Motivate + Improve Student Reading with Library Summer Reading Programs in DSM

Across Greater Des Moines (DSM), public libraries are gearing up for their summer reading programs. Interested in finding the summer reading program in your community? See our list of local offerings below.

Altoona Public Library

Altoona offers a six-week children’s reading program from Monday, June 13 through Saturday, July 23, a teen program the same week for grades 7-12 and an adult program, too. Registration begins Monday, June 6.

Ankeny Public Library

Reading is sweet in Ankeny! Pick up a reading log and attend the Kick-off Party with magician Jonathan May on Thursday, June 2.  

Bondurant Community Library

Register for the 2022 program and track the days you read to earn badges and prizes in weekly drawings. Pre-K, children’s, teen and adult programs are available.  

Carlisle Public Library

Each summer reading program must complete so many hours of reading to receive prizes, including local coupons and free books.  

Clive Public Library

Pick up reading logs at the library and record minutes read to be entered to win coupons to local venues like Warrior Lanes, Iowa Cubs, Blank Park Zoo and more.

Des Moines Public Library

All six Des Moines Public Library locations offer the All Summer Long reading program for newborns to fifth graders and sixth to 12th graders. A list of activities will keep participants busy all summer long. Ideas include reading outside, testing out a science experiment from a nonfiction book, creating a playlist for a book you love and creating a piece of art based on a book.  

Grimes Public Library

From Wednesday, June 1 to Sunday, July 31, Grimes Public Library offers free fun for the entire family. Participants just need to sign up at the library or online. Read 10 days and earn a raffle entry — you can earn up to six! Read 30 days and earn a free book!

Grinnell Public Library

Pick up reading logs at the circulation desk or download online. Prizes given for completed logs and raffle entries.

Indianola Public Library

Summer reading programs for kids, tweens, teens and adults offer reading challenges and opportunities to earn prizes.

Johnston Public Library

Log your reading minutes and completed activities to win prizes whether you take part in the children’s or teen programming.

Knoxville Public Library

Download a kids or adult reading log and turn it in by Monday, July 11.

Newton Public Library

Newton Public Library will offer a virtual summer reading program. If you’re taking part in the youth program, log 1,000 points to earn a completion certificate that gets you in to the Summer Reading Pool Party. Teen and adult programs are available as well.

Norwalk Easter Public Library

The summer reading program takes place through Sunday, July 31. Track and log reading and earn activity badges whether you’re a child, teen or adult.  

Pella Public Library

Take part in an Early Literacy Program for children ages 0-2, Read to Me Program for ages 2-Pre-K, School Age Program for K-5 and Teen Summer Reading Program for fifth grade and above.

Pleasant Hill Public Library

Complete the first reading log to receive various prizes and the second reading log to receive a book. Each completed log will be an entry to win grand prizes like a hammock, Lego RV and more.

Polk City Community Library

The Polk City Community Library will offer 4-H programming for five weeks in partnership with ISU Extension on Mondays and STEAM programs Wednesdays. Other events include hiking at Jester Park, an insect zoo and magic show.  

Urbandale Public Library

The summer reading program at Urbandale Public Library will run through Tuesday, Aug. 2. Record days of reading to earn prizes, including mini-badges and more. 

Waukee Public Library

Pick up a reading log and keep track of how many days you read for at least 15 minutes. Kids, teens and adults can take part to win prizes.

West Des Moines Public Library

Through Saturday, July 30, take part in the summer reading club. Track reading and activities and celebrate the end of the reading challenge with a water party that includes a giant inflatable slip-n-slide, foam machine, dunk tank and more.  

Winterset Public Library

Take part in events throughout the summer, including learning about braille, seeing magician Jeff Quinn and an end of summer pool party on Saturday, July 30.

Many libraries around DSM also have outdoor storytimes, story strolls at local parks and more summer activities to enjoy. Visit the websites above for more information. And don’t forget that the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass lets you explore area attractions, including Blank Park Zoo, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Science Center of Iowa, for free using a valid adult library card. Find more information here.

Named one of 10 Best Cities for High Salaries and Low Cost of Living in the Midwest and a Top 10 Place Where It’s Easiest to Save for Your First Home, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a region where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.