Boyd County Library Promises Eventful Summer

Boyd County Library Promises Eventful Summer

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

If you thought a summer at the library meant nothing but silent reading and overdue fines, think again. The Boyd County Library is gearing up for a season that promises to be anything but quiet. From crafting your own ancient Egyptian cartouche to stirring up magnetic slime with real dinosaur fossils—and even venturing into the spine-tingling world of Appalachian folklore—this summer’s program lineup is packed with hands-on fun for kids, teens, and adults alike.

The library’s Midland Meeting Room will transform into a creative hub, a cryptid-hunter’s den, and a time machine to ancient civilizations. And the best part? It’s all free and open to the public.

Ever wanted to learn how to use hieroglyphs? On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., tweens and teens are invited to channel their inner scribe in the “Egyptian Cartouche” workshop. Participants will work on clay tablet skills to create their own personalized cartouche—an oval-shaped nameplate once used by Egyptian royalty.

The session is part of the library’s Arts & Crafts and Workshop series, designed for ages 10–18. No prior experience with ancient languages is required; just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

But the fun doesn’t end there. On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, also from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., the library is hosting a “Magnetic Slime & Dinosaur Bones” workshop—a perfect sequel for the same crowd. Attendees will get “stuck” into the science of magnetism as they learn to make their own magnetic slime using iron filings. But here’s the twist: they’ll also add tiny dinosaur skeletons to the mix, creating a squishy, prehistoric, and magnetic masterpiece.

And because one session isn’t enough, the library is repeating the event on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for those who can’t make the weekday afternoon slot. It’s a rare chance to combine chemistry, paleontology, and sheer gooey fun under one roof.

But the summer lineup isn’t just for young crafters. Teens and adults are in for a real treat on an evening that promises to be equal parts eerie and educational. The library is hosting a special storytelling event featuring Lacey Williams, a local cryptozoologist and Appalachian folklorist writer. On a yet-to-be-announced date (check the library’s calendar for the exact evening), Williams will share tales of the legendary Louisville Goat Man, the notorious Hopkinsville Hobgoblins, and the chilling Skin Walkers of Appalachian lore.

The event falls under the Storytimes program type but is strictly for teens and adults. “These stories are not for the faint of heart,” warns the library description. Attendees should be prepared for a journey into the dark woods of local legend, where fact and fiction blur.

In an age of digital distraction, the Boyd County Library is doubling down on in-person, hands-on experiences that bring people together. Whether you’re molding clay like an Egyptian, stirring magnetic goo with dinosaur bones, or huddling to hear tales of creatures that might—or might not—roam the Kentucky hills, the library is proving that summer learning can be as thrilling as it is educational.

All programs are free, but space may be limited. Interested participants are encouraged to arrive early or register online via the library’s website. For the cryptid storytelling event, doors open 15 minutes before the start. Remember: The Slime & Dinosaur workshop runs twice—June 23 at 1:00 p.m. and June 19 at 6:00 p.m.—so pick the time that works best for you.

This summer, the Boyd County Library isn’t just a place for books. It’s a portal to ancient worlds, scientific experiments, and the mysterious corners of Appalachian folklore. Don’t let the summer slip away without getting a little stuck, a little creative, and a little spooked.