Summer Reading Program

ICPL summer reading program
Summer reading program 2023 has now finished. Check back next year for our next adventure!

ICPL Reads

June 1 - August 5, 2023

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.

Sign up starting June 1.

Track your reading online

If you have time for a quick question, let us know how did you hear about the summer reading program?

Downloads

Resources

Sponsors

A big thank you to ACT and 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

Friday, June 7, 2024 - 1:00pm

Storytime Room

Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing! A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic energy, comes...

Kids Families Movies

Monday, June 10, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Willow Creek Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend! We will be...

Kids Families Storytimes

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 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! Looking for a unique hobby to try...

Tweens Kids

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 7:00pm

Other

The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is one of seven awards awarded annualy by Columbia University. It recognizes distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life, published during the preceding calendar year.  Here is a...

Adults Book Discussion

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Wetherby Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend. We will be...

Kids Families Storytimes

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

On Wednesdays during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a different event every week to understand and experience cultures around the world! Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Brazil's iconic...

Kids Families

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities. Join us to play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of Squishmallow fan art by painting a mini...

Adults Teens Tweens Kids

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 4:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Do you love Squishmallows, the plush toy that's loved the world over for being super soft, huggable, round, and aodrable? We'll play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of custom Squishmallow fan art by painting in mini...

Tweens Arts & Crafting

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Mercer Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend. We will be...

Kids Families Storytimes

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 1:00pm

Storytime Room

Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing! Catch the original Inside Out just in time for the release of the sequel! After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her...

Kids Families Movies

Friday, June 7, 2024 - 1:00pm

Storytime Room

Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing!

A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic...

Monday, June 10, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Willow Creek Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend! We will...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 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!

Looking for a unique...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 7:00pm

Other

The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is one of seven awards awarded annualy by Columbia University. It recognizes distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life, published during the preceding calendar year. ...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Wetherby Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend. We will...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

On Wednesdays during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a different event every week to understand and experience cultures around the world!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Brazil's...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Join us to play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of Squishmallow fan art by...

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 4:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Do you love Squishmallows, the plush toy that's loved the world over for being super soft, huggable, round, and aodrable? We'll play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of custom Squishmallow fan art by painting in...

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Mercer Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend. We will...

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 1:00pm

Storytime Room

Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing!

Catch the original Inside Out just in time for the release of the sequel! After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 7:00pm

Other

The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is one of seven awards awarded annualy by Columbia University. It recognizes distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life, published during the preceding calendar year. ...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Join us to play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of Squishmallow fan art by...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Sparkles is an adaptive and inclusive cheer and dance team for students with and without disabilities. Join members of City High and UI Sparkles to watch a performance, learn some cheer terminology and movements, and learn a short cheer routine...

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A

Drop in for casual gaming using big, oversized versions of games like Connect 4, bowling, Jenga, UNO, and others.

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental...

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - 7:00pm

Other

Can you think of a better way to take a break from all the summer heat? Join the Let's Talk Books folks for a discussion of some of our favorite Holiday Reads!  Break out a few of your favorites and join us for the fun. 

Let's Talk Books...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Frosting and sprinkle choices will allow you to create a custom cookie to your taste! Then join in at craft stations including button making, beaded bracelet making, and more.

This program is intended for people of all ages who are...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Join Casey for ukulele music, singing, instruments, and movement.

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Saturday, July 20, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Are you a dissectologist? Do you love jigsaw puzzles? Join ICPL's Puzzle Palooza - a two-part event for adults as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program.  Doors open at 12:45.

The Puzzle Swap starts at 1:00pm. (Don't be late - swaps are...

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - 7:00pm

Other

Movies are often based on books. Sometimes they are well done and fans of the book become fans of the film. Other times the words "based on a book" are little more than borrowing of the plot. Missing characters, changed endings or unrecognizable...

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - 2:00pm

Meeting Room A

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

You've just been recruited as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift's new tour! Professional dance...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Join us to play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of Squishmallow fan art by...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Sparkles is an adaptive and inclusive cheer and dance team for students with and without disabilities. Join members of City High and UI Sparkles to watch a performance, learn some cheer terminology and movements, and learn a short cheer routine...

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A

Drop in for casual gaming using big, oversized versions of games like Connect 4, bowling, Jenga, UNO, and others.

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Frosting and sprinkle choices will allow you to create a custom cookie to your taste! Then join in at craft stations including button making, beaded bracelet making, and more.

This program is intended for people of all ages who are...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Join Casey for ukulele music, singing, instruments, and movement.

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - 2:00pm

Meeting Room A

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

You've just been recruited as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift's new tour! Professional dance...

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Join the UI Science Booster Club for some fun with hands-on scientific experimentation!

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Friday, June 7, 2024 - 1:00pm

Storytime Room

Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing!

A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic...

Monday, June 10, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Willow Creek Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend! We will...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 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!

Looking for a unique...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Wetherby Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend. We will...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

On Wednesdays during our Summer Reading Program, elementary-age kids are invited to join us for a different event every week to understand and experience cultures around the world!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Brazil's...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 2:30pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

This program is intended for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, or who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Join us to play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of Squishmallow fan art by...

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 4:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Do you love Squishmallows, the plush toy that's loved the world over for being super soft, huggable, round, and aodrable? We'll play Squishmallow bingo (with prizes!), then create a piece of custom Squishmallow fan art by painting in...

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 9:30am

Bookmobile, Mercer Park

Join us for Stories in the Park all summer long! Note the new Stories in the Park time at 9:30 to beat the midmorning heat! We will offer the same Storytime over the course of the week, so please choose one park location a week to attend. We will...

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 1:00pm

Storytime Room

Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing!

Catch the original Inside Out just in time for the release of the sequel! After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco...

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - 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!

Do you enjoy singing?...