs designed for all ages and interests. If you’re interested in attending, you can easily print our monthly event calendars to explore these exciting featured events!
All programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Parkland Community Library. Learn more about The Friends on their webpage.
Summer Reading Scheduled & Special Events
July 11 marks the halfway point of the Summer Reading Challenge! Remember to log your reading time to earn exciting prizes and raffle tickets. Keep your enthusiasm high with our helpful apps, Libby and Hoopla. Plus, our wonderful librarians have put together a variety of engaging reading lists featuring themes such as the 250th anniversary, the Apollo 11 mission, International Self-Care Day, and much more!
Saturday, July 11: Halfway Mark!
Saturday, August 8: Last Day to Return Your Reading Logs.
Saturday, August 15: Closing Party.
July Recommendations
As the summer reading season continues, we want to help you stay motivated and inspired. We have curated several fantastic reading lists to complement our anniversary themes and keep your momentum going. Whether you are looking for historical deep dives or light summer narratives, there is something for every interest.
250th Anniversary
2026 brings the 250th anniversary of the July 4th signing of the Declaration of Independence. The library’s book display on the ledge outside the Tech Area will showcase items celebrating the USA’s semiquincentennial.
Apollo 11 Space Mission
Another historic anniversary falls on July 20. It’s been 57 years since NASA’s Apollo 11 space mission astronaut Neil Armstrong landed the lunar module Eagle and walked on the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility. Remember the first Moon Landing of 1969 with some “out of this world” PCL reads.
National Grilling Month
July is National Grilling Month, so get cooking outside! Whether you try a backyard barbecue for a family gathering or grill at a campground, PCL can help you make the most of the warm weather by cooking the outdoor summer basics or venturing beyond hamburgers and hot dogs this year.
International Self-Care Day
Since July 24 is International Self-Care Day, the library offers a curated collection of nonfiction reads to help patrons nourish their bodies, calm their minds, and protect their peace. Select titles will be culled mainly from the 613 and 130 sections of the nonfiction stacks.
For more in the way of action/adventure, check out July’s fiction genre of the month display. From works by the “big names” like Patterson, Cussler, and Ludlum to those by lesser-known fiction authors, there’s a fast-paced, high-stakes narrative just waiting for you at PCL. Patrons can take a whiplash reading ride from the comfort of their lazy summer hammocks!
Christmas in July recommendations coming soon!
With hoopla, patrons can borrow, stream, and download content on iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and more. hoopla offers access to a vast collection of books, videos, and music, all free with your library card.
Kanopy and hoopla are free at-home streaming apps, courtesy of your library, available only to Parkland School District and paying nonresidents.
PCL Learning Center
Welcome to the PCL Learning Center! Your library card grants you access to many online learning resources! Our staff has compiled an age-based educational list to help you and your family prepare for school and thrive throughout the school year and semesters. Whether you are preparing a little one to start school, priming a child…
Language Tools
Parkland Community Library is happy to offer free language tools for both native speakers and those interested in learning a new language. Our online databases and apps are perfect for language research and studying, with no ads. Our language tools are crafted to help users improve their communication skills, enrich their vocabulary, and gain a…
For Fans of Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons has maintained a lasting following over the years for its creativity, engaging gameplay, social interaction, friendship-building, and storytelling within a rich, lore-filled universe. Players form guilds to strategize, solve puzzles, and immerse themselves in a vast world of magical creatures and treasures. This role-playing game (RPG) features a customizable tabletop board that…