2024 Summer Reading Program
June 3rd – July 19th
Programs for both Early Literacy (Birth through Preschool) and Children (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)
Read to Earn Prizes!
For summer 2024, we’re challenging you to a board game.
Pick up your log to “START” and then follow the board game one space at a time to complete the challenges.
Finish the board to earn raffle tickets (up to 5) and a free book to keep!
Take a look at this year’s raffle prizes:
Summer Reading Events
Please note the LOCATION of each program so you don’t miss it by going to the wrong place. More details about each program can be found in our Calendar.
Story Time – Ages 5 and under
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Library Children’s Department
Messy Art Wednesdays
Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
June 5 – July 17
Library Meeting Rooms
Conservation Chat
Tuesdays, June 4th – July 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Note: not held on July 2
Starlight Story Time
Monday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Dino O’Dell: Adventures in Outer Space
Thursday, June 13th at 1:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Strolling Stories
2nd Friday of the Month at 9:00 a.m.
June 14, July 12, August 9
Main Gate at Central Gardens
Will Stuck: Adventure in the Absurd
Monday, June 17th at 10:30 a.m.
Library Meeting Room
Interactive Movie: Strange World (2023)
Monday, June 24th at 1:00 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Blank Park Zoo
Thursday, June 27th at 10:30 a.m.
Library Meeting Room
Meet a Garbage Truck
Tuesday, July 9th at 10:30 a.m.
Library Meeting Room
Meet the Reptiles
Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Library Meeting Room
ISU Clover Kids
*Registration Required*
6 Sessions – Tuesdays & Thursdays
July 30 – August 8
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Library Meeting Room
Story Time in the Gardens
Wednesdays in August at 10:30am
Central Gardens of North Iowa
Thank you to our partners for making
Summer Reading special!
The Library’s Summer Reading Program is graciously sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Funding is mostly raised through their memberships and the used book sales at the library.
Learn more about the Friends of the Library by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I sign up?
A: You can register your child(ren) at the Children’s Desk downstairs in the library starting June 3rd!
Q: Can I register online?
A: Not this year. Because of how our program is structured, it’s not conducive to online tracking. Stop by the desk to register!
Q: Why read during the summer?
A: On average, children lose about two months (!) worth of learning over the summer if they don’t read. It’s nicknamed the “Summer Slide” and can accumulate over the years. That means that by middle school, if a child doesn’t work to retain what they’ve learned, they could be more than 2 years behind their classmates! The good news is: Summer Slide can be prevented! Reading (for enjoyment!) just 20 minutes a day helps children retain what they’ve learned throughout the school year and helps them to start their fall semester more successful. This is especially important this year as students will be away from their classrooms longer.
Reading isn’t the only way to beat the summer slide: try cooking, planting a garden or listening to audio books!
Q: Can I complete the program more than once?
A: No. Each participant may only complete their program once over the course of the summer.
Q: Do we need to be present to win the prize drawings?
A: No. We will do the grand prize drawings during the last week of July, after the program has ended. If you win, you will be notified to pick up the prize at the library. Prizes not picked up by the end of August are forfeited.
