Imagine Your Story this summer with our annual summer reading (and more!) program. Our program starts Monday, June 1, this year and runs through Saturday, Aug. 8. All ages can sign up and participate just by logging your books and the ICPL programs you participate in.
Sign up online via Beanstack starting today, print out a PDF of the summer reading log or watch your mailbox for a special mailer. To complete the Summer Reading Program, log all your books you read over the summer online or on the paper reading log. When you complete the program, you will be entered into our grand prize drawings that will take place in August. You can also repeat the program three times as bonus levels for additional entries into the drawing.
All ages an also participate in a wide variety of programs this summer online. Find all of our programs for kids, tweens, teens and adults on our calendar of events.
For more information including our Summer Reading video, virtual program fun and more for all ages, please check us out at srp.icpl.org !
You can also log your reading online using the Beanstack app.
Beginning June 4th, the Iowa City Public Library will offer Curbside Holds Pickup service. Curbside Holds Pickup will first be available for those with materials already on Hold. Community members with Holds currently available have the option to sign-up for a scheduled time for Curbside Holds Pickup or request their items be sent to their home via US Mail. Curbside Holds Pickup will be offered Mondays-Fridays 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These times may change as the service develops.
Iowa City Public Library staff continue to provide programs and services online and over the phone during operating hours with a variety of virtual programming options available. Director Elsworth Carman says, “We want to thank patrons in advance for their patience and flexibility as we establish new workflows and practices.”
More information about this service can be found here.
Belly Babies Virtual Event coming June 13th
Are you expecting a baby? Belly Babies is a special library event for expecting parents.
Join us for a Virtual Belly Babies on Saturday, June 13th from 1-2:45pm. We’ll plan on having 20-25 minutes of discussion, and then open up for questions after each session.
Can’t stay for the whole program or you are unable to meet at this time? No worries, this program will be recorded and posted on the Iowa City Public Library’s website for future viewing.
Please register here to receive the Zoom link for this event.
Topics will include...
Reading Ritual
We’ll explore the importance of language and literacy skills before birth. You will learn about our Belly Baby “READS” program and will receive a free book for signing up! You’ll also receive a second book prize for practicing read-alouds to your belly when you complete the program.
Babywearing
Interested in wearing your baby? Nikki Hines, from the group AP Babywearing, Iowa City, will talk about the art of baby wearing. Nikki will demonstrate for you how to wear a variety of baby carriers.
Doulas
What is a doula? Is hiring a Doula right for me? Doulas are trained to provide emotional and physical support before, during and after labor. Meet Doula Kimberly Hendricks from Beloved Bonds & Bodyworks.
Breastfeeding and Support
Interested in the art of nursing? Meet lactation consultant Kimberly Hendricks form Beloved Bonds & Bodyworks. She will share valuable tips, information and answer questions you have about breastfeeding.
Celebrate Pride with Books!
June is here and Pride Month is already in full swing! Browse these book lists made by Children's Librarians for some great title suggestions.
Celebrate Pride 2020: LGBTQIA+ Book Recommendations for Young Readers compiled by Casey
In this list you'll find books discussing family make-up, gender identity, and sex roles as well as a few reassuring titles encouraging children to be and love themselves. This list has been put together with children and families ranging from birth through second grade in mind.
If you would like to find more titles like these in our catalog, the following are some recommended search terms: LGBTQ, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender Noncomformity, Gender Expression, Transgender People, Gay Pride, Social Acceptance, Individuality, and Sex Role. Another way is to find a title you like and click the hyperlinked subject headings within the title description. For more help finding great LGBTQIA+ titles for kids feel free to ask a librarian!
Read With Pride!: LGBTQIA-Inclusive Books for 3rd-6th Grade Readers complied by Anne
In honor of Pride Month, pick up these titles that include LGBTQIA characters with a message of acceptance and positivity. Whether explicitly focused on the age-appropriate exploration of LGBTQIA issues, or simply including representation of LGBTQIA characters as a matter of course, what these books have in common is that they're all great stories you'll love!
Craft To-Go Kits Coming Soon
The Summer Reading Program theme "Imagine Your Story" explores all kinds of Fairytales, Mythology, and Fantasy. All summer long we will create fun crafts highlighting some wonderful creatures from fantastical stories in easy to-go kits that can be mailed to your house or picked up curbside.
Register for Sunday Fun Day Craft-To-Go Kits from the events listed on our calendar. Kits can be mailed via US Mail or picked up curbside. Curbside Crafts-To-Go Kits Pickup will be offered Mondays-Fridays 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These times may change as the service develops. Please register for pick up at least one day before your desired pickup slot and allow several days for mail delivery. Limit to one kit per child in a household. A new craft kit will be offered every Monday and be available until Saturday or as supplies last, so check out the calendar for new crafts weekly! Our first Craft To-Go kits can be found on our calendar.
Virtual Storytimes are one Click Away
Check out our Storytimes! Your Children’s Librarians are bringing you shortened versions of our favorite stories, rhymes and songs.
