Every successful summer reading program begins with a great theme. The most memorable ones happen when a community comes together to bring that theme to life.

That is exactly what happened at Hondo Public Library during this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” which explored paleontology, archaeology, genealogy, and hidden histories. Thanks to a chance encounter with a local archaeologist, library staff transformed the theme into an immersive experience where young patrons saw firsthand how modern technology is helping uncover the past.

The program became a perfect example of what is possible when libraries combine community partnerships, creative staff, and innovative technology.

A Community Partnership That Inspired Young Explorers

The opportunity began almost by accident.

While working on the Old D’Hanis Archaeological Mapping Project, Dr. Patricia “Trish” Markert, assistant professor of anthropology and historical archaeologist, stopped by Hondo Public Library after previously donating a model of the historic church site. During her visit, she offered to lead a program if the library was ever interested.

Library Director Elsie Purcell remembered that conversation when planning this year’s summer reading activities.

“We had already done archaeology, but we decided to do another day of it,” Purcell said. “It fit perfectly with the theme.”

Assistant Library Director Lareyna Cook had already developed an ambitious summer schedule for tweens and teens, offering four-hour programs four days each week. Dr. Markert’s presentation became one of the highlights.

Using the nearby archaeological project as a real-world classroom, she introduced participants to the tools archaeologists use to uncover and preserve history. Young attendees examined photographs, archaeological artifacts, and detailed 3D models while learning how drones, digital mapping, and 3D printing have transformed archaeological research.

Technology Made History Come Alive

The excitement grew when Dr. Markert led participants across the street for a live drone demonstration.

Instead of simply talking about aerial mapping, she flew the same drone used to document archaeological sites, explaining how it captures thousands of measurements that can be converted into detailed 3D models.

“It was much different,” Purcell said of the students’ reaction. “Normally they’re laid back and it’s not cool to get excited. But for this they asked a lot of questions. Real questions. Insightful questions.”

Those conversations impressed Dr. Markert as well, who later told the library the participants were “some of the best young archaeologists I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

The learning did not stop when the program ended. Dr. Markert donated additional educational resources to the library, including interactive 3D models, Google Earth activities, and a virtual archaeology game based on the Old D’Hanis project that students can continue exploring at home.

For Cook, the experience reinforced how technology can make history tangible.

“It was a good program for the kids,” she said. “They could see the actual site, learn how the drone collected data, and then connect that to the virtual game.”

Small Library, Big Opportunities

Although Hondo is a rural community of roughly 9,000 residents, the library consistently looks for ways to introduce emerging technology through its STEAM programming.

From robotics, coding, and 3D printing to cybersecurity, bookmobile outreach, and school partnerships, the library continually finds creative ways to connect technology with hands-on learning. The archaeology program fit naturally into that mission by showing students that technology is not only about the future. It can also help us better understand the past.

Building those opportunities takes strong relationships throughout the community.

“We have good relationships with locals,” Purcell said. “If you know your community and work together, opportunities like this happen.”

For Hondo Public Library, one conversation with a local archaeologist turned into an unforgettable summer reading experience. It also demonstrated something every library can learn from. When passionate community members share their expertise and library staff are ready to embrace new ideas, extraordinary learning experiences can happen, regardless of a library’s size.