The Storm Lake Public Library is gearing up for its annual Summer Reading Program, which will run June 1 through Aug. 1. This year’s theme, “Plant a Seed, Read,” ties literacy to gardening and farm‑to‑table learning.
Registration opens May 11 at the library, located at 609 Cayuga St. The program is free for all participants.
Students who sign up will receive a reading Bingo log. Each completed line earns a chance to pick a free book from the Scholastic reading list, and fully completed logs will be entered into a drawing for end‑of‑summer grand prizes.
Library Director Elizabeth Huff says the program plays an important role in helping students maintain strong reading habits.
“Energizing students to continue good reading habits is so important,” she said. “Practicing their reading helps young people to be ready to start the school year off on the right foot in the fall.”
Research shows that consistent reading over the summer helps prevent the “summer slide,” when students can lose academic progress made during the school year.
Programming throughout June and July will reflect the gardening theme, with activities exploring food production, culture, history, health, and community connections. Huff says the pairing is intentional: a farm grows food to nourish the body, just as a library grows ideas to nourish the mind.
Weekly events will be held each Tuesday morning, including two weeks dedicated to America 250 and Iowa America 250 activities marking the nation’s milestone anniversary.
Children may also take part in the library’s year‑round offerings, including Book Babies, Story Time, Musical Story Time, Kids Yoga and Meditation, teen and tween programs, and a virtual zoo visit.
The Summer Reading Program is supported by the Storm Lake Friends of the Library.
