Discover Summer 2023

Discover Summer: Go, Find, Explore with an illustration of an open book, the Washington Monument and the Capital Building against the sun

You’re invited to Discover Summer with DC Public Library from June 17 - Aug. 31. Discover Summer is an all-ages city-wide celebration of reading and learning. With Discover Summer you will enjoy great reads, fun events and activities that encourage you to explore your neighborhood and D.C. Everything you need to Discover Summer can be found at your neighborhood library!

Complete your gameboards and receive D.C. United Ticket Vouchers!

Discover Summer is winding down and we are excited to partner with D.C. United to offer you two (2) complimentary tickets (while supplies last) as part of completing the Discover Summer Reading Program! Your two (2) complimentary tickets are available for the following matches:

DC United vs. Philadelphia Union | Saturday Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire | Saturday Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

D.C. United vs. Atlanta United | Wednesday Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Upon completion of your Discover Summer gameboards, you'll receive a ticket code via email and instructions on how to redeem your tickets. Or, stop by your neighborhood library to show a DC Public Library staff member your completed gameboard and receive the ticket code and instructions from them.

Note: Ticket vouchers are available while supplies last

How to Discover Summer

1. Register

Visit your neighborhood library to pick up a paper gameboard or sign up online using Beanstack starting on June 1. (If you've participated in any of the Library's reading programs in the past, you can log in to your existing account with your username and password.)

2. Read and Complete Activities

Mark off the number of days you have read and track your completed activities on your gameboard or on your device with the Beanstack mobile app starting June 17.

3. Win Prizes

Show your completed paper gameboard or your completion badge in Beanstack at your neighborhood library. You will receive a limited-edition Discover Summer bag, tickets to a Washington Nationals Game (while supplies last) and be put in the running for grand prizes that include tickets to a DC United Game, the International Spy Museum, Artechouse and more!

Discover Summer Library Days

You know that your DC Public Library Card can connect you to books, movies, music and more but this summer your library card is also your ticket to some of D.C.'s hottest museums! DC Public Library is partnering with local museums to host Library Days where families can enjoy special experiences.

Click the links below to learn more and sign up to attend an upcoming Library Day and stay tuned to this page as more Library Days are added throughout the summer!

June 24 | Phillips Collection

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at The Phillips Collection, the first museum of modern art in America on Saturday, June 24 from Noon - 3 p.m.! Enjoy the permanent collection as well as Frank Stewart's Nexus: An American Photographers' Journey, 1960s to the Present. In addition, The DC Public Library and The Phillips Collection will host a special storytime for families, an art activity, gallery games, and more!

Click the button below to sign up for an entry time slot at The Phillips Collection Library Day.

Register for The Phillips Collection Library Day

July 1 | National Gallery of Art

The DC Public Library and the National Gallery of Art Library join forces on Saturday, July 1, for a pop-up experience from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the National Gallery’s First Saturday program. Enjoy hands-on artmaking, face painting, exhibition tours, and our bilingual Storytime at 10:00 a.m.

Learn more about First Saturday and the DC Public Library pop-up experience

Learn More About First Fridays at the National Gallery of Art

July 22 | Rubell Museum

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at The Rubell Museum. The Rubell Museum is a new contemporary art museum in DC's Southwest community. Enjoy the collection, What's Going On, as well as Sylvia Snowden: SHELL; GLIMPSES. In addition, The DC Public Library will host a special storytime for families, share library resources, and so much more!

Click the button below to sign up for entry at The Rubell Museum Library Day.

Register for The Rubell Museum Library Day

Aug. 16 | National Children's Museum

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at National Children's Museum, a learn-through-play institution located in downtown DC that is dedicated to sparking interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for children ages 0 to 12. Explore the Museum’s interactive exhibits and hands-on programs. In addition, The DC Public Library and National Children's Museum will host a special storytime for families and more!

To ensure that families can enjoy the spaces and activities and limit crowds, National Children's Museum kindly requests that you sign up for a visit time using the links below. Free entry to National Children's Museum requires pre-registration.

This event is sold out. Please check the DC Public Library event calendar to discover other fun library events.

See Full Events Calendar