At the Library 3/12/26

Plant a Seed, Read:

Summer Reading is Growing at the Library

by Alison Greiner

Summer might still be a few months away, but planning is already in full swing at the Washington Public Library! Jenisa and I are excited to begin preparing for this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, Read.” The theme celebrates growth, curiosity, and the wonderful things that can happen when young readers plant the seeds of imagination through books.

Recently, we had the opportunity to attend the Summer Reading Club Summit at the Coralville Public Library. The event was led by the State Library of Iowa and brought together children’s librarians from across our region. It was a wonderful morning filled with ideas, collaboration, and inspiration.

One of the highlights was hearing from a speaker from the Iowa State Extension Office, who shared ways local extension offices can partner with libraries. They offer creative program ideas, hands-on activities, and even curriculum support that can help make summer programs even more engaging for kids and families. We’re excited about the possibilities this partnership could bring to our library programs.

Another valuable part of the summit was the chance to connect with other children’s librarians from around our area. It’s always energizing to share ideas, talk about what works in our communities, and learn new ways to make summer reading fun and meaningful for families.

Jenisa and I truly love what we do, and the Summer Reading Program is our favorite time of year. Watching kids discover new books, participate in activities, and celebrate reading all summer long is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program will open in May, but until then we will be busy planning programs, gathering materials, and preparing for a fantastic summer at the library.

If you’d like to learn more, keep an eye out for us at this year’s Kidz Fest in Central Park, where we’ll have a table and share information about all the exciting things coming up.

We can’t wait to grow, read, and learn together this summer!