Iowa City Public Library Summer Reading Program

Written 3/28 for a FY25 Grantee
Iowa City, Iowa

https://www.icpl.org/events/series/summer-reading-program

Iowa City Public Library’s Summer Reading Program encourages reading for all ages and abilities, babies through adults, during the summer months when school is not in session. Iowa City Public Library Summer Reading Program Participants are asked to track their reading progress either through a gamecard or through an online system called Beanstack, and when they reach certain milestones, the library offers prizes and awards. All library patrons, regardless of age or neurodiversity can participate in the Summer Reading Programs.

“We are deeply grateful to ACT for this generous grant, which will help us create a summer full of stories, discovery, and learning for readers of all ages. With this support, we can provide engaging programs and resources that encourage a lifelong love of reading in our community.” Said Angela Pilkington, Children’s Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library. She went onto say, “Thanks to ACT’s Giving Program, our Summer Reading Program will continue to inspire and empower readers of all ages. This investment in literacy helps us build a stronger, more connected community—one book at a time.”

According to Scholastic, 83% of educators say reading helps students understand people that are different than them. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, libraries develop varied collections, and through the free Summer Reading Program, participants are encouraged to explore other perspectives and stories in their reading list, promoting empathy and self-discovery. In addition, reading is essential in school achievement, life-long reading is important not just to post-secondary success in college and career, but also in improving the quality of life for both individual citizens and our democracy.