Discover Summer for Adults

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

You are invited to Discover Summer with DC Public Library from June 3- August 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!

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 3. (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.) You should stop by the library tp pick up some cool DC Public Library branded prizes such as toys, fidget spinners, and headphones. All branded prizes are available whale supplies last only.

2. Read and Visit the Library

Read at least 20 days this summer to complete the challenge and visit dclibrary.org/discoversummer to learn of fun summer programs at your local library.

3. Win Prizes

Show your completed paper gameboard or your completion badge in Beanstack at your neighborhood library. You will receive prizes from community partners.

Discover Summer Events

Stop by your neighborhood library for fun events all summer long! See some highlights below and click the button to see all events for adults.

Get Loud at Library Concerts

This summer, DC Public Library is full of great live music featuring local groups! Groove to Go-Go music at the Go-Go on the Rooftop Concert Series, rock out at the DC Punk Archive Library Rooftop shows, take in beautiful chamber music and much more.

See Upcoming Musical Performances

Two women enjoying an author talk with the book

Meet Your Favorite Author

Hear from best-selling and award-winning authors, including Emmy award-winning Fiona Dawson, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Wesley Lowery and best-selling Tia Williams. At many of these events you can pick up a FREE copy of the title courtesy of the DC Public Library Foundation (while supplies last).

See Upcoming Author Talks

Join the Hottest Clubs in Town

DC Public Library has a book club for nearly every interest! Join the legendary Well-Read Black Girl Book Club hosted by Glory Edim, keep it short and sweet with the Long Story Short Book Club, enjoy Young Adult fiction at the I Never Wanna Grow Up Book Club and more.

See All DC Public Library Book Clubs

Create Something New

Flex your creative muscles at your neighbohood library! Learn how to use a sewing machine, draft your first novel, meet up with fellow knitters or fix your hand-me-down blender at a Fix-It Clinic. Find the right class for you by clicking the filtered views below.

See Upcoming Makers & DIY Programs See Upcoming Arts & Crafts Programs See Upcoming Writing Programs

Movie screening in the Auditorium of the MLK Library

Enjoy Blockbuster Films

Stop by the library for screenings of recent blockbusters like Top Gun Maverick, thought-provoking documentaries like I Am Not Your Negro and classics like High Noon.

See Upcoming Film Screenings

See All Upcoming Programs for Adults

Online Resources for Adults

Kanopy

Beat the heat and stream award-winning movies, cult classic shows and more for free with your library card.

Freegal Music+

Stream unlimited songs from popular labels including Sony Music! Vibe by the pool or throw a dance party to artists like Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, BTS and Taylor Swift.

OverDrive & Libby

Take your reads on the go with the Libby app from OverDrive! With OverDrive and Libby you can access eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines right from your device.

Creativebug

Grow your creativity with crafting classes! Learn how to sew your own clothes, make jewelry, create paintings and drawings to decorate your space and more.