Summer Reading 2025
All ages are invited to participate in Clinton Public Library's Summer Reading program! Win prizes, attend awesome events, and read! This year's theme is LEVEL UP AT YOUR LIBRARY. Whether you’re playing with STEM concepts or gamifying your reading logs, learning to play chess or how to code video games, Level Up at Your Library reminds us that libraries are not just a space for knowledge, they are a space for fun!
Quick Links
FOR ADULTS! (18+)
Clinton Reading Challenge
May 26 - September 1, 2025
Click HERE or on the image above to get started!
FOR KIDS & TEENS! (Ages 0-17)
LEVEL UP AT YOUR LIBRARY!
June 1 - August 2, 2025
Let's Get Registered!