June 1 is the official start of the ICPL Summer Reading Program. All ages can register to receive a game card to track their summer reading goals and can choose a prize book once they've completed the program.
The summer is the busiest time of year at the Library--we offer fun and educational programming for all ages every single day. Remember to pick up a program guide with details about daily programming for children, teenagers, and adults, or visit icpl.org/calendar to learn more.
We emphasize programming for elementary-age children during the summer, so our Storytime schedule changes. Catch an all-ages Storytime at one of our Stories in the Park locations at 10:30 a.m. most days of the week: on Mondays at Willowcreek Park, Tuesdays at the Downtown Library, Wednesdays at Wetherby Park, and Fridays at Mercer Park. A special World Languages Storytime occurs each Thursday at 1 p.m. We also offer a family Storytime at the Downtown Library on Saturdays. Also, be sure to attend a special all-ages performance at the Library on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., with various musicians, magicians, animal programs, and more! Totally Tweens is at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and is a program aimed at independent learners in third to sixth grade.
Elementary-age children can find a fun program each day at 1 p.m. at the Downtown Library:
Mash-Up Mondays: A variety of games, activities, or crafts!
How-To Tuesdays: Learn a little bit about a fun skill or hobby that maybe you haven't tried before!
World Wednesdays: Broaden your knowledge of cultures around the world!
Friday Flicks: Movies rated as either G or PG will be shown. All ages are welcome!"
Get ready for our yearly summer season kickoff event at the Ped Mall during the Iowa Arts Festival. On Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., we welcome you to ABC Day!
The Iowa City Public Library orchestrates this event which encompasses Arts, Books, and Children – an extravaganza for the young and young at heart. Activities along the Ped Mall include Paint the Town, Bubbles, life-sized games, music, art, crafting, and so much more.
Check out the ICPL Bookmobile for library materials and sign up for a library card. And remember to register for the Summer Reading Program. The Family Stage will present child-friendly shows all day at the Ped Mall Stage near the fountain. The lineup includes performances by the Iowa City Public Library's own band of librarian-musicians, the 781's.
ABC Saturday is part of The Iowa Arts Festival, an acclaimed event that lasts all weekend, featuring over 110 local and national visual artists. Emerging high school and college artists are showcased on June 3 and June 4 in the Emerging Artist Pavilion. The festival includes live music performances, a variety of regional and international cuisine from food vendors, and educational, creative activities and entertainment designed for children.
The Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) is delighted to participate in this year's annual LGBTQIA+ Pride festivities in Downtown Iowa City.
Pride at the Pool, a cooperative event between the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department and Iowa City Pride, will occur on Friday, June 16. The celebration runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Park Pool with complimentary admission and various activities such as a Drag Family Storytime (5:30 to 6 p.m.), sidewalk chalk, temporary tattoos, and many pride flags. The event invites everyone to participate.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural march by a group of LGBTQIA+ students in the University of Iowa Homecoming parade, a momentous occasion that led to the creation of Iowa City Pride. ICPL is honored to join this year's Pride Parade on Saturday, June 17, starting at noon and ending at 1 p.m. Parade floats, and participants will traverse Iowa City, beginning at Clinton and Jefferson and winding their way to Gilbert and College, concluding at at the intersection of College and Linn streets.
Moreover, while engaging in Saturday's Pride celebrations, remember to visit the ICPL Bookmobile stationed downtown from 1 to 6 p.m. Stop by to get a Library card, borrow an item, or greet the staff. Take advantage of the opportunity to peruse our Pride Heroes collection during your visit!
Acknowledging Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 19. Please note that the Bookmobile will remain closed on this day. We invite families to join us in the morning for a special Storytime to celebrate Juneteenth. Enjoy read-aloud, songs, and rhymes reflecting the history of the holiday, scheduled from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
For those seeking additional ways to honor Juneteenth, consider attending the Summer of the Arts Friday Night concert on June 16. This event is a collaboration with the Johnson County Juneteenth Commemoration and ICPL, featuring a special Juneteenth gathering. This Juneteenth celebration promises to engage the entire family with free soul food (while supplies last), a resource fair, vendors, the ICPL Bookmobile, a fashion show, live entertainment, and more! The concerts are staged near the Ped Mall stage and adjacent to the playground, offering enjoyment for all ages! Learn more about activities and a schedule of events at www.icjuneteenth.com.
Discover educational fun for free with the Adventure Pass!
Did you know your Library card doubles as an "Adventure Pass?" The pass grants two adults and two children complimentary entry to several attractions and museums in Iowa, including the Blank Park Zoo, the Figge Art Museum, and the Science Center of Iowa.
To book an Adventure Pass, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in Iowa City, Hills, Lone Tree, University Heights, or rural Johnson County. You'll need a valid, unexpired Iowa City Public Library card without any billed items and fees of less than $10 in total.
Also, remember to carry a valid photo ID for venue entry. Each patron can reserve one pass per venue annually.
Do you have more questions? Reach out to us at 319-356-5200 or visit icpl.org/adventure-pass.
