Calling all parents! If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids engaged, learning, and entertained this summer, the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled has designed the ultimate prehistoric adventure. We’ve engineered an 8-week adventure that blends high-level STEM experiments and immersive Art projects with a global mystery. Your child won’t just be reading; they’ll be sharpening their investigative skills and staying academic-ready through hands-on discovery.
As a Junior Explorer for the Prehistoric Investigation Agency (P.I.A.), your child will use the physical footprint clues from their Explorer Pack to track our missing mascot, Digby, across the globe. Each footprint reveals a new sighting and a world of “intel” for the new location Digby is seen in.
Here is why you should sign your junior explorer up for the “Unearth a Story” 2026 Summer Reading Program:
1. It’s an Immersive Mystery Adventure
This isn’t just sitting quietly with a book. Your child becomes a Field Agent for the Prehistoric Investigation Agency(P.I.A.). Their mission? Solve the case of the missing Library Mystery Mascot, Digby! They’ll join Josh, Denise, and Kate in a virtual “Zoom Room” to track down clues from each country that has a Digby sighting in. They will learn about the week’s country culture, history and anything Digby may see along the way.
2. High-Value “Explorer Packs” for FREE
The program is completely free, but the gear is top-tier. Upon signing up, your child receives a physical kit to help them on their mission, including:
- Custom Gear: A textured “Agent Thermos” and a dinosaur drawstring bag.
- Tools of the Trade: 24 official footprint clues, tracking wristbands, and Bingo cards.
- Real Treasures: A dinosaur egg to hatch and an “Adopt-A-Dinosaur” companion.
- Local Perks: Free tickets to the Blank Park Zoo!
3. Structured, Engaging Live Sessions
Keep the “summer slide” at bay with a consistent schedule (Mon/Wed/Fri from 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm) that covers a variety of interests:
- Mondays (Art): “Clue Connections” and creative projects like Dino Resist Painting.
- Wednesdays (Investigation): Interactive sessions like “Pasta Paleontology” to reconstruct prehistoric shapes.
- Fridays (STEM): Science Labs featuring special guests, including pilots, storm survivors, and animal rescues.
4. Character Building & Rewards
The program uses an 8-Week Field Log where children earn specific “Agent Badges” for completing tasks. Each week focuses on a vital character trait:
- Week 1: Hope
- Week 2: Patience
- Week 3: Responsibility
- Week 4: Kindness
- Week 5: Resilience
- Week 6: Generosity
- Week 7: Confidence
- Week 8: Gratitude
For each week, when the agent completes their assignments, they earn a new character badge dinosaur stencil.
📅 Sign Up Before the Deadline!
The program runs from June 8th through July 31st, but registration closes on May 30th. Don’t let your little explorer miss out on the mystery of the year!
Register Online Here to reserve your spot and claim your Explorer Pack!
Full Details On This Summer Reading Program Found Here.
