BEDFORD— The Bedford Public Library is inviting the local community to celebrate the upcoming change of season with its annual Summer Discovery Festival, an evening designed to jumpstart a summer of reading, learning, and outdoor exploration.
The free kickoff event will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the library grounds. Families and residents of all ages are encouraged to attend the celebration, which features complimentary food, interactive games, and family-friendly activities.
The festival officially launches the library’s highly anticipated 2026 summer reading theme, “Unearth A Story.” The initiative aims to motivate children, teens, and adults to keep their minds active during the summer break by exploring books focused on nature, history, science, and the environment.
Special Event Highlight: Science and Nature Café
As part of this summer’s environmental and storytelling lineup, the library has partnered with local conservationists to present the Science and Nature Café: The Story of Smokey the Bear on Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. Registration is required on the library website.
Co-hosted alongside the Hoosier National Forest, this specialized program brings the iconic wildfire prevention symbol to life. Attendees will get a chance to meet Smokey Bear, learn about the historic origins of his character, and discover how the U.S. Forest Service protects Indiana’s native woodlands. The program blends environmental science with interactive storytelling, emphasizing the community’s role in preserving local public lands.
The “Unearth A Story” program is structured to combat the traditional “summer slide”—the tendency for students to lose significant academic ground while school is out of session. By providing incentives, reading logs, and weekly community events, the Bedford Public Library hopes to make literacy accessible and engaging for young Hoosiers.
Community members looking for more information regarding the kickoff festival, tracking logs, or the upcoming schedule of summer events can learn more by visiting the official Bedford Public Library website or stopping by the circulation desk.
