The New York State Education Department and New York State Library are hosting an inaugural Super Story Party to celebrate the summer reading theme Unearth a Story. The free, family-friendly event will take place on June 7, 2026, from 10 am to noon at the New York State Museum.
The kickoff celebration brings books to life through performances, hands-on activities, summer reading resources, and collections from across the Office of Cultural Education. The program features paleontology-themed activities based on museum collections, a dinosaur dance party with childrens singer-songwriter Johnny Only, a reading magic show with magician Ron Cain, and a Double Dutch jump rope performance by Nanny Double Dutch League. Community partners including The RED Bookshelf will also be present.
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa emphasized that summer reading serves as an investment in lifelong learning that helps reduce learning loss, strengthen critical thinking skills, and build confidence. This years theme invites families to explore additional STEM fields such as archaeology and paleontology, sparking curiosity in new and exciting ways. The event presents an opportunity to experience all that the Office of Cultural Education has to offer, from the New York State Library to the State Museum and State Archives, where rich cultural resources help learning come to life.
New York State Librarian Lauren Moore noted that the Super Story Party invites young readers to discover the excitement of storytelling through books, imagination, and hands-on exploration. Families can expect to get a taste of the types of exciting programs planned at public libraries across the state throughout the summer. Partners across NYSED and the Office of Cultural Education remain committed to nurturing a lifelong love of reading.
The statewide summer reading theme Unearth a Story builds on childrens interest in topics such as dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology to spark excitement and curiosity about reading, imagination, and learning. Throughout the summer, local libraries will host various themed activities and events, including performances, craft programs, story times, workshops, and author events to encourage reading across all age groups. The State Library provides public libraries with access to the online READsquared app and software, helping students and families track their favorite books and activities.
Families attending the Super Story Party will leave with information and materials that connect with this years summer reading themes, support literacy learning at home, and promote local library programs. Explorers are also encouraged to visit the New York State Museums newest temporary exhibit Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals. Now on display in the recently opened Kids Zone on the fourth floor, the exhibit takes visitors through the final days of the dinosaurs and features 10 life-size animatronic dinosaurs and mammals, along with interactive experiences such as an augmented reality sandbox and a paleontologists field tent.
The New York State Library, established in 1818, is the largest state library system in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide. The Librarys mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the Research Library, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the Talking Book and Braille Library, and the Division of Library Development. The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. Additionally, the State Library is the official repository of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations.
