Libraries Rock!, the 2018 Summer Reading Program, started on June 1 with nearly 950 young readers enrolled in our children's, babies and toddlers program. That number continues to grow, with people signing up every day online, at the Library and on the Bookmobile. As of today, we have nearly 2000 elementary school students, preschoolers, toddlers and babies enrolled in Libraries Rock! Have you registered yet?
Learn more about this year's Summer Reading Program by checking out our 2018 Kids Activity Booklet that includes every single children's program and event happening at the Library this summer.
Be sure to visit YouTube to watch our librarians rock out to an original song, written by our very own Miss Casey, that celebrates all things summer reading.
Talk your parents and older siblings into signing up for the Summer Reading Program, too. We have activities at the teen and adult level. After all, reading is good for everyone!
Summer Reading Program Special Access for all ages
For almost two years, the Library has opened its doors an hour early on select Saturdays so individuals with autism and their families can enjoy the Library in a calm and welcoming environment.
This summer, we will extend our Special Access program to include Summer Reading Program activities:
June 8, 3 to 4 p.m. in the Tween Space -- Try it Out Friday: Watercolors
June 11, 4 to 6 p.m. in the Storytime Room -- Monday Matinee: The Incredibles
June 12, 3 to 4 p.m. in the Storytime Room -- Game On!: Just Dance Marathon
July 6, 3 to 4 p.m. in Meeting Room A -- Try It Out Friday: Yoga
July 11, 3 to 4 p.m. in the Storytime Room -- World Wednesday: Japanese Koinobori
July 14, 9 to 10 a.m. -- Special Access Browsing at ICPL
July 16, 4 to 6 p.m. in the Storytime Room -- Monday Matinee: How to Train Your Dragon
July 19, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A -- Mad Mixture with the Grout Museum
August 2, 4 to 5 p.m. in Meeting Room A -- SRP Kids: All Ages Lego Play
Celebrate Pride Month with ICPL!
The Iowa
City Public Library is proud to celebrate the LGBTQ community every month, but we
have a few special activities planned in honor of Pride Month.
Look for the Library's Book Cart Drill Team in the Pride Parade, happening at noon on Saturday, June 16, in downtown Iowa City. After the parade, come to the Library to make several fun crafts that will show your LGBTQ pride.
Our Family Storytime on Saturday, June 30, will celebrate Pride Month with a special Drag Storytime Party. Fun costumes are encouraged and we will have silly props available as we read LGBTQ stories and sing and dance with some local drag kings and queens. Designed for the whole family and presented at a time convenient for most working parents, this Family Storytime will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A.
LGBTQIA+ picture books for young readers
June is the American
Library Association's GLBT Book Month. This is a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
Here are some of
Miss Casey's favorite picture books that discuss family make-up, gender identity and sex roles as well as a
few reassuring titles encouraging children to be and love themselves:
