This year’s Children’s Summer Reading Program is centered around the theme “Love to Read”! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, this free program offers a fun, educational, and engaging experience for children, parents, and caregivers alike.
From June 2nd through August 23rd, join us for a variety of reading activities and more, designed to keep young minds active during the summer and help children return to school ready to succeed.
Individual Reading Logs for Children, Tweens, and Teens 2–14.
Children read (or have someone read to them) in 20-minute sessions for a total of four hours. Children also need to visit the library three times to receive stamps. Once their log is complete, children will earn a reward which includes a certificate for a free kid’s cone at the Dariette.
Little's Log for Children Birth - 24 months
New Reward! Do fun activities with your little one to encourage growth & skills development and earn your choice of a free kid's cone at the Dariette or a board book for your child.
Family Activity Log
Complete 2 fun activities together each week for a chance to win a board game! Activities include things like reading and playing together. Pick up a Family Activity Log from the Children’s Desk.
Summer Exploration Game
Each Monday, the Flyaway Frankie poster will appear in a new location with a brand-new password. Search the library to find where it's hiding. Once you spot it, read the password and submit an entry slip with the correct word at the Children’s Desk for a chance to win a weekly prize!
Love Bugs Estimation Jar
Our summer estimation jar is packed with adorable insects and hearts. Put your guessing skills to the test and submit your best estimate of how many items are inside. The child with the closest guess will win a Target gift card!
Library Lego Checkout Challenge
When children ages 2-14 checkout a children's/juvenile library book with an adult present, they can get a cup of Legos they can add to our Lego World. Let's see what we can create together this summer!
Held on Tuesday mornings (and one special Wednesday) in June and July. Special library guests will be visiting and performing! No ticket or registration is needed but all children must be with an adult/parent.
June 10th: Laser Show
Discover the excitement of chemical reactions and see a high-powered laser in action with Absolute Science.
June 17th: Butterfly Encounter Tents
Experience butterflies up close in butterfly tents and at interactive educational tables.
June 24th: Bubble Stations on the Square
A special bubble solution and wands of many shapes and sizes for everyone to enjoy. This event will be held outside and is a come and go event from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Special Wednesday Adventure!
June 25th: Dino O'Dell
Come listen to funny songs and stories about Planet Earth and the unique cultures and geography of all seven con Oz
July 1st: Webster County Conservation
Join us for all things bugs and insects as we partner with Webster County Conservation.
July 8th: Bigger Bang Bubbles
Absolute Science's highly skilled bubbleologist will dazzle you with fire, bubble fog, and a nearly perfect bubble cube while taking ordinary bubbles to the extreme.
July 15th: Mikayla Oz, Magician
Magician Mikayla Oz and her incredible assistant Bubbles the Bird will amaze and entertain you with a nonstop blend of magic, music, and fun.
July 22nd: Bubble Stations on the Square
Double the bubbles! The special bubble solution and wands of many shapes and sizes will be back for a second time this summer. This event will be held outside and is a come and go event from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
July 29th: Spock's Sanctuary
Spock's Sanctuary, a Des Moines-based rescue organization dedicated to reptiles and amphibians will be bringing a variety of critters for you to meet up close, including animals such as snakes, geckos, large lizards, and turtles. This is a come and go event from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Graphic Novel Reading Challenge for Tweens and Teens 8-14
Join our popular reading challenge for ages 8 - 14. Read a graphic novel from the Library and enter to win a gift card to Target. Each book will be one entry. One lucky winner will be drawn weekly from Mid-June through Mid-August.
Summer Art Contest
Children ages 2-14 can get creative and use their imagination to decorate our bug friends. Coloring sheets will be at the Children’s Desk for them 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!
Grab your friends and family and get ready to build big with Magnatiles on the floor in the Children's Department on special Thursdays in June, July, and August. There’s no need to sign up, just drop in and join the fun. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with plenty of sharing and teamwork encouraged. This is a self-led activity, so grown-up supervision is a must for all builders.
Join us between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
June 12th, June 26th, July 10th, July 24th, August 7th, August 21st
