Go for the Gold!

As the Summer Olympics draw near, it is the perfect time to ignite your curiosity with books and activities that capture the spirit of this global event. Whether you dream of scoring a winning goal in soccer or gliding gracefully across the pool like a champion swimmer, there's a book out there to inspire you.

The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad

This is the official name of the 2024 Summer Olympics to be held in Paris, France from July 26–August 11. The modern Olympics began in 1896 in Athens, Greece and are held every four years. The Summer and Winter Olympics have alternated every two years during the four-year Olympiad since 1994.

The Olympic Spirit

Athletes from around the world will be competing in forty-five different sports. Delve into the Olympic history and rules of these sports from artistic gymnastics to swimming. The Olympic spirit, from the Olympic torch relay to the closing ceremony, will be shared by athletes and spectators from 206 countries. As the athletes proudly process in the opening ceremony, consider exploring the location and culture of these countries with CultureGram.

The XVII Paralympic Games

The Olympic spirit continues with the 2024 Paralympics, an international multi-sport event for disabled athletes, scheduled to take place in Paris, from August 28–September 8. There will be athletes from 184 countries participating in twenty-two different sports.


“Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together"

Share in the spirit of the official Olympic motto with these upcoming activities and titles this summer.

Kids Programs with Olympic Spirit

ABC Olympics (grades 1-3)
Wednesday, July 10, 2-3 PM
Wednesday, August 7, 10-11 AM

Mario Olympics Tournament (grades 5-8)
Thursday, July 11, 4-6 PM

Summer Games Cartooning with Mark Anderson (grades 4-8)
Friday, July 19, 4:30-5:30 PM

Candy Olympics (grades 5-8)
Tuesday, July 23, 4-5 PM

Hour of the Olympics (grades 2-5)
Monday, July 29, 4-5 PM

Olympic Family Trivia Night (all ages)
Thursday, August 1, 6:30-8 PM


Books that Inform and Inspire

Go for the Gold! 2024 Summer Olympics

List created by GPL_Youth

Capture the excitement of this summer's games with these titles that explore the history and spirit of the Olympics.




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Paralympic Power!

List created by GPL_Youth

Celebrate the XVII Paralympic Games this summer with these inspiring titles about the largest sports competition for athletes with an impairment worldwide.




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Read For the Gold!

List created by GPL_Adult

The Paris Olympics starts July 26 and ends on August 11, 2024. Even now players and teams are competing to determine who will go to Paris. The books below show some of Olympics history and also shine a light on inspiring biographies of individual athletes and teams.




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