Summer Reading Program
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
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
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 that will help you learn about physics, the scientific study of matter.
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 that will help you learn about physics, the scientific study of matter.
- 1 of 5
- next ›
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
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...
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 that will help you learn about physics, the scientific study of matter.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 that will help you learn about physics, the scientific study of matter.
- 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...
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,...
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...
Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 6:00pm
Digital Media Lab
Do you knit, crochet, spin, punch needle, embroider or do some other fiber arts activity? Bring your current work in progress and join us the last Thursday of each month for an evening of conversation and group crafting. Whether you're...
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-...
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...
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!
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 designed for those who are neurodivergent, or who...
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 6:00pm
Digital Media Lab
Do you knit, crochet, spin, punch needle, embroider or do some other fiber arts activity? Bring your current work in progress and join us the last Thursday of each month for an evening of conversation and group crafting. Whether you're...
- 1 of 2
- 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...
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,...
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...
Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 6:00pm
Digital Media Lab
Do you knit, crochet, spin, punch needle, embroider or do some other fiber arts activity? Bring your current work in progress and join us the last Thursday of each month for an evening of conversation and group crafting. Whether you're...
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-...
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...
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!
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 designed for those who are neurodivergent, or who...
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 6:00pm
Digital Media Lab
Do you knit, crochet, spin, punch needle, embroider or do some other fiber arts activity? Bring your current work in progress and join us the last Thursday of each month for an evening of conversation and group crafting. Whether you're...
- 1 of 2
- next ›
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
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...
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 that will help you learn about physics, the scientific study of matter.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 that will help you learn about physics, the scientific study of matter.
- 1 of 5
- next ›