2026 Summer Reading Program
This isn’t just Summer Reading Program; it’s the adventure
everyone will be talking about!
The Basics
When does the program run? June 8th through July 31st
How much does it cost? FREE
When to join us? Virtually Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00pm – 1:45pm
- Monday: ART Clue Connections!
- Wednesday: Interactive Exploratory Investigation!
- Friday: STEM Theme Lab Friday Featuring a Special Guest!
NEWS FLASH! Guess who is coming back? Kate will be joining us on the set with Denise and Josh! She can’t wait to see all of you again.
Upon Sign-Up Receive
- The Explorer Pack: A drawstring dinosaur bag to hold all your gear.
- Detective Essentials: 24 official dinosaur footprint clues and special clue-tracking wristbands.
- Field Intelligence: Field Files Bingo Cards to track your progress.
- Prehistoric Finds: Your very own dinosaur egg and an exclusive Adopt-A-Dinosaur.
- Agent Badge Stencils: Upon weekly field log completion, agents can earn dinosaur character badges.
- Local Expedition: Tickets to the Blank Park Zoo!
Calling all Junior Explorers and Lead Detectives!
The Prehistoric Investigation Agency (P.I.A.) is having a crisis at headquarters: The Library Mystery Mascot is missing! We need your help to solve the case of the summer!
By joining our two-month rescue mission, “Unearth a Story, Unleash Your Inner Explorer Summer Reading Program,” you’ll step into the
Zoom Room with Josh, Denise and Kate, to track down our prehistoric friend.
Your Summer Reading Program Mission:
- Investigate: Use Field Files (top-secret book lists) and Classified BINGO cards to find clues.
- Experiment: Join 26-Themed-Events, from Science Labs to “PastaPaleontology.”
- Track: Collect 24 Weekly Footprint Clues to power up the Dino-Tracker.
The Rewards: As you rise through the ranks, you’ll earn Field Agent Character Badges, an official Rescue Key, and, if the case is solved, your very own Miniature Mystery Mascot to keep! Rumor has it that Pablo might even drop by with the final clue.
Are you ready to solve the mystery? Sign up early and RESERVE your spot! Sign up close May 20th.
The 8-Week Field Log
- WEEK 1 June 8, 10, 12: Hope Badge – The Tiny Seed Discovery,“Plantersaurs Constructing and Growing” and Special Guest Roger!
- WEEK 2 June 15, 17, 19: Patience Badge – The Great Expedition, Dino Resist Painting, “Reveal the dino’s invisible tracks” and Special Guest Detective.
- WEEK 3 June 22, 24, 26: Responsibility Badge – Pasta Paleontology, “Reconstruct a shape to Reveal the missing mascot.”
- WEEK 4 June 29, July 1: Kindness Badge – Adopt-A-Dino Week and Let’s Welcome as our Guest on July 1 “Lazy J Rescue Ranch!”
- WEEK 5 July 6, 8, 10: Resilience Badge – The Storm Survivor Adventure, “Stone Mosaics” and Special Guest Iowa Storm Survivors.
- WEEK 6 July 13, 15, 17: Generosity Badge – Harvest Heroes Quest Nutrition Week, “Chef Guest Exploring the Magic of Food” and Special Master Chef Guest!
- WEEK 7 July 20, 22, 24: Confidence Badge – The Sky-High Dino Flight, “Dino Taking Flight Exploration!” Special Guest Pilot shares a story about taking flights for the Hinez 57 Pet Rescue, Brian Bean.
- WEEK 8 July 27, 29, 31: Gratitude Badge – The Grand Dino Celebration, “Clay Diffusers.”
Questions? Contact:
Denise Bean, Youth Services Librarian
denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us
515-452-1338
Thrive Thursday: Career Lab Series
Real Talk. Real Connections. Meet the Pros, Ask Your Questions, and Build Your Career Toolkit.
The Basics
Programming runs June 11 through August 7. Geared toward ages 14 – 21 years old.
Thrive Thursday connects participants with successful professionals through a hybrid experience, offered both in person and virtually. Designed to bridge the gap between school and the professional world.
Each week, participants build their personal Career Toolkit, gaining a new “tool” through hands-on learning, expert advice, and networking, empowering participants with the confidence and strategies needed to take their next steps toward a successful future. You might this summer is all about a “Take and Make Career Plan.”
Expert learning. Meaningful Connections. Career Confidence for the Future.
Meet Our Connections
Join us virtually or in the Library’s Makerspace Room from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM to hear from our career advocates below.
- June 11: TBD
- June 18: Serenity Massage & Energywork Blake and Jewel will open a door to a career as a skilled therapist.
- June 25: “Toadally Awesome Pets” Learn how to start a business from the very start! Program event included too! Business owner Lenora Hagen.
- July 9: TBD
- July 16: TBD
- July 23: Discover a career as a statewide consultant, itinerant teacher specialist that support students who are low vision with special guest Christina Freedman.
- July 30: Crystal Yang founder of Audemy an educational game platform for blind and low vision students, discover how a career in this field would be moving forward with technology.
- August 6: TBD
Sign up
Form coming soon!
