Summer Reading Experience encourages children and teens to enjoy books, explore science, and discover new adventures all summer long. There is no cost to participate.
Starting June 2nd, 2025, children and teens can pick up a gameboard at any library location. Summer Reading Experience ends August 11th, 2025.
Click the links below to learn more.
Summer Reading Experience for Kids
Kids Summer Reading Experience Gameboard
Stop by the library to pick up an official gameboard, including a sticker activity sheet, clipboard and special pen to accompany the gameboard.
Library Workshops for Kids
Join us at Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Bigfork locations for fun-filled, STEAM programs all summer long!
Download Kids’ Summer Reading Program List >
Dates, times, locations and ages:
Early Learners (3-5 years old)
Kalispell: Thursday, 11am
Outdoor Edition @ Depot Park: Tuesday, 2pm
Columbia Falls: Monday & Thursday, 11am
Bigfork: Tuesday & Thursday, 11am
Kids (6-10 years old)
Kalispell: Wednesday, 2pm
Outdoor Edition @ Depot Park: Tuesday, 2pm
Columbia Falls: Wednesday, 11am
Bigfork: Wednesday, 11am
Summer Experience For Teens
Teens, get ready for a summer adventure with our Teen Gameboard featuring Dragons! Starting June 2nd, pick up a gameboard at any library location and take on a series of reading and learning challenges, and stay up-to-date on all the exciting teen summer programming happening at the library.
Complete your gameboard by August 30th to earn an epic reward.
Teen Workshops
Space is limited. Seats available first come, first served.
*Flathead City-County Health Dept located at 1035 1st Ave West, Kalispell, MT; Earl Bennett Conference Room.
Bento Boxes
This Summer Experience we’re dishing up the perfect snack: Bento Boxes. Bento boxes are a lunch tradition originating from Japan. This program will feature cooking and designing your own take-home bento box! *Note: Our Bento Boxes will feature Japanese recipes. Ingredients include wheat, sesame, soy, eggs, and fish.
*Flathead Health Dept: Thursday, July 10, 3:30-5pm
Kalispell Teen Zone: Wednesday, July 30, 3:30-5pm
Columbia Falls Teen Zone: Friday, August 8, 3:30-5pm
Bigfork Meeting Room: Friday, July 18, 3:30-5pm
Batik Dyeing
Create your own unique pattern of flowing colors using ink and wax. Learn a modern way to do the ancient dyeing traditions of batik.
*Flathead Health Dept: Thursday, July 24, 3:30-5pm
Kalispell Meeting Room: Wednesday, August 13, 3:30-5pm
Columbia Falls Teen Zone: Friday, July 11, 3:30-5pm
Bigfork Community Room: Friday, August 1, 3:30-5pm
Dragon Eye Sculptures
Bring a dragon’s stare to life! Design and sculpt a captivating dragon eye using air-dry clay, colored pencils, watercolors and glass cabochons. You’ll create a one-of-a-kind sculpture that looks straight out of a fantasy world.
*Flathead Health Dept: Thursday, July 17, 3:30-5pm
Kalispell Teen Zone: Wednesday, August 6, 3:30-5pm
Columbia Falls Teen Zone: Friday, July 25, 3:30-5pm
Bigfork Community Room: Friday, August 15, 3:30-5pm
Teen Events
Crafternoons: Map Reward Edition
Earned the dragon amigurumi kit? Come to a special Crafternoon just for you! If you haven’t started your kit, staff will be there to help you. If you’ve already finished, bring any leftover materials and either start a dragon twin, or try the other pattern using yarn you’ve created yourself!
Kalispell Teen Zone: Wednesday, August 20 & September 3, 3:30-5pm
Columbia Falls Teen Zone: Friday, August 29, 3:30-5pm
Bigfork Community Room: Friday, August 22, 3:30-5pm
Summer Experience is possible because of our generous sponsors:
