Libraries are always a hub of summer activity. To help keep kids reading and avoid the “summer slide” local libraries offer up FREE summer reading programs that reward kids with fun prizes and incentives. Many Libraries also provide engaging, entertaining, and educational activities both in person and virtually.
Registration is beginning to open for Des Moines area public libraries’ summer reading programs. This year’s summer reading challenge theme is — “Read, Renew, Repeat” — library patrons young and old will be encouraged to read as a restorative method of self-improvement and self-preservation. Expect fun activities that focus on conservation as a movement focused on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity.
To find even more kid-friendly summer fun, be sure to visit our Calendar and Summer Fun Guide.
Summer Reading Programs at Public Libraries in the Des Moines Area:
Altoona Public Library
The Altoona Public Library will kick off their summer reading program on Monday, June 3, 2024. The Summer Reading Challenge is open to Children in PreK through 6th Grade. Pick up a reading log and track your reading over the summer. When you finish your reading log, you can take it to the Altoona Library to get a bag of goodies and a free book! There is a separate reading log for June and July. Kids can participate in both to earn more prizes.
Bondurant Community Library
Register for Bondurant Community Library’s Summer Reading Program starting May 20th. You can use READsquared online or pick up a paper log at the library to track your reading days. Kids ages 12 and under win instant prizes, while those 13 and above enter the Weekly Random Drawing for great prizes. And be sure not miss the exciting events they have planned in June and July!
Clive Public Library
The Clive Public Library will host a Summer Reading Program for children of all ages. Registration for the Summer Reading program will open on May 28, 2024. During the program, children will be given journals to track their reading progress, and they can submit one page each day to be eligible to win exciting prizes and attend the Big Reading Pool Party. Participants must submit their reading logs and bonus log tickets by Sunday, August 4, 2024, which is the last day of the program.
Des Moines Public Library
DMPL’s Summer Reading Challenge runs Monday, June 3 through August 3, 2024. Libraries will also have entertaining programs such as, live entertainment, animal encounters plus book clubs and plenty of creative art projects. Visit the Des Moines Public Library’s website for a full calendar of events.
Grimes Public Library
This years’ GPL Summer Reading Program runs from June 1 through July 31, 2024. Reading can be tracked online at grimes.beanstack.org or on a paper calendar available at the Library. Grimes Public Library’s reading challenge is available for all ages, birth through adult.
Indianola Public Library
Join the Indianola Public Library as they kick off summer with their annual Summer Bash on May 30, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Enjoy food trucks, music, and fun activities. Then, get ready for the launch of IPL’s summer reading program on June 1, 2024. The reading challenge ends on July 31, 2024, so don’t miss your chance to win prizes, attend events, and use the library to the fullest.
Johnston Public Library
The Johnston Public Library’s Summer Reading Program will begin on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, and the deadline for turning in reading logs and collecting prizes is July 20, 2024. This summer, children can earn rewards by reading and completing early literacy activities, as well as participating in a variety of events designed for kids of all ages.
Kirkendall Public Library (Ankeny)
Join Kirkendall Public Library’s summer reading program starting May 28, 2024. Register online or in person at the library to track your reading and qualify for weekly prize drawings. Don’t miss the “Kick-Off Party” on June 6th at the Ankeny Bandshell, featuring YouTube sensation Patty Shukla and an introduction to their exciting Summer Library Program!
Norwalk Easter Public Library
The Norwalk Easter Public Library will be starting summer with a Summer Reading Kickoff Party on Saturday, June 1, 2024. There will be plenty of fun activities such as bounce houses, a foam cannon, and various kids’ crafts, among others. The summer reading program at the library will run from June 1 to July 21, 2024.
Pleasant Hill Public Library
Read and have fun this summer at the Pleasant Hill Public Library. All ages are welcome to sign up and participate in their Summer Reading Program June 3 through August 16, 2024. Both children and adults can participate in the summer reading program and win prizes, while also taking part in various library programs.
Urbandale Public Library
Get ready to kick off Summer Reading at the Urbandale Public Library on May 30, 2024. Stop by Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, located on the south side of the library, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for family fun. They’ll have information about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Read, Renew, Repeat,” and how all ages can continue the habit of reading and win great prizes.
Waukee Public Library
Pre-registration for the Waukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge began on May 6, 2024. From June 1 to July 31, 2024, participants can read books, attend exciting events, and win fantastic prizes. You can keep track of your progress using a paper log available at the library or on their website, as well as through the Beanstack Tracker app. The library has planned a range of enjoyable events and activities for all to enjoy.
West Des Moines Public Library
Starting Monday, May 20, 2024, registration will be open for the West Des Moines Public Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. Everyone who signs up, including adults, will receive a unique WDM Library Summer Reading journal and a delightful sticker sheet with a library theme. You can conveniently track your reading progress using the Beanstack app. Readers of all ages who record more than 30 days of reading will be eligible to win fabulous raffle prizes at the end of the summer.
Will you be signing your kids up for a summer reading challenge at your local Des Moines area library?
