BELLE GLADE — Families throughout the Glades are invited to kick off summer reading at the 2026 Summer Books & Fun Fest: Unearth a Story, a free community celebration taking place Saturday, June 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Belle Glade Public Library located at 725 NW Fourth St. in Belle Glade.

Hosted by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County (CSC) in partnership with its Familias Latinas de Palm Beach initiative, the City of Belle Glade, and the Belle Glade Public Library, the event is designed to inspire a love of reading while connecting families to valuable community resources and summer activities. The event theme, “Unearth a Story,” encourages children to discover new adventures through books and imagination.

Children and teens will have the opportunity to select from hundreds of free books to help build their home libraries and support summer learning. Research consistently shows that reading during school breaks helps prevent learning loss and keeps children academically engaged throughout the summer months.

Families will also enjoy a special appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog, who will be available for photos and meet-and-greet opportunities with children throughout the event.

Additional free activities will include:

• Book readings and book giveaways
• Face painting
• Arts and crafts
• Live music by Digital Vibez
• Interactive games and activities with the Parks and Recreation Playmaker Van
• Shaved ice and refreshments
• Community resource fair featuring local organizations and family services
• Raffles and giveaways

“We want every child to leave with more than just a book,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. “We want them to leave inspired, excited about reading, and connected to resources that help children and families thrive throughout the year.”

Families will also have the opportunity to connect with local organizations providing information and services related to early childhood development, education, health, safety, and family support. Participating organizations include Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, BRIDGES, Safe Kids Palm Beach County, Head Start, Familias Latinas de Palm Beach, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Home Safe, 211, among other community partners.

The event is free, open to the public, and does not require registration.

About Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
Children’s Services Council is a special-purpose local government agency created by Palm Beach County voters in 1986 and reauthorized in 2014. For 40 years, the Council has provided leadership, funding, services, and research to help children grow up healthy, safe, and strong. Learn more at www.cscpbc.org