Kershaw County Library’s summer calendar is built around a simple idea: Books are not just for school assignments or quiet shelves.
They are a reason to gather.
“Reading is good for you, and it’s good for the community,” said Amy Schofield, Kershaw County Library director.
That message is behind the library’s 2026 summer reading programming, which includes children’s reading challenges, teen events, author talks for adults and hands-on programs tied to nature, friendship and community. The goal, Schofield said, is to provide programming that encourages reading for all ages.
Children’s programming
For children and families, this year’s youth summer reading program includes a countywide One Book experience centered on The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Schofield said the book was chosen partly because it can reach a wide range of young readers, with chapter books for older students and picture books for younger children.
The library also plans programs tied to the book’s themes of nature, friendship and community.
Kershaw County School District is helping promote the youth summer reading program and has secured a grant to provide copies of The Wild Robot on the Island for younger readers in district summer camps. The library also plans to distribute free books to children with the greatest need.
Children may participate by reading books of their choice. Those who complete the challenge earn a free book to keep. Children from birth through fifth grade can complete the “Win with 10” challenge by reading 10 books. Students in sixth through eighth grades can complete the “Strive for 5” challenge by reading five books.
Copies of The Wild Robot are available in print, ebook and audiobook formats.
Children’s and family events
Revolutionary Day with KCL
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 29
Revolutionary War Visitor Center, 212 Broad St.
The event will include a tour of Historic Camden, a play, lessons about historic uniforms and crafts. Registration is required for the crafts by emailing laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org.
Go Wild! Messtival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30
Nature as Teacher Preserve, 247 Chestnut Ferry Road
The summer kickoff event will feature a messy nature day with hands-on trail stations.
Go Wild! Summer Reading Celebration: All About Nature
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Revolutionary War Visitor Center, 212 Broad St.
Families can make a nature journal, take a walk and meet author Angela May.
SC Aquarium: From Mountains to the Sea
Thursday, July 23
11 a.m. at KCL Elgin, 2652 Main St.
2 p.m. at KCL Camden, 1304 Broad St.
Participants can meet animals and learn about nature across South Carolina.
Teen programming
For teens, the library is offering a separate Teen Summer Reading Challenge with a deliberately simple goal: Read three books and earn free movie tickets to Camden’s Little Theater.
Schofield said the incentives are part of reaching teens where they are. As she put it, “It is what it is.” The larger idea, she said, is to give teens a chance to “go analog” through books, games and in-person activities.
Teens can find books at a library branch, request titles through the online catalog or use a library card to access ebooks and audiobooks through Libby and hoopla.
Teen events
Tabletop Role-Playing Games Night
6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 5
Camden Library, 1304 Broad St.
Teens can learn about Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder and indie one-shots, then take part in live gameplay. Pizza will be provided. Registration is available by emailing markw@kershawcountylibrary.org.
Adulting Fair
3 to 5 p.m. Monday, June 8
Camden Library, 1304 Broad St.
This drop-in event will feature local experts offering advice on practical life skills such as car maintenance, money management and job hunting.
“Ahhh, Nature!” guided walk
9 a.m. Wednesday, June 24
Nature as Teacher Preserve, 247 Chestnut Ferry Road
Teens can explore the preserve during a guided outdoor walk. Registration is available by emailing jillf@kershawcountylibrary.org.
Adult programming
Adults will have their own summer reading focus through the Summer Scribes Series, a season of author talks, book discussions and literary programs.
Schofield said the adult programs are another way to connect people back to books.
“They get to interact with and talk to authors — what it means to read a book, what it means to write a book,” she said. “We’re a big fan of books. All of this programming is tied back to books. We even have fun book crafts.”
The series begins May 18 with New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, who will discuss her new book, Summer State of Mind. A book signing will follow, and reservations are required to receive a free copy while supplies last.
Adult events
Kristy Woodson Harvey
Noon Monday, May 18
National Steeplechase Museum, Camden
Harvey will discuss Summer State of Mind. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. A book signing will follow, and registration is required.
Vanessa Miller
6 p.m. Saturday, June 20
KCL Camden, 1304 Broad St.
Miller will discuss American Queen.
L. Glen Inabinet
11 a.m. Saturday, June 27
KCL Elgin, 2652 Main St.
Inabinet, author of Mekong Memoirs, will join Vietnam War expert and historian Dr. Fritz Hamer for a conversation and book discussion.
Ruta Sepetys
5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27
KCL Camden, 1304 Broad St.
Sepetys will discuss A Fortune of Sand.
Stuart Pennebaker
5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18
KCL Camden, 1304 Broad St.
Pennebaker will discuss her debut novel, Ghost Fish.
Donna Everhart
2 p.m. Saturday, July 25
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
Everhart will discuss Women of a Promiscuous Nature.
Rhonda McKnight
Saturday, Aug. 1
McKnight will discuss The Thing About Home. Time and location were not included in the provided materials.
Jackie Friedland
Monday, Aug. 10
Friedland will discuss Breathing Under Water. Time and location were not included in the provided materials.
Kershaw County Library serves the community through branches in Camden, Elgin and Bethune, as well as its bookmobile.
For more information about summer reading programs and events, visit kershawcountylibrary.org or stop by a local branch.
