Summer Reading kick-off for adults and teens We're bringing browsing back! Pick out books to start your summer reading during our second annual Browsing Party. Spend some time flipping through fiction and nonfiction books with refreshments, music,...
Summer Reading Program
Summer reading 2024 has now finished. Thank you to everyone who read with us. Check back next year for our next adventure!
Adventure Begins at Iowa City Public Library
May 28 - August 10, 2024
Stay busy this summer reading and attending events!
Available to readers of all ages and abilities, babies through adults. Participants will receive a gamecard to track their summer reading goals.
Prizes available starting Monday, June 3, 2024.
If you have time for a quick question, let us know how did you hear about the summer reading program?
Downloads
Resources
- Watch past programs on The Library Channel
- Learn how to log books with Beanstack's mobile app
Sponsors
A big thank you to the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation for sponsoring the prizes!
Come read with us!
Upcoming Events
All library patrons, regardless of age or neurodiversity can participate in our Summer Reading Programs. We will be happy to customize reading programs and activities to meet the individual needs of our patrons. Please contact Angela Pilkington for more information.
Upcoming events
Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 12:30pm
Digital Media Lab
For this 4-part series of workshops, we will explore tabletop game design! These are no-experience-required workshops that introduce attendees to making games with cards, dice, tokens, boards, or in the mind with plenty of rules! Part 1:...
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Your library has a Cricut Maker 3! Anyone interested in using the Cricut to create paper cut-outs, vinyl decals, iron-on designs, or other creations is invited to this introductory session. Stacey will walk us through the following: What you can...
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm
Zoom
You may have heard that water and electricity are required in big quantities for data centers, and that some activities like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are especially demanding. Learn more about how these systems work and discuss the...
Friday, June 6, 2025 - 2:30pm
Teen Center
Chill out after the last day of school with snow cones, minute to win games, add some art to our community project, and check out activities that will be happening all summer long at your library! Teen services staff will help you get signed up for...
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Using Adobe Illustrator, turn the phrase of your choice into a striking and legible sign that could be held at a rally or posted in a window of your home. Illustrator has text features that go beyond ordinary, flat lines of text. You can warp...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Elementary-age kids are invited to join us each Tuesday at 1:00 to learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe they haven’t tried before! We have experts from the community here to teach you the basics! Librarian Casey will kick off the...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 4:00pm
Storytime Room
Calling all science lovers in 3rd-6th grade! Every Tuesday from June 10 - July 22, join West High students Flora and Tina for hands-on activities about physics, the scientific study of matter and energy. Figure out how gravity works, experiment with...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 7:00pm
Zoom
To celebrate Pride Month, tonight's discussion will focus on fiction with LGBTQUI+ characters. Both the Adult and Young Adult fiction collections contain many great LGBT books. Cheek out these lists for some suggestions: https://bookriot.com/...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Color our world, and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe! Every Wednesday during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a new event where they can explore and experience unique cultures and traditions...
- 1 of 9
- next ›
Friday, May 30, 2025 - 5:00pm
Other
Summer Reading kick-off for adults and teens We're bringing browsing back! Pick out books to start your summer reading during our second annual Browsing Party. Spend some time flipping through fiction and nonfiction books with refreshments, music,...
Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 12:30pm
Digital Media Lab
For this 4-part series of workshops, we will explore tabletop game design! These are no-experience-required workshops that introduce attendees to making games with cards, dice, tokens, boards, or in the mind with plenty of rules! Part 1:...
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Your library has a Cricut Maker 3! Anyone interested in using the Cricut to create paper cut-outs, vinyl decals, iron-on designs, or other creations is invited to this introductory session. Stacey will walk us through the following: What you can...
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm
Zoom
You may have heard that water and electricity are required in big quantities for data centers, and that some activities like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are especially demanding. Learn more about how these systems work and discuss the...
Friday, June 6, 2025 - 2:30pm
Teen Center
Chill out after the last day of school with snow cones, minute to win games, add some art to our community project, and check out activities that will be happening all summer long at your library! Teen services staff will help you get signed up for...
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Using Adobe Illustrator, turn the phrase of your choice into a striking and legible sign that could be held at a rally or posted in a window of your home. Illustrator has text features that go beyond ordinary, flat lines of text. You can warp...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Elementary-age kids are invited to join us each Tuesday at 1:00 to learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe they haven’t tried before! We have experts from the community here to teach you the basics! Librarian Casey will kick off the...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 4:00pm
Storytime Room
Calling all science lovers in 3rd-6th grade! Every Tuesday from June 10 - July 22, join West High students Flora and Tina for hands-on activities about physics, the scientific study of matter and energy. Figure out how gravity works, experiment with...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 7:00pm
Zoom
To celebrate Pride Month, tonight's discussion will focus on fiction with LGBTQUI+ characters. Both the Adult and Young Adult fiction collections contain many great LGBT books. Cheek out these lists for some suggestions: https://bookriot.com/...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Color our world, and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe! Every Wednesday during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a new event where they can explore and experience unique cultures and traditions...
