HATTIESBURG — The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County is gearing up for its 2026 Summer Program, “Garden of Stories,” to encourage reading while celebrating plants, gardening and growth.
The program will feature a variety of activities and events for children and teens throughout the summer, with a full schedule available on the library’s website and Facebook page.
The official kickoff celebration is set for May 30 and will take place in both Hattiesburg and Petal, offering families multiple opportunities to participate.
Reading challenges will be offered for all age groups, with children up to age 11 earning rewards based on the number of hours they read. Participants ages 12-17 may choose between the children’s program or a teen challenge that includes weekly prize drawings.
All summer reading activities will run through July 11, and preregistration for the program will begin May 23 during a Story Walk event at the Pocket Museum, where families can enjoy crafts and activities while signing up early.
The programs are free and open to the public, with no library card required. Families bringing larger groups are encouraged to notify the library in advance to help staff prepare.
