Summer reading got off to a lively start Saturday as hundreds of children and families filled the Orland Park Public Library for a day of books, games and community fun.
The library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge kickoff drew residents of all ages for an afternoon packed with activities, from storytime and carnival games to sidewalk chalk art and LEGO building. Cotton candy, video games and a roaming photo booth added to the festive atmosphere, turning the library into one of the community’s busiest gathering spots.
The event marked the beginning of the library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Plant a Seed, Read,” a program designed to encourage reading and learning throughout the summer months.
While children bounced from one activity to the next, parents gathered with neighbors, browsed the Friends of the Library Sidewalk Sale and signed their families up for the reading challenge.
The biggest attraction of the day arrived near the end of the celebration when hundreds of children rushed into a giant foam party. Laughter echoed across the library grounds as youngsters danced and played in piles of foam, creating what many families considered the perfect start to summer vacation. The foam party attracted 535 participants.
Saturday’s celebration also highlighted the community support that helps make library programs possible. During the event, the Friends of the Orland Park Public Library presented a donation of $3,750 to support library programming throughout the year. The funds will help provide educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for patrons of all ages.
The Summer Reading Challenge continues through Aug. 1 and is open to readers of every age. Participants can track their progress online through Beanstack or use a paper reading log. Readers earn entries into prize drawings as they reach reading milestones during the summer.
Library officials hope the challenge inspires residents to discover new books, explore new interests and make reading part of their daily routine.
Based on Saturday’s turnout, the community appears ready to embrace another summer filled with stories, learning and a little bit of fun along the way.