- 1 of 9
- next ›
Friday, May 30, 2025 - 5:00pm
Other
Summer Reading kick-off for adults and teens We're bringing browsing back! Pick out books to start your summer reading during our second annual Browsing Party. Spend some time flipping through fiction and nonfiction books with refreshments, music,...
Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 12:30pm
Digital Media Lab
For this 4-part series of workshops, we will explore tabletop game design! These are no-experience-required workshops that introduce attendees to making games with cards, dice, tokens, boards, or in the mind with plenty of rules! Part 1:...
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Your library has a Cricut Maker 3! Anyone interested in using the Cricut to create paper cut-outs, vinyl decals, iron-on designs, or other creations is invited to this introductory session. Stacey will walk us through the following: What you can...
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm
Zoom
You may have heard that water and electricity are required in big quantities for data centers, and that some activities like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are especially demanding. Learn more about how these systems work and discuss the...
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Using Adobe Illustrator, turn the phrase of your choice into a striking and legible sign that could be held at a rally or posted in a window of your home. Illustrator has text features that go beyond ordinary, flat lines of text. You can warp...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 7:00pm
Zoom
To celebrate Pride Month, tonight's discussion will focus on fiction with LGBTQUI+ characters. Both the Adult and Young Adult fiction collections contain many great LGBT books. Cheek out these lists for some suggestions: https://bookriot.com/...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Led by Amanda Cawthorn, a tribally-enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, learn what a powwow is and why they are important. Take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and tastes of an Oneida powwow as you explore different types of dance and...
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 12:00pm
Zoom
Not sure how you'll choose books for the Summer Reading Program? In a reading rut? We can help! Join Stacey to learn how to find read-alikes for books and authors you've loved in the library's catalog, digitally browse the newest...
Sunday, June 15, 2025 - 12:30pm
Digital Media Lab
For this 4-part series of workshops, we will explore tabletop game design! These are no-experience-required workshops that introduce attendees to making games with cards, dice, tokens, boards, or in the mind with plenty of rules! Part 2: Card games...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Learn about lucha libre, the fast-paced, high-flying sport of Mexican professional wrestling, from Iowa's own masked lucha libre superstar, Latin Thunder! Latin Thunder will share stories, demonstrate some moves, answer questions, sign...
- 1 of 4
- next ›
Friday, May 30, 2025 - 5:00pm
Other
Summer Reading kick-off for adults and teens We're bringing browsing back! Pick out books to start your summer reading during our second annual Browsing Party. Spend some time flipping through fiction and nonfiction books with refreshments, music,...
Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 12:30pm
Digital Media Lab
For this 4-part series of workshops, we will explore tabletop game design! These are no-experience-required workshops that introduce attendees to making games with cards, dice, tokens, boards, or in the mind with plenty of rules! Part 1:...
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Your library has a Cricut Maker 3! Anyone interested in using the Cricut to create paper cut-outs, vinyl decals, iron-on designs, or other creations is invited to this introductory session. Stacey will walk us through the following: What you can...
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm
Zoom
You may have heard that water and electricity are required in big quantities for data centers, and that some activities like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are especially demanding. Learn more about how these systems work and discuss the...
Friday, June 6, 2025 - 2:30pm
Teen Center
Chill out after the last day of school with snow cones, minute to win games, add some art to our community project, and check out activities that will be happening all summer long at your library! Teen services staff will help you get signed up for...
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Using Adobe Illustrator, turn the phrase of your choice into a striking and legible sign that could be held at a rally or posted in a window of your home. Illustrator has text features that go beyond ordinary, flat lines of text. You can warp...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Led by Amanda Cawthorn, a tribally-enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, learn what a powwow is and why they are important. Take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and tastes of an Oneida powwow as you explore different types of dance and...
Sunday, June 15, 2025 - 12:30pm
Digital Media Lab
For this 4-part series of workshops, we will explore tabletop game design! These are no-experience-required workshops that introduce attendees to making games with cards, dice, tokens, boards, or in the mind with plenty of rules! Part 2: Card games...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Learn about lucha libre, the fast-paced, high-flying sport of Mexican professional wrestling, from Iowa's own masked lucha libre superstar, Latin Thunder! Latin Thunder will share stories, demonstrate some moves, answer questions, sign...
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing and meditation. It originated as a martial art but has evolved into a holistic exercise known for its health benefits. In this beginner-friendly...
- 1 of 3
- next ›
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Elementary-age kids are invited to join us each Tuesday at 1:00 to learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe they haven’t tried before! We have experts from the community here to teach you the basics! Librarian Casey will kick off the...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 4:00pm
Storytime Room
Calling all science lovers in 3rd-6th grade! Every Tuesday from June 10 - July 22, join West High students Flora and Tina for hands-on activities about physics, the scientific study of matter and energy. Figure out how gravity works, experiment with...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Color our world, and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe! Every Wednesday during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a new event where they can explore and experience unique cultures and traditions...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Led by Amanda Cawthorn, a tribally-enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, learn what a powwow is and why they are important. Take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and tastes of an Oneida powwow as you explore different types of dance and...
