Library planning robust Summer Reading program & Community Art Show
Quisenberry Library is preparing for an exciting and creativity-filled Summer Reading season, offering a wide range of free programs and events for children, teens, adults and families throughout June and July.
The 2026 Summer Reading schedule will offer educational experiences, hands-on activities, live programs, and opportunities for community involvement – all provided at no cost to participants.
The Summer Reading season begins on Wednesday, June 3, at 2 p.m., with a special visit from the Hattiesburg Zoo, followed immediately by the Summer Reading Kickoff Open House. This free, family friendly open house will give families everything they need to begin their summer reading journey.
During the event, children can receive their Summer Reading Explorer Passport, along with a readiness kit for kids, designed to support learning and reading engagement throughout the summer. The open house will also include scavenger hunts and other interactive activities, offering families a fun and welcoming way to explore the library and learn about upcoming free programs.
Throughout the summer, the library will host a diverse lineup of free events, including poetry workshops, science and nature programs, animal presentations, movie nights, trivia, crafts and interactive exhibits. Highlights include presentations from the Museum of Natural Science, Freedom Ranch, a magician, and Smokey Bear, as well as hands-on programs such as Fossil Forging, Dinosaur Experience, the Honeybee Program and Puzzlepalooza. Programs are designed for a variety of age groups, with offerings specifically tailored for kids, teens, adults and all ages audiences.
One of the major highlights of the summer will be the Community Art Show, a collaborative project inviting artists of all ages to participate. Artists are encouraged to submit artwork in any medium, including 3D printing, knitting, crocheting, clay models, painting, drawing and more. Each piece must measure no larger than three inches by three inches, and all submitted works will be displayed, creating a collective showcase of community creativity.
To help participants get started, the library will offer art show supply pickup from now through May 30, while supplies last. Completed projects should be returned during the project drop-off period from June 6 through June 13. The Community Art Show exhibition will be open to the public June 20 through July 11.
While the current schedule includes a wide variety of free summer programs, additional summer events are still in the works and will be added later. Patrons are encouraged to check back often for updates as new programs are announced.
All Quisenberry Library Summer Reading programs are free and open to the public, though some events may require advance registration, due to space or material limitations.
For up-to-date information, check the library calendar at JHLibrary.org, and follow “Quisenberry Library” on Facebook and on Instagram @quisenberrylibrary.
The Quisenberry Library is located at 605 East Northside Drive. For more information, call 601-924-5684.
Summer Community Art Show planned for Quisenberry
This summer, the Quisenberry Library is incorporating a community art show into its summer programming, with artists of all ages invited to participate.
Artists are encouraged to use any medium to create a piece of art in any style, including not only traditional mediums such as painting and drawing, but also textiles, 3D printing and more.
Free materials supply bags with a blank canvas will be available at the library on a first-come, first-served basis through May 30, while supplies last.
Completed artwork should be dropped off at the library between June 6 and June 13. The art show, which has a theme of “American Dreams,” will be open to the public June 20 through July 11, and there will be an opening reception on June 20 at 11 a.m.
