St. Louis Park Summer Reading Festival

The annual St. Louis Park Summer Reading Festival returns August 8–14, 2026, inviting families and readers of all ages to enjoy 12 free literacy-themed events hosted by community partners throughout the city. From schools and parks to the basketball court, the festival offers entertainment, games, hands-on activities, opportunities to connect with local organizations and community leaders, and free children's book giveaways at every event. Learn more at Click for Details

Presented by Children First, in collaboration with Hennepin County Library and St. Louis Park Community Education, the Summer Reading Festival is designed to focus on literacy, equity, and community connection by gathering families for fun and free events throughout the city of St. Louis Park. By introducing young learners to the joy of reading, we help inspire a lifelong love of learning and open doors to future opportunity. The Summer Reading Festival is partially funded by a grant from the St. Louis Park Family Services Collaborative.

A complete schedule of events is included below:

Saturday, Aug. 8 through Friday, Aug. 14
ArtWalk in the Park – An asynchronous, on-your-own event where community members can share their own vision for how they see St. Louis Park in the future.

Saturday, Aug. 8
Books and Fun for the Young! – 10–11:30 a.m. at Aquila Elementary School, hosted by St. Louis Park Community Education and St. Louis Park Public Schools
A morning of fun, music and literacy! Join us at the Aquila Elementary School playground; in the event of rain, this event will move indoors into the school building.

Children First Ice Cream Social – 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Recreation Outdoor Center
Join us at this free, family-focused event for book giveaways, kids’ activities and games, and informative tables from several local organizations and groups. Free ice cream will be available to all, featuring ice cream from Sebastian Joe’s and Kosher ice cream courtesy of Lunds & Byerlys (while supplies last)! Come enjoy a cool treat while taking part in the Summer Reading Festival!

Sunday, Aug. 9
Little Free Library Tour – self-guided tour, maps available online or at the Children First Ice Cream Social
Take a self-guided tour of St. Louis Park’s Little Free Libraries, hosted in front of residences and businesses throughout the city and featuring a variety of free books for readers of all ages. Little Free Library® and its logo are registered trademarks of Little Free Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and are used with its permission.

Monday, Aug. 10
Storybook Trail Adventure – 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Westwood Hills Nature Center, hosted by Westwood Hills Nature Center
Join Westwood Hills interpretive naturalists for a nature-themed story, then explore the trails for a scavenger hunt!

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Everyone Has a Story – 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Rise Early Learning Center, hosted by Rise Early Learning Center
Join Rise Early Learning Center for Everyone Has a Story, a celebration of reading and storytelling. Local authors Sarah Warren, Jean Mountain, and Mike Huber will read from their books. There will also be wandering puppets from Heart of the Beast, family-friendly activities, and food trucks.

Wednesday, Aug. 12
Paws and Pages – 9–10:30 a.m. at Wolfe Park - West Picnic Shelter, hosted by Groves Learning Organization
Groves is excited to be part of the St. Louis Park Summer Reading Festival for the fourth year in a row! This special event invites kids and their families to curl up with a book and read aloud to therapy animals from NorthStar Therapy Animals—a fun and calming way to build confidence and a love of reading. Free books, bubbles and breakfast snacks will be shared with families during the event to help spark a lasting love of reading. Come for the stories, stay for the snuggles!

Summer Kids Concert: Teddy Bear Band – 10–11 a.m. at Wolfe Park - Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater, hosted by the St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation Department
Join the St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation Department in welcoming the fabulous Teddy Bear Band once again! This family-friendly morning concert is a staple of the Summer Reading Festival. We hope you enjoy a fun morning filled with music and free books!

St. Louis Park Annual Community Talent Show – 7–8 p.m. at Wolfe Park - Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater, hosted by The Park Theater Company
Watch your neighbors show off their talents in this annual event presented by The Park Theater Company! While you watch the performances, receive a free children’s book when you stop by the Summer Reading Festival table.

Thursday, Aug. 13
A Garden Knight Adventure – 6–7 p.m. at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, hosted by Benilde-St. Margaret’s
Become a Garden Knight and help bring the royal garden to life! Journey through a story walk, decorate a pot, plant a seed, and discover what plants need to grow. This interactive adventure is perfect for young gardeners and imaginative explorers.

Basketball in the Park – 6–8 p.m. at Ainsworth Park, hosted by the St. Louis Park Police Department
Basketball in the Park is back! Connect with members of the St. Louis Park Police Department over a friendly game of basketball. Grab a free book, get a bite to eat, and enjoy the game!

Friday, Aug. 14
Community Stories-a-Thon – 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Library, hosted by the St. Louis Park Library
The Community Stories-a-Thon is back by popular demand! Experience a full day of stories, activities, and free books!