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Join circus performer Sam Rezz with her dazzling show of hula hoops, juggling, and more! People of all ages will enjoy the family-friendly entertainment and audience interaction in every show! From aerial and hula hoop to contact juggling and fire,...
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Join circus performer Sam Rezz with her dazzling show of hula hoops, juggling, and more! People of all ages will enjoy the family-friendly entertainment and audience interaction in every show! From aerial and hula hoop to contact juggling and fire,...
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 4:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Tweens, dive into summer with a fin-tastic hangout involving sparkling ocean-themed slime; a sandy seaside message in a bottle; an upcycled, glowing coral reef craft; and a fish-themed snack mix. Get ready to shell-ebrate in style! This program is...
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Elementary-age kids are invited to join us each Tuesday at 1:00 to learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe they haven’t tried before! We have experts from the community here to teach you the basics! Stevie Toomey, artist and owner...
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 4:00pm
Storytime Room
Calling all science lovers in 3rd-6th grade! Every Tuesday from June 10 - July 22, join West High students Flora and Tina for hands-on activities about physics, the scientific study of matter and energy. Figure out how gravity works, experiment with...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Color our world, and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe! Every Wednesday during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a new event where they can explore and experience unique cultures and traditions...
- 1 of 6
- next ›
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Your library has a Cricut Maker 3! Anyone interested in using the Cricut to create paper cut-outs, vinyl decals, iron-on designs, or other creations is invited to this introductory session. Stacey will walk us through the following: What you can...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Elementary-age kids are invited to join us each Tuesday at 1:00 to learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe they haven’t tried before! We have experts from the community here to teach you the basics! Librarian Casey will kick off the...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Color our world, and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe! Every Wednesday during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a new event where they can explore and experience unique cultures and traditions...
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Led by Amanda Cawthorn, a tribally-enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, learn what a powwow is and why they are important. Take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and tastes of an Oneida powwow as you explore different types of dance and...
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Join circus performer Sam Rezz with her dazzling show of hula hoops, juggling, and more! People of all ages will enjoy the family-friendly entertainment and audience interaction in every show! From aerial and hula hoop to contact juggling and fire,...
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Join circus performer Sam Rezz with her dazzling show of hula hoops, juggling, and more! People of all ages will enjoy the family-friendly entertainment and audience interaction in every show! From aerial and hula hoop to contact juggling and fire,...
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Elementary-age kids are invited to join us each Tuesday at 1:00 to learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe they haven’t tried before! We have experts from the community here to teach you the basics! Stevie Toomey, artist and owner...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 1:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Color our world, and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe! Every Wednesday during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a new event where they can explore and experience unique cultures and traditions...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Learn about lucha libre, the fast-paced, high-flying sport of Mexican professional wrestling, from Iowa's own masked lucha libre superstar, Latin Thunder! Latin Thunder will share stories, demonstrate some moves, answer questions, sign...
Thursday, June 19, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Comedian and Magician Jonathan May entertains audiences of all ages and sizes, with a magic show that is awe-inspiring for children, while still engaging and entertaining the adults in the audience. You'll Laugh, you'll Ooooh and you'...
- 1 of 5
- next ›
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Led by Amanda Cawthorn, a tribally-enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, learn what a powwow is and why they are important. Take in the vibrant colors, sounds, and tastes of an Oneida powwow as you explore different types of dance and...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Learn about lucha libre, the fast-paced, high-flying sport of Mexican professional wrestling, from Iowa's own masked lucha libre superstar, Latin Thunder! Latin Thunder will share stories, demonstrate some moves, answer questions, sign...
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing and meditation. It originated as a martial art but has evolved into a holistic exercise known for its health benefits. In this beginner-friendly...
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Known for her vibrant paintings of landscapes, plants, and animals, Maud Lewis' iconic folk art is celebrated around the world. In addition to creating paintings for sale, Lewis also covered the inside of her 100-square-foot tiny home with...
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Casey leads ukulele music, singing, instruments, and movement. All Abilities Club programs are designed for those who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities, offering an inclusive, lower-stimulation, and...
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - 12:00pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
The Iowa State University’s Insect Zoo is bringing some of their fascinating bugs to the library! Drop in anytime between 12-12:30 to hold and see more than 100 species of LIVE insects. All ages welcome! Knowledgeable Insect Zoo staff will talk...
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Kathy and other volunteers from our local K9 Ambassador program, sponsored by the lowa City Dog Obedience Club, will use handpicked dogs to help teach attendees about dog safety and etiquette. Following an educational presentation, enjoy tricks and...
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Get hands-on with exciting science experiments led by the UI Science Booster Club! All Abilities Club programs are designed for those who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities, offering an inclusive, lower-...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Create your own unique, colorful bouquet of local blooms when Kara Krapfl of Lovely Bunches Farm teaches us the thoughtful, meditative art of flower arranging. All Abilities Club programs are designed for those who are neurodivergent, or who...
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
We’ll start with a dance party, including following along to “Just Dance” choreography on the big screen; then shift gears way down with some relaxing, sensory craft stations, including play-doh, coloring, and scratch art. All Abilities Club...