Discover Summer 2024

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 3 - 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!

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 to pick up some cool DC Public Library branded prizes such as toys, fidget spinners, and headphones. All branded prizes are available while 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. All forms of learning count to mark off days on your paper gameboard.

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 such as game tickets and some cool DC Public Library swag.

Start Your Journey with The Achievery

Mother and two children smiling while learning something on an ipad

The Achievery is a free digital learning platform designed by education experts for teachers, parents, and students.

The Achievery pairs over 500 entertaining videos and clips from popular movies and television shows with engaging learning activities aligned across seven academic subject áreas. The Achievery is ad-free and available at no cost to students, parents and educators.

Sign Up for a Free Achievery Account

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 15 | The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection

Saturday, June 15, Noon - 3 p.m.

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at The Phillips Collection, the first museum of modern art in America. Enjoy the permanent collection as well as the special installation Where We Meet, which brings works from the Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection into conversation. In addition, The DC Public Library and The Phillips Collection will host a storytime for families, art activities, gallery games, and more. Because space is limited, The Phillips Collection requests that you sign up for a visit time. Click the link below to sign up for your spot now.

Sign up for a spot

July 26 | The 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, Singular Views: 25 Artists , as well as Alexandre Diop: Jooba Jubba, l’Art du Defi, the Art of Challenge. In addition, The DC Public Library's mobile library truck will be present for you to check out books and other library resources. The Rubell Museum features artwork of an adult nature. We will distribute free books while supplies last or you can check out books from the mobile library.

Sign Up For A Spot

August 10 | Artechouse

Artec House

Saturday, August 10, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at Artechouse. Washington, DC — ARTECHOUSE, the leader in innovative, technology-driven experiential art, is pleased to present its seventh annual cherry blossom-inspired exhibition—ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds. DC Public Library's "Library on the Go Go" will also be there! Registration is required. Click the link below to sign up for your spot now.

Sign up for a spot

August 15 | The Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions

Thursday, August 15, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at the Museum of Illusions, a museum filled with perspective changing-rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. You can try the famous Beuchet Chair or the Cloning Table! In addition, The DC Public Library and The Museum of Illusions will host giveaway prizes and book giveaways to all who register for this special library day. Because space is limited, you must sign up for a visit time.

Sign up for a spot