June Library News
June 13-August 8
Summer Reading 2026, “Unearth a Story.”
In the spirit of paleontology and archaeology, we invite Parkland’s readers to discover the magic of books! Summer Reading 2026 draws inspiration from these sciences, encouraging readers to explore books, histories, and the past. Summer Reading features special-themed programs, prize drawings, and more. This program is open to all ages and offers opportunities to log reading time, complete engaging activities, and win prizes.
We encourage everyone to get a library card and discover the vast worlds waiting for you at your local library! What story will you unearth at Parkland Community Library?
About
The slogan “Unearth a Story” was chosen to align with this theme and invite layered interpretation. Whether readers are digging into a good book, uncovering hidden histories, or exploring the past, the slogan underscores the joy of discovery that reading brings. It also emphasizes that every person and every community has stories waiting to be found and shared—through books, programs, and local knowledge.
Remember to sign up or log in to your Beanstack account on June 13 to get started on your summer reading journey.
Raffle winners will be notified on August 10 and must pick up their prizes at Parkland Community Library by August 22; any prizes not claimed by that date will be forfeited.
Summer Reading Schedule
Celebrate with these special events. Most library events require an RSVP, which can be submitted through our events calendar.
Saturday, June 13: Kickoff Party
Saturday, July 11: Halfway Mark!
Saturday, August 8: Last Day to Return Your Reading Logs.
Saturday, August 15: Closing Party
Special Events
Saturday, June 13, 2:30PM: Dinosaurs Rock. Dinosaurs, fun games, and a fossil dig.
Saturday, July 18, 10AM: Fossil Frenzy Puzzle Race. Teams must dig for fossils and assemble a dinosaur! Adults & Teens.
Tuesday, July 21, 1PM: Seashell Crown Workshop. Design a seashell crown inspired by fossils, shells, and natural remnants. Ages 8+
Wednesday, July 22, 11AM: LV Zoo. Zoo Reach brings live animals to the library, showcasing species and conservation. All ages.
Monday, August 3, 1:30PM: What the Vikings Left Behind. Discover Viking culture through artifacts. Kids can try archaeological tools and make runestones with the Viking alphabet. Ages 6+
Da Vinci Science Center Mobile FabLab
Visit our website for details and to RSVP.
Kids Sessions
Tuesday, June 16, 10AM & 1PM
Adults Sessions
Tuesday, June 23, 10AM
Saturday, July 25, 10AM
Teens Sessions
Saturday, July 25, 1PM
Wednesday, August 5, 1PM
Parkland Community Library recognizes these Community Heroes. Thank you for your generosity.
Allentown Symphony Hall
Applebees
Crayola Experience
Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Longwood Gardens
Otherworld
Raising Cane’s Chicken
Shankweiler Drive-In
Sheetz
Urban Air
WaWa
Wegmans
Weis Markets
4Imprint
Dig Into Lehigh Carbon Libraries
June 1-August 29 | 2026 Passport Program
Visit local libraries this summer for a chance to win an iPad!
Visit local libraries this summer for a chance to win an iPad!
Patrons of all ages can pick up a “dig site” passport at our Tech Center.
This summer, visit libraries to get your passport stamped and receive a raffle ticket. Drop your ticket into the library’s raffle box for a chance to win a small prize.
Grand Prize Drawing
Visit six or more listed libraries and receive an entry for the grand prize. Submit your tickets during your final library visit to be entered into the drawing.
How to Play
- Visit Lehigh Carbon Libraries and complete an activity to earn a sticker for your dig site.
- Earn a raffle ticket for the local library prize at each library you visit.
- Visit at least 6 libraries to earn an entry into the drawing for an iPad!
- Visit all 13 libraries for a bonus entry.
New to the LOT Collection
The Library of Things is a unique collection of non-traditional items, gadgets, and electronics that patrons can borrow. If you’re curious about a specific item, looking to try it before you buy, or have a one-time project, search our Library of Things!
2026 Unsung Hero Award
Congratulations, Judy Kemmerer!
Long-time Friends of Parkland Community Library volunteer, Judy Kemmerer, has been selected as one of this year’s Unsung Heroes for Lehigh County, presented by the Aging and Adult Services office! An Unsung Hero displays routine and exceptional generosity of their time and talent to enhance the lives of others and make our community a better place! Congratulations!
About
Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services’ annual Unsung Heroes tribute honors older adults who improve their communities through engagement, volunteering, and service. The office supports and empowers adults of all ages in Lehigh County by advocating for residents and providing services and information to help them stay active, healthy, productive, and independent.
Featured Events
Join us for a free event! We are excited to provide quality programs for all ages and interests. Those looking to attend programs and events can print our monthly event calendars here. An RSVP can be made through the event calendar.
All programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Parkland Community Library. Learn more about The Friends on their webpage.
2026 Plant A Row Donation Schedule
June 10-October 8
- First collection: Wednesday, June 10.
- Last collection: Thursday, October 8.
Donations should be placed in the cooler in the library’s foyer on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9AM-7PM.
- We are accepting all types of FRESH fruit, vegetables, and herbs. If you would not serve it, please do not donate it.
- Do not tie plastic bags shut. Trapped heat will spoil donations.
Now Showing: Sylvia Roth through June
Award-winning artist Sylvia Roth, a native of Allentown, has been a member of the Parkland Art League since 1977, serving as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. After living in the Philippines and Greece and raising three children, Sylvia renewed her interest in art by studying oils with Alan Hermansader. She became fascinated with watercolors, earned signature status in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, and in 2012, in the Philadelphia Watercolor Society. She currently paints with the Thursday Art Group at St Ann’s Church in Trexlertown.
The Parkland Art League will rotate artist displays every two months at PCL. Head to the right of the Zirkel Meeting rooms to our gallery, which has additional space in our Tech Center. The public is welcome to view the gallery at any time the library is open. Purchase inquiries can be made through the Parkland Art League.
June Recommendations, Collections, Celebrations, and More!
Fiction Booklist
Especially for the USA’s 50th and most recent state, June 11 is known as Kamehameha Day, a time to honor King Kamehameha I (1758-1819), the ruler who united the Hawaiian Islands after years of conflict. A floral parade and festivals mark the celebration of this holiday rooted in Hawaiian culture. PCL notes it with offerings of fiction set in and around the Aloha State.
Nonfiction Booklist
June is also known as National Great Outdoors Month, and the library has a fine selection of nonfiction to help patrons channel their alfresco ambitions! From books on picnicking and grilling, gardening, and camping to guides on backyard DIY projects and national parks/attractions, check out the month’s display and/or our catalog’s booklist.
Beach Booklist
The June fiction genre of the month display highlights Beach Reads…with a side of romance! Take a mental vacation and dive into a relaxing summer fiction story from an author pool including such notable names as Elin Hilderbrand, Karen Kingsbury, Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Barbara Delinsky, and Nicholas Sparks. Lots of these selections are available in large print, too.
Booklist
Pride Month occurs annually in June. There are numerous national events that focus on LGBT history and advocate for equality; locally, these include the NYC Pride March on June 28 and Philly Pride Week (May 29-June 7). Library display picks include fiction by such popular writers as V.C. Andrews and T.J. Klune as well as numerous fascinating biographies (for example, titles from tennis ace Billie Jean King, marriage equality activist Edie Windsor, rocker Debbie Harry, and “the gay Betsy Ross” Gilbert Baker). Look for these books and more on the shelf outside the IT area.
Kanopy and hoopla are free at-home streaming apps, courtesy of your library, available only to Parkland School District and paying non-residents with PCL as their home library.
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.
Catalog Features
Welcome to Aspen We are excited to introduce an improved Aspen library experience. Explore our updated catalog with new features! Enjoy faster searches and see all available formats in your results. Titles are now grouped by format, including audiobooks, large print, Playaways, and more. Aspen has upgraded the rating system for a straightforward, user-friendly experience.…
October News
2026 It is time for spooky season! Be sure to visit and explore our collection of spooky tales and eerie stories this season. Whether you want a terrifying read or a spectral adventure, we have options for every fan of the macabre. Join us at the Parkland Community Library this fall for all the fun…
The Local Fold
A PCL Communizine: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS What is Parkland making? Parkland Community Library is creating a community zine filled with art, writing, photography, and creative work made by the people who live here. For our first issue, we’re inviting Parkland residents to submit original work by November 30, 2026, for a chance to be included…
Stay tuned for more updates here and sign up for our exciting weekly eNews (at the bottom of each web page)-your go-to destination for summer fun!