Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
Summer Reading Program
Color our world this summer
May 27 - August 9, 2025
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 9, 2025. Children's prizes include gift certificates for Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa Children's Museum as well as a free book! Adults and teens can get a coupon for a free book at The Book End bookstore and be entered into the grand prize drawings for a downtown gift card.
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!
Color your world!
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 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...
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Part man, part dog, all hero! Dog Man will be showing in the Storytime room! Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing. 周五影院 - 《狗神》 每周五来到我们的日间影院，躲避一会儿盛夏的阳光吧！
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Can you angst like Fall Out Boy, or hold that existential dreaded note like My Chemical Romance? Well even if you can’t, come and compete in our first ever karaoke contest. Winner receives a $10 gift card.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
The Gullah Geechee culture is unique to the African American experience. Learn about their legacy and enjoy a recipe inspired by this community.
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...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Ever wondered how tortillas are made? Join Manny Galvez for an interactive class where you will learn the art of making fresh tortillas by hand. Discover the deep cultural roots of this staple in Mexican cuisine while shaping, pressing, and cooking...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Every Monday in the summer we will be hosting games and activities! Join us today for life-size games! 暑期周一活动日：巨型游戏
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 3:00pm
Teen Center
Can you sizzle on the microphone like SZA, or rhyme as well as Kendrick? Well even if you can’t, come and compete in our first ever karaoke contest. Winner receives a $10 gift card.
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Friday, June 13, 2025 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
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...
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Part man, part dog, all hero! Dog Man will be showing in the Storytime room! Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing. 周五影院 - 《狗神》 每周五来到我们的日间影院，躲避一会儿盛夏的阳光吧！
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Can you angst like Fall Out Boy, or hold that existential dreaded note like My Chemical Romance? Well even if you can’t, come and compete in our first ever karaoke contest. Winner receives a $10 gift card.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
The Gullah Geechee culture is unique to the African American experience. Learn about their legacy and enjoy a recipe inspired by this community.
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...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Ever wondered how tortillas are made? Join Manny Galvez for an interactive class where you will learn the art of making fresh tortillas by hand. Discover the deep cultural roots of this staple in Mexican cuisine while shaping, pressing, and cooking...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Every Monday in the summer we will be hosting games and activities! Join us today for life-size games! 暑期周一活动日：巨型游戏
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 3:00pm
Teen Center
Can you sizzle on the microphone like SZA, or rhyme as well as Kendrick? Well even if you can’t, come and compete in our first ever karaoke contest. Winner receives a $10 gift card.
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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...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 6:30pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C
Join us to add some color to your world in the form of the nail polish of your dreams! We'll have supplies on hand, including suspension coats, liquid colors, powdered-mineral pigments, and sparkles and shimmers. We'll learn a little about...
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - 7:00pm
Zoom
The Iowa Writers Workshop began at the University of Iowa in 1936 and has produced many well known writers. In the last 80 years there are hundreds of published works by graduates of the Workshop in a wide range of genre. Pick some of your favorites...
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...
Saturday, June 28, 2025 - 10:00am
Other
As part of the "Color Our World" Summer Reading Program, the UI Stanley Museum of Art will be hosting a special version of their Blue Tour just for Adult Summer Reading Program participants. Surveys have shown that blue is the world's favorite...
Sunday, June 29, 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 3: Game boards...
Monday, June 30, 2025 - 6:30pm
Digital Media Lab
Bring in a couple of your paperback books with misleading or unpleasant cover designs, and we'll create custom book jackets! After measuring your book, we'll use Canva to make a template you can fill with their clip art, background images you find...
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Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Can you angst like Fall Out Boy, or hold that existential dreaded note like My Chemical Romance? Well even if you can’t, come and compete in our first ever karaoke contest. Winner receives a $10 gift card.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
The Gullah Geechee culture is unique to the African American experience. Learn about their legacy and enjoy a recipe inspired by this community.
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...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Ever wondered how tortillas are made? Join Manny Galvez for an interactive class where you will learn the art of making fresh tortillas by hand. Discover the deep cultural roots of this staple in Mexican cuisine while shaping, pressing, and cooking...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 3:00pm
Teen Center
Can you sizzle on the microphone like SZA, or rhyme as well as Kendrick? Well even if you can’t, come and compete in our first ever karaoke contest. Winner receives a $10 gift card.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
These are so adorable you’ll want to eat them…but don’t because they’re made of clay. They make a perfect gift or keep them all to yourself!
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 3:00pm
Digital Media Lab
Craft a one-of-a-kind vinyl photo frame with personalized pictures with the help of the Cricut.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 1:00pm
Teen Center
Johnson County Ambulance will have qualified staff to cover ‘hands only’ CPR, AED instruction, stop the bleed, Narcan administration and an overview of the PulsePoint app. This will not result in certification.
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 18, 2025 - 3:00pm
Teen Center
This sustainable craft transforms old newspapers into adorable decorations. Creativebug will walk us through creating a super cute paper mache tray.
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Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Part man, part dog, all hero! Dog Man will be showing in the Storytime room! Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing. 周五影院 - 《狗神》 每周五来到我们的日间影院，躲避一会儿盛夏的阳光吧！
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...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 4:00pm
Storytime Room
Calling all science lovers in 3rd-6th grade! Every Wednesday from June 11 - July 16, 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...
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'...
Thursday, June 19, 2025 - 1:00pm
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'...
Friday, June 20, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced. Take a break from the summer sun and join us...
Tuesday, June 24, 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! Mireu Martial Arts provides...
Wednesday, June 25, 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...
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Friday, June 13, 2025 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Part man, part dog, all hero! Dog Man will be showing in the Storytime room! Take a break from the summer sun and join us every Friday for a matinee movie showing. 周五影院 - 《狗神》 每周五来到我们的日间影院，躲避一会儿盛夏的阳光吧！
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Storytime Room
Every Monday in the summer we will be hosting games and activities! Join us today for life-size games! 暑期周一活动日：巨型游戏
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
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 - 10:30am
Storytime Room
Join us in the Storytime Room for Summer Storytime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 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...
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 10
- next ›
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...
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...