Save the Dates: 2026 Summer Reading Program
June 15th – July 31st
Programs for both Early Literacy (Birth through Preschool) and Children (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)
Read to Earn Prizes!
For summer 2026, we’re challenging you to a game of BINGO!
For each row you complete on your BINGO board, you earn a brag tag.
Complete the board to earn a free book to keep and choose a prize out of the treasure box.
Summer Reading Events
All programs are located in the Library Meeting Room downstairs unless otherwise noted.
More details about each program can be found in our Calendar.
Story Time – Ages 5 and under
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Messy Art – all ages
Tuesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
June 16, 23, 30 // July 7, 14, 21, & 28
Window Greenhouse Kick-off
Monday, June 15 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Family Movie: Charlotte’s Web
Monday, June 22 at 1:00 p.m.
A Dinosaur is Loose at the Library!
Author Visit with Kelly Crull
Monday, June 29 at 1:00 p.m.
Farm Fresh Magic Show with Jeff Quinn
Monday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Butterfly Encounter (parking lot)
Thursday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Interactive Family Movie: The Lorax
Monday, July 27 at 1:00 p.m.
Look for more program announcements in the coming months!
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.
Join us at the North Iowa Fairgrounds during the Fair for the Iowa Storytelling Festival & Local Author Fair!
Saturday, August 1st
Olson Building
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 23rd!
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 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.
