Welcome to the home of Summer Reading 2026!

We are excited for another great summer filled with reading and fantastic events!  This year's theme is "Plant a Seed, Read!"  We hope you join us for all the fun we have planned, including: a sting ray touch tank, Balloon Man Lucas, Absolute Science, and more.  

Registration opens May 15!

 

 

 

plant a seed read logo

 

 

Learn more about our summer reading programs 

 

the smart cookie by jory john

Tots

For ages 0 - 5

Encourage language and literacy skills for little ones ages 0-5 with our Tiny Tots Summer Reading Program! We will have two weekly story time with stories, songs, movement, and play. We will also have some fun events for the little ones to join in throughout the summer. Fill up your reading log to earn rewards. While you're here, sign your little up for our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

reading nut by jory john

Children's

For ages 5 - 11

Kick things off with a picnic us at the Wellman Park where you can pick up shirts and logs, enjoy the splash pad, color with chalk, and get a fantastic balloon creation from Balloon Man Lucas! We will have a full schedule of activities throughout the week. Fill up your reading log and earn rewards and your chance to win one of our grand prizes! This is the perfect way to beat the heat and prevent the summer slide.

 

book worm

Teen/Tween 

For ages 12-17

Join us at the library for fun events such as bingo, clothing embroidery, tiny food party, Will It Waffle?, and more this summer! You can choose to fill out a reading log or play our "side quests" game to earn chances to win fun prizes.

growing reading

Adult

For ages 18+

Challenge yourself to complete our adult summer reading log, filled with reading challenges, activities to do, and more. Join us at the library for our Tuesday evening series of adult events including: Cook Around the World, creative events, and more!

 

Download your own copy of our program calendars:

 

 

 

 

 

View our full calendar:

 

 

 

 

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Our Summer Reading Program would not be possible without these local sponsors.  We are so fortunate to have such wonderful local businesses in our community!

 

 

Platinum Sponsors

city of wellman logo
hills bank and trust logo
home gas inc logo
kalona realty logo
powell funeral home logo
wellman telephone logo

 

 

 

 

Gold Sponsors

iowa children's museum
PSI logo
texas roadhouse logo

 

 

 

 

Silver Sponsors

fridley theaters logo
Logo for BT Farms

 

 

 

 

Bronze Sponsors

kalona chocolates logo
kalona coffeehouse logo
best of iowa logo
simple happiness logo
jo & co logo
southeast iowa insurance
yotty ice cream logo
dj's casual cafe logo
tuscan moon logo
riverside casino logo
casey's gas logo