Summer Reading is May 20th through August 20th
Who Can Participate?
The Summer Reading Program is for everyone! We have programs for every reader, from babies to kids to teens and adults. Slips can be turned in anytime during the summer, but the final deadline is Saturday, August 20th.
READsquared
Track your participation online with READsquared! Visit soloniowa.readsquared.com or download the READsquared app and select "Solon Public Library." Create accounts for each member of your household and enroll them int heir age appropriate programs.
Record your reading, enter secret codes and exchange your points for grand prize raffle tickets in the app! Show your badges at the Library to claim your small prizes. Each secret code can only be used once per participant.
Please let us know if you have any questions as you set up your accounts.
Whether you track online or via paper, all participants will be entered into READsquared and will receive the same small prizes and chances to win grand prizes.
Secret Codes
Collecting secret codes is another way to participate in Summer Reading! Each summer activity will have a secret code provided. For every four codes you collect you earn another small prize and a chance to win a grand prize! Each secret code can only be used once per participant.
Just like with Reading Logs, you can participate via READsquared or on paper. Secret code slips can be turned in anytime during the summer, but the final deadline is Saturday, August 20th.
Special Leveled Prizes
All participants who complete Level 1 will receive a Summer Reading T-Shirt from Hills Bank of Mt. Vernon. (While supplies last. All T-Shirts are gone!)
All participants who complete Level 5 will receive two tickets to an Iowa Cubs game for Sunday, August 14th against the Louisville Bats! (While supplies last.)
Littles
Little ones birth through incoming kindergarteners track books read this summer. Each level takes 8 books to complete ad earns you one small prize and a chance to win a grand prize!
Songs on the Lawn, Mondays @ 10:30 AM (June 6 through July 25)
Gather on the Library porch with us for singing, rhymes, and parachute games! The whole family is welcome. (No program July 4th due to the holiday.)
Saturday, July 16th: A special program of Songs on the Lawn will be held at Kids Korner during the Beef Days celebrations!
Storytime, Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM
Join us in reading books, singing songs, and playing games!
Kids
Kids (incoming 1st - 5th graders) track reading minutes. Reading independently, aloud, or listening to someone else read counts towards your reading minutes. When you read aloud to a friend or sibling, both of you may count that time! Each level takes 160 minutes to complete and earns you one small prize and a chance to win a grand prize!
BAM POW to Go
Grab new weekly activity bags every Thursday at the Library through July 28th as supplies last. No registration necessary.
Teens
Teens (incoming 6th-12th graders) track reading minutes. Reading independently, aloud, or listening to someone else read counts toward your reading minutes. When you read aloud to a friend or sibling, both of you may count that time! Each level takes 200 minutes to complete and earns you one small prize and a chance to win a grand prize!
Outdoor Games, Thursday, June 2, July 7, and August 4 @ 2 PM
Bring your A-Game to compete for tournament prizes, or just come for fun, and enjoy some Lawn Games!
Foam Party, Thursday, June 9 @ 2 PM
Imagine a geyser of pur foam fun... a volcano of enjoyment. Chill, dance, go crazy! It's the Summer Event of the Year!
ChocOlympics, Thursday, June 23 @ 2 PM
We've got Whopper Relays, Cookie Tosses, and more. Chocolatey glory awaits. Let the games begin!
Survivor, Thursday, June 30 @ 2 PM
In Survivor, you never know what to expect... Can your skills carry you to victory and a $25 gift card grand prize?!
Water Wars, Thursday, July 21 @ 2 PM
Come cool down with Water Balloon toss, Water Balloon Capture the Flag, and more! Celebrate epic victory- or console yourself in defeat- with ice cream sundaes.
Adults & Young Adults
Adults and young adults (aged 16 and up) track books read. Each level takes 1 book to complete (must be junior fiction level or above) and earns you one small prize and a chance to win a grand prize!
Beginning Bird Watching, Thursday, June 9 @ 9 AM, at Solon Recreation & Nature Area (SRNA)
Iowa City Bird Club will guide a bird walk around the SRNA. Come prepared with bug spray, good walking shoes, and binoculars. Registration required.
Fly Tying, Tuesday, June 28 @ 6:30 PM
Prepare for the holiday weekend by tying some flies and learning about fly fishing in Iowa. Registration required.
Family Programs
Family Fun Night
Saturday (June 11, July 9, August 13) @ 7:30 PM
We're teaming up with Solon Recreation to bring you a funfilled evening of yard games, refreshments, and movies! Bring your lawn chairs to get comfy for the movies.
Saturday, June 11th @ 8:30 PM: Luca [PG]
Saturday, July 9th @ 8:30 PM: Encanto [PG]
Saturday, August 13th @ 8:30 PM: Sing 2 [PG]
Solon Fire Department, Saturday, June 11th @ 10 AM
Come learn about summer fire safety with the Solon Volunteer Fire Department and see a fire truck up close!
Iowa Raptor Project, Thursday, June 16th @ 6:30 PM
Visit with Iowa birds of prey and learn their stories.
Campfire Stories with Darrin Crow, Thursday, June 30th @ 6:30 PM
Bring your lawn chairs and join us for an outdor evening of campfire tales with expert Storyteller Darrin Crow!
Bring Those Bugs Inside! Thursday, July 7th @ 4 PM
Learn about why our multi-legged friends are important for the environment and touch beetles, walking sticks, and more with the ISU Insect Museum! (Update: due to weather forecasts, this will take place inside the Library meeting room)
An Animal Chorus, Thursday, July 11th @ 1:30 PM
Croak, buzz, chirp and sing! Explore different ways animals communicate with each other and meet live animals up close with the Mississippi River Museum!
Trivia Night, Thursday, July 21st @ 7:30 PM
Get your team together and test your knowledge. Prizes awarded to the winners!
Harvesting Your Garden, Tuesday, August 2nd @ 6:30 PM
Learn how to harvest the plants we've been tending all summer, then use the veggies to make some fresh salsa!
Dinosaurs at Dusk, Thursday, August 11 @ 6:30 PM
Read a story to your favorite dinosaur! Come see the amazing collection of wooden dinosaurs created by local Jack Neuzil.
Mapping Adventure, Monday, August 15th @ 10 AM
Discover different ways of getting from here to there with The Iowa Children's Museum!
Event details are subject to change.
Thank you to our major donors who help us read beyond the beaten path!
Friends of the Solon Public Library
Hills Bank of Mt. Vernon
Iowa Cubs
Solon Women's Club
Additional donors:
Blank Park Zoo
Brass Fountain
Casey's General Store
Cedar Rapids Kernels
Dairy Queen of Solon
Family Pet Veterinary Clinic
Good Vibes Cafe
ImOn Ice
Iowa Children's Museum
Moxie + Mortar
Niabi Zoo
Ruzicka's Meat Processing
Sam's Main Street Market
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Solon State Bank
Subway of Solon
Zoetic Coffee