Free & Low-Cost Summer Fun and Activities at Your Local Library

Libraries go beyond books, especially in the summer, offering a wide mix of free activities, workshops, and events. Some run throughout the season, while others pop up for just a day or two. Either way, there’s usually something for everyone. Here’s a glimpse of what might be happening:

• Game nights, chess clubs, and D&D
• Euchre Club and trivia night
• Cookie decorating or craft workshops
• Pop-up concerts or live music events
• Sewing, crochet, or knitting circles
• Creative writing groups or teen book clubs
• Read-aloud time with therapy dogs
• STEAM activities and hands-on science activities
• Preschool art and sensory-friendly programming
• Inclusive activities and sensory activities
• Storytimes and book groups
• Movie afternoons or anime clubs
• Talks by historians or sessions about your town’s history
• Make-your-own 3D printed car projects and tech toy demos
• Visiting dancers, musicians, and even magicians
• Access to a museum and attraction pass program like the MI Activity Pass
• Summer Reading Challenge

Don’t forget the basics: cool air, cozy corners, and shelves full of books, audiobooks, and movies you can take home without spending a dime.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind or a simple way to keep the kids engaged, your local library might just be the hidden gem of your summer.

Haven’t peeked at their events calendar in a while? Go take a look — chances are, there’s something going on this month that’s right up your alley. Looking for a library near you — or while traveling? Use this national public library locator to search by city, ZIP code, or state.