Library’s summer reading program kicks off with a roar

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The ground didn’t shake, and no injuries were reported. But there were dinosaur sightings in downtown Kokomo last night. It appears that the Kokomo Howard County Public Library has been overrun with prehistoric lizards, and there is still time to experience it.

The Dinosaur Museum Experience is the centerpiece of an ambitious 2026 Summer Reading Program that will bring T-Rexes and Triceratopses to life in the imaginations of children and adults alike. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. today, June 6, a visit to the library’s downtown location, 220 N. Union St., will reward explorers with a dinosaur experience unlike anything Kokomo has seen.

Participants can actually touch and investigate real and replica fossils. And they can use digital microscopes to examine bones, eggshells, and other dinosaur remains. The Dinosaur Museum Experience is a curated collection of artifacts and reproductions that educate about the prehistoric past and the creatures that lived in those eras.

Of course, since it is a part of the 2026 Summer Reading Program, there also is a curated collection of dinosaur books ready for reading or borrowing. And professionals are on hand to further educate about dinosaurs throughout the day.

The Dinosaur Museum Experience is free to attend and is located in the basement of the downtown library. And it is just the first of many dinosaur-themed events that will take place across the summer. Those seeking a season of adventure are encouraged to check their mailboxes for the summer reading program schedule, or visit www.khcpl.org to discover all the events planned.

Following are the dino-themed events taking place at the library over the next week:

STEM-a-saurus

Travel back to the time of dinosaurs in this summer STEM series designed for ages 6-13! Each week during the Summer Reading Program, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library features a one-hour, hands-on STEM adventure. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., June 10, from noon until 1 p.m. This program is designed for children ages 6-13.

Tiny Trekkers

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., June 10, from noon until 1 p.m., for big adventures for little explorers. Each week during the Summer Reading Program, discover a different part of our amazing world. Come spark wonder, creativity, and curiosity through play. This program is designed for children ages 0-5.

Meet the Dinosaurs

Presented by Dinosaur Dimensions, this program is designed to transport children into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs through an engaging storyline and interactive activities. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at the south branch’s Firefly Stage, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., June 11, from 10-11 a.m. Meet the Dinosaurs also appears at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., June 11, from 6-7 p.m., and at the main library on Fri., June 12, from 10-11 a.m.

Dino Origami

Teens and adults can make origami dinosaurs at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., June 13, from 2-5 p.m. Instructions and supplies will be provided.