Blount County Public Library Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story
The Blount County Public Library is in full summer mode right now, and if you have kids who can barely tolerate the heat in the house, this might be the best free place to send them. Literally, in terms of keeping them cool while they learn something.
This year the library has gone with Unearth a Story, a theme that sounds like it was designed to make kids want to dig through the shelves looking for buried treasure. And honestly, the programming backs it up.
Reading trackers are already available (they went out June 8th), and you pick them up at the front desk. You log your reading, earn rewards. Classic. The program runs through July 25th, so there is still plenty of time if your kid's summer reading list is behind. No shame. We are all here for that.
What is actually happening:
-
Reading Cinema Series — every other Wednesday at 1 PM through June and July. They show movies along the "Unearth a Story" theme and America 250. Drop-in, free, air-conditioned. You can park the kid and catch up on errands or just sit and watch a kid genuinely enjoy a movie.
-
Runaway Puppet Theater presents "Tall Tales, Tiny Heroes" — this is the summer reading featured show. Wacky, zany puppet stories designed to make kids laugh and maybe learn something about heroes along the way. I always appreciate when a library invests in live performers instead of just handing out bookmarks and calling it a day.
-
Summer Lego Contest: Dinosaurs & Archaeology — submissions accepted July 6-10. The theme lines up perfectly with Unearth a Story. Kids build something dinosaur/archaeology themed, drop it off at the library, and it gets displayed. Great for the competitive builder in your family.
-
HistoryFest — a brand-new program for 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation. Local history groups present, people share stories about Blount County, and the library is sealing a time capsule for the next 25 years. This is the kind of thing that sounds like it would be boring until you actually go and realize your kid is more engaged than you expected.
-
Writer in Residence — Laurie Smalley is available for writing support by appointment. She is taking submissions until June 30th if you want to request a session. This is for adults and students who want one-on-one help with writing. Free. No pressure.
The practical stuff:
- Address: 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, TN 37804
- Phone: (865) 982-0981
-
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-4:30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
-
Teens: The teen room has PS5, Nintendo Switch, board games, and art supplies. Worth knowing about for the kid who claims there is literally nothing to do.
-
Bookmark Cafe: A space for students to study. Quiet, air-conditioned, good for the last two weeks of summer homework scramble.
-
Social: @bcpl_tn on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
The library director, Dustin Goforth, wrote in the summer newsletter that this year also includes a Touch a Truck and Mini Con program. Those haven't been dated yet, but given the calendar schedule, I expect them in July.
If you haven't been to the library in a while, this summer programming is a good excuse to go back. It is free, it is air-conditioned, and the kids actually have stuff to do. What is not to love.
The library closes July 3rd and July 4th for Independence Day, so plan accordingly if you were thinking about a weekend visit.