Summer Reading Program
PHASE I
May 26 - June 7
PHASE II
June 8 - 14
PHASE III
June 15 - 21
PHASE IV
June 22 - 28
PHASE V
June 29 - Aug. 8

PHASE I (May 26–June 7)

PHASE I FOR KIDS
Simplified Story

THE DISCOVERY

Beneath the library, there are tunnels most people don’t know about—long, narrow passageways hidden below the basement, cool and quiet, with rough stone walls and low ceilings. The deeper you go, the darker it gets, until the sounds of the library disappear completely.

That’s where it started.

Workers were clearing part of the tunnels when their tools struck something unusual. At first, they thought it was rock. But as they brushed the dirt away, they uncovered something far more surprising.

Bone.

Not a small bone.

Something massive.

Curved, ancient, and buried deep in the earth.

As more dirt was cleared away, it became clear that this was only one small piece of something much larger. Work stopped immediately, and word of the discovery spread quickly.

Within days, an investor named Arthur H. Hammond arrived at the library. At first, he simply wanted to help fund the excavation and see where the discovery might lead. But when he stepped into the tunnels and saw the bones for himself, his curiosity turned into excitement.

“This is going to change everything,” he said.

Hammond offered to fully fund the dig and brought in a team of experts to study the discovery: Dr. Grantley Stone, a paleontologist known for his careful work with fossils; Dr. Eliza Fern, an expert in ancient environments and prehistoric habitats; and Dr. Malcolm Reed, a theorist who watched everything with quiet concern.

Along with them came the systems and security team, led by Nedrick Vale. He was responsible for setting up the equipment, running power through the tunnels, and making sure everything operated exactly the way it was supposed to. He moved quickly through the space, checking wires, testing systems, and muttering to himself as the others studied the fossils.

“As long as the power holds, the systems behave, and someone eventually remembers to pay me what I’m worth,” he muttered, “this’ll all work just fine.”

Together, the team began the excavation.

And now—you’ve been invited to join them.

As an Expedition Trainee, your job is to explore the tunnels, uncover fossils, study the evidence, and help the team discover what lies hidden beneath the library.

The dig has begun.

And the first discovery may only be the beginning.

YOUR JOB AS AN EXPEDITION TRAINEE:

READ

Every great discovery begins with exploration—and in this expedition, reading is how you move the mission forward.

As you read and record your minutes, the excavation team will continue deeper into the tunnels. Every page read and every minute logged brings us closer to uncovering new fossils, new clues, and new secrets hidden beneath the library.

Keep reading. Keep recording. The deeper we dig, the more we may discover.

*Reading level two will remain locked until the next phase of the story begins, so keep recording your minutes—your progress will be ready when the next part of the expedition opens.

PHASE I CHALLENGES

The excavation team needs trainees who are curious, careful, and ready to learn.

During Phase I, you’ll train with our team of experts by completing challenges about fossils, dinosaur eras, and prehistoric habitats. This knowledge may prove essential as the expedition continues.

Phase I Challenges are open now.

Complete a challenge to earn bonus points and a drawing ticket.

*Other challenges may appear, but they are locked until later phases of the story begin. Stay alert, Expedition Trainee. New challenges will open as the discovery grows.

ATTEND EVENTS

Attend events to explore, create, discover, watch, listen, and learn more about the world of dinosaurs, fossils, stories, and adventure. Each event is a chance to help the expedition grow stronger.

When you attend an event, you’ll receive a secret code. Enter the code in your reading account to earn bonus points.

Attend and enter secret codes from 10 events to earn a sweet treat!

Look for secret codes at these expedition events all summer long:

So grab your explorer spirit and join the fun.

The expedition continues at every event!

FAQs | Phases | Prizes | Rules