“Relax and Read” is the theme for this year’s Children’s Summer Reading Program. The Friends of the Library sponsor this free, fun, educational, and motivational program for children, parents, and caregivers. Starting June 3rd thru August 24th, join us for a variety of reading activities and more designed to keep your child’s mind active this summer and help them succeed when they return to school in the fall!
Individual Reading Logs for ages 2-14
Children read (or have someone read) in 20-minute increments for a total of four hours. Children also visit the library to receive three stamps to earn a reward which includes a certificate for a free kid’s cone from the Dariette. Children sign up for their log at the Children’s Desk.
Early Literacy Log for Birth - 24 months
Earn a cloth bib for your child by doing fun activities with your little one to encourage growth & literacy development of important skills. Sign up for their log at the Children’s Desk.
Family Literacy Log
Complete 2 fun activities together each week for a chance to win a weekly giveaway. Activities include reading/playing together and using your imagination. Pick up a Family Literacy Log from the Children’s Desk
Graphic Novel Reading Challenge for ages 8-14
Join this popular reading challenge for ages 8 - 14. Read a Graphic Novel from the FDPL and enter to win a gift card to Target. Each book will be one entry. A lucky winner will be drawn weekly from Mid-June to Mid-August
Summer Exploration Game
Every Monday, the Lounging Legos Poster will be in a new spot with a new password. Explore the whole library to find it! Read the password on the poster and fill out an entry slip at the Children’s Desk with the correct password for a chance to win a weekly prize!
Quench Your Thirst Summer Estimation Jar
Our Summer Estimation Jar is filled with many ice cubes and lemon slices! Sharpen your estimation skills and submit your entry for how many items are in our jar. The child who submits the closest estimation will win a gift card to Target!
Library Lego Checkout Challenge
Children simply checkout library books with an adult present and they will be given a Lego cup to be added to our Lego World! Let's see what we can create together!
Summer Art Contest
Children can get creative and use their imagination to decorate their own Summer Reading Tree! Coloring sheets will be at the Children’s Desk for children to pick up, take home, and decorate. When completed entries are returned to the library, they will be displayed for everyone to enjoy. Our favorites will win a gift certificate to Target!
Children's Computer Games & Interactive Touch Tables
Vincent House Puppet Theater and Busy Blocks
Held on Tuesday mornings during June and July- special library guests will be visiting and performing! No ticket or registration is needed to attend the adventures. All children must be with an adult/parent.
June 11th- Dino O'Dell
Come listen to funny songs and stories about the moon and stars.
June 18th- Artist Tim Read
A fun morning of stories and art! Tim is the illustrator of the Very Silly Monster books and loves to draw while telling stories.
June 25th- Bubble Stations on the Lawn
A special bubble solution and wands of many shapes and sizes for everyone to enjoy. This event will be held outside.
July 2nd- Magician Makayla Oz
Back by popular demand! An interactive magic show!
July 9th- Fantastic Foam Show
Watch LOTS of foam with fantastic foam science experiments where the children are the stars!
Special Two-Day Week:
- July 16th- Iowa State Insect Zoo
Love our Earth, Love our bugs! Enjoy a hands-on, Bugtastic time!
- July 17th- Feller Express Dinosaurs
One of the favorite Adventures from last year! Have a prehistoric experience where you’ll meet life-size interactive dinosaurs! Bring your camera!
July 23rd- Magician Adam White
Adam White promises to bring lots of “Really cool magic tricks” Enjoy this interactive show!
Summer Storytime Registration began May 23rd. Children who are 2-6 years old may register. Listen to stories & rhymes, learn finger plays, and take the first early steps to literacy during Storytime.
Storytimes are held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30-11:00 and will run June 5th & 6th through June 26th & 27th.
New this year: Provide your email address and receive a weekly reminder for your registered day.
