Lexington County Library: News & Events: May 2026

Summer Reading

Unearth a Story

Dig into a season of discovery with Summer Reading as we explore the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and travel even farther back in time with dino-sized fun events. 


Our program benefits everyone. It reduces stress, boosts literacy and language skills, promotes curiosity and imagination, encourages family bonding and much more.


Be sure to log your progress and earn prizes. Use the Beanstack Tracker app or a paper tracking card. Choose what works best for you.

Unearth a Story

Important dates:

Summer Reading begins May 26

Begin picking up prizes June 15

Summer Reading ends July 31

Summer Reading

The library will be
CLOSED

MONDAY, MAY 11

Confederate Memorial Day

MONDAY, MAY 25

Memorial Day

STAFF PICK

No Matter the Wreckage by Sarah Kay

"This is the book of poetry I recommend to anyone who tells me they have a hard time with poetry. Kay is such an accessible writer while also maintaining a masterful use of language and lyricism. This is a book that teaches you how to love poetry. She writes emotionally and with humor about home, young love, family dynamics, and what it means to have a heart that sometimes feels too big for your body. If you have been curious about what poetry has to offer but haven't found a good entry point, I highly recommend starting here."


— Abigail | Irmo Branch Library

Library staff holding No Matter The Wreckage

SUMMER READING KICKOFFS

Summer Reading 2026: Kickoff Party

Chapin

May 26, 2–4 PM


Gilbert-Summit

May 27, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM


South Congaree-Pine Ridge

May 29, 10 AM–Noon


Pelion 
May 30, 10 AM–Noon


Irmo 
June 2, 10 AM–Noon

Lexington Main

June 3, 3–6 PM

at Icehouse Amphitheater


Swansea

June 5, 2–4 PM


Batesburg-Leesville

June 7, 2–4 PM


Gaston 
June 8, 4–6 PM


Cayce-West Columbia 
June 9, 5–7 PM

DIGITAL RESOURCES

Group of teens in a science lab class.

Credo Reference

Explore more than 800 full-text reference books on major subject areas with images, audio, video and an interactive Mind Map.

Explore
Stacks of books.

Gale Books & Authors

Answer the age-old question, “What do I read next?” Search and match reading interests to books, authors, genres or topics.

Answer
Children in some sort of history class.

World Almanac for Kids

Access homework help and discover articles and videos, designed for elementary grades.

Access

YOUR NEXT READ

Two children reading in a tent at sunset.

Want book picks that actually fit your taste? Tell us what you love, what you skip and what’s stayed on your nightstand. We’ll curate book suggestions just for you, delivered right to your email. New stories are waiting, and we think you’ll love them.

Recommendations

kids

Hey! Look at You! by Sandra Boynton
No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons
Selena: Queen of Tejano Music by Silvia Lopez
That's Not Stella by Donna Fredin

teens

Give Me A Sign by Anna Sortino
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
King of Nothing by Nathaniel Lessore
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

adults

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
Eternal by Lisa Scottoline
Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley

PROGRAMS

Well Played

Well Played: Pottery Puzzle Hunt

Saturday, May 9 at 11 AM

South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch

Design, dismantle and discover your own pottery puzzle from a dig site. (grades 6–8)

Nature Nook

Nature Nook: Garden Magic

Thursday, May 14 at 3 PM

Chapin Branch Library

Handcraft a clay fairy house and turn any outdoor space into an enchanting miniature world. (grades K–5)

Author Talk: Lucille Guarino: Smokey Blue Sunrise

Author Talk: Lucille Guarino

Saturday, May 16 at 2:30 PM

Lexington Main Library

Lucille Guarino discusses her newest novel, Smoky Blue Sunrise, the sequel to the Elizabeth’s Mountain series. (ages 18+)

Community

Community: Just Dance Through the Ages


Thursday, May 28, 5:30 PM

Swansea Branch Library

Dance along to songs from the first 12 Just Dance games with songs from the 1960s to 2010s. No dance experience required. (ages 16+)

More Programs

CONNECT. ENGAGE. ENRICH.

5440 AUGUSTA ROAD, LEXINGTON, SC 29072 | (803) 785-2600

LEXCOLIBRARY.COM

Facebook Instagram Youtube X