The Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) is excited to announce the much-anticipated 2023 Summer Reading Program, which will run from June 1 to Aug. 5, 2023. A kickoff celebration, ABC Saturday (Arts, Books, & Children) at the Iowa Arts Festival, will be held on June 3 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the Ped Mall.
Interested participants can sign up in-person at the Library, at the Bookmobile, online through Beanstack, or by printing and submitting a PDF of the Summer Reading log found at icpl.org/srp starting June 1. The program welcomes readers of all ages - from infants to adults - and is entirely free of cost.
All ages will earn a free prize book when they turn in a completed game card at the Library or Bookmobile by August 5.
This event is produced by the Iowa City Public Library and sponsored by ACT. The Arts, Books & Children (ABC) Day is a feast for both kids and the young at heart!
Activities for this event, which takes place on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., are spread along the Ped Mall.
Features include Paint the Town, the ICPL Bookmobile, life-sized games, music, bubbles, crafts, art, and more! The Family Stage will offer family-friendly, entertaining programming all day on the Ped Mall Stage by the fountain.
The ICPL Bookmobile, your mobile gateway to literature, awaits your company in the park this summer, ready to offer a positive experience, whether you prefer Stories in the Park or the festive atmosphere of our Party in the Park program.
Stories in the Park Mark your calendar to gather with us on Mondays at Willow Creek Park, Wednesdays at Wetherby Park, and Fridays at Mercer Park. Our gatherings commence promptly at 10:30 a.m. and are filled with captivating stories, rhymes, lively music, and much more!
Party in the Park Unleash your festive spirit every Thursday starting June 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as we invite you to revel with the energetic Bookmobile team. We promise an array of fun activities and the opportunity to explore an eclectic mix of new, hot-off-the-press titles. Join us, and let's transform ordinary park visits into extraordinary experiences!
The Iowa City Public Library Bookmobile will be appearing at the Iowa City Farmers Market from 8 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month this summer starting June 10 and running through September. Various activities will be offered, making it an enjoyable Farmers Market stop for everyone.
The Iowa City Farmers Market is located at the Chauncey Swan parking ramp at 405 E. Washington St.
The ICPL Bookmobile will be participating in the annual Iowa City Pride celebration, which recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community. This event will take place in Downtown Iowa City on Saturday, June 17, from 1 to 6 p.m. Visitors can sign up for a Library card, check out an item, or just say hello. Don't forget to browse our selection of Pride Heroes materials while you're there!
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The Best Strangers in the World By Ari Shapiro In his first book, broadcaster Ari Shapiro takes us around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant. "The Best Strangers in the World" is a testament to one journalist's passion for Considering All Things--and sharing what he finds with the rest of us.
Parachute Kids By Betty C. Tang After their two-week family tour of Los Angeles, ten-year-old Feng Li Lin and her older brother and sister learn they will remain in California while their parents return to Taiwan, forcing them to navigate a new school, a new language, bullies, racism, and the pressures of running a household.
Our winter/spring schedule concluded on Friday, May 26. After a short break, the summer schedule will begin on Monday, June 5. Make sure to visit us at icpl.org/bookmobile. You can find weather-related updates and learn the location of your ICPL Bookmobile!
Services will be unavailable on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4 (Independence Day).
