Summer Reading Program

Adventure begins at Iowa City Public Library - child reading in a tent at sunset

ICPL Reads

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.

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 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

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
try this: artificial intelligence

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

You need first-hand experience with AI to fully understand the hype! In this workshop, we'll generate text, images, and music with various online tools.  You'll leave with a better ability to identify AI-created content and ideas for how you might...

Adults Teens Classes & Workshops Science & Technology

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 - 10:30am

Storytime Room

Join us in the Storytime Room for Summertime Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30am. The Storytime librarian will vary each week, and every day is open to all ages! Catch the all-ages Thrilling Thursday programs at a...

Kids Babies 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 - 10:00am

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mikayla Oz is one of the best magicians in Iowa! She offers unique performances that combine fresh, new magic tricks with amazing sleight of hand techniques, all delivered with her engaging and welcoming personality. In her show you will see thing...

Tweens Kids Families

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mikayla Oz is one of the best magicians in Iowa! She offers unique performances that combine fresh, new magic tricks with amazing sleight of hand techniques, all delivered with her engaging and welcoming personality. In her show you will see thing...

Tweens Kids Families

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

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 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

try this: artificial intelligence

You need first-hand experience with AI to fully understand the hype! In this workshop, we'll generate text, images, and music with various online tools.  You'll leave with a better ability to identify AI-created content and ideas for how you...

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 - 10:30am

Storytime Room

Join us in the Storytime Room for Summertime Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30am. The Storytime librarian will vary each week, and every day is open to all ages! Catch the all-ages Thrilling Thursday programs at...

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 - 10:00am

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mikayla Oz is one of the best magicians in Iowa! She offers unique performances that combine fresh, new magic tricks with amazing sleight of hand techniques, all delivered with her engaging and welcoming personality.

In her show you will...

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mikayla Oz is one of the best magicians in Iowa! She offers unique performances that combine fresh, new magic tricks with amazing sleight of hand techniques, all delivered with her engaging and welcoming personality.

In her show you will...

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...

Thursday, June 27, 2024 - 6:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

try this: daily documentarian kick-off

This July, explore different ways to record your days and find meaning in the details!

We’ll discuss different methods of daily record keeping, journaling, and creative acts, with a focus on simple and unique ways to both document and...

Thursday, June 27, 2024 - 6:00pm

Digital Media Lab

Do you knit, crochet, spin, punch needle, embroider?  Bring your current project and join us the last Thursday of the month for an evening of conversation and fiber arts of all kinds.  Whether you're new the hobby or a seasoned veteran, all...

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - 11:00am

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Try this: tai chi

As part of the Adult Summer Reading Program, local Taiji instructor Heaiming Chen of Four Hands Taiji, will lead us through an introduction to Taiji.

Tai Chi (or Taiji) is a gentle, low-impact exercise that combines physical movement,...

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 - 6:00pm

Meeting Room A

Stop by to make the candle of your dreams! We’ll be melting and pouring soy wax into small glass containers, then personalizing with color, scent, shimmer, and sparkles! Cotton and wood wicks, wick anchors, scent, and glittery goodness will be...

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...

Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

try this: photoshop's essential fixes

Learn how to use the library's Photoshop subscription to correct lighting, repair imperfections, and remove unwanted objects from your photos.

Please register for a library computer with Photoshop or bring your own.

Instructor:...

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.

Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

try this: create a tunnel book

Make a 3D piece of art using folded paper and the library's Cricut!

You'll have your choice of using this ready-made toadstool design or customizing your own design from scratch by attaching any shapes to the circular opening on each sheet...

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...

Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

try this: photoshop's essential fixes

Learn how to use the library's Photoshop subscription to correct lighting, repair imperfections, and remove unwanted objects from your photos.

Please register for a library computer with Photoshop or bring your own.

Instructor:...

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.

Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

try this: create a tunnel book

Make a 3D piece of art using folded paper and the library's Cricut!

You'll have your choice of using this ready-made toadstool design or customizing your own design from scratch by attaching any shapes to the circular opening on each sheet...

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - 2:00pm

Meeting Room A

***TIME IS 2:00 PM! 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...

Thursday, July 25, 2024 - 6:00pm

Digital Media Lab

Do you knit, crochet, spin, punch needle, embroider?  Bring your current project and join us the last Thursday of the month for an evening of conversation and fiber arts of all kinds.  Whether you're new the hobby or a seasoned veteran, all...

Saturday, July 27, 2024 - 10:00am

Meeting Room A

try this: board games

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned gamer, join us to explore a range of the board games available today.

We'll have board games like Calico, Azul, and Splendor available to try and people to teach you how to play, but you're also...

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 6:30pm

Digital Media Lab

try this: lego printmaking

LEGO bricks + ink + paper = a customized work of art!

LEGO Dots have a smooth top that's perfect for printmaking, even if that wasn't their intent.  You'll lay the pieces out in custom designs and we'll help you print it onto paper.

...

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.

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 - 10:00am

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mikayla Oz is one of the best magicians in Iowa! She offers unique performances that combine fresh, new magic tricks with amazing sleight of hand techniques, all delivered with her engaging and welcoming personality.

In her show you will...

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 1:00pm

Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mikayla Oz is one of the best magicians in Iowa! She offers unique performances that combine fresh, new magic tricks with amazing sleight of hand techniques, all delivered with her engaging and welcoming personality.

In her show you will...

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 - 10:30am

Storytime Room

Join us in the Storytime Room for Summertime Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30am. The Storytime librarian will vary each week, and every day is open to all ages! Catch the all-ages Thrilling Thursday programs at...

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...

Monday, June 17, 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...

Monday, June 17, 2024 - 10:30am

Storytime Room

Join us in the Storytime Room for Summertime Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30am. The Storytime librarian will vary each week, and every day is open to all ages! Catch the all-ages Thrilling Thursday programs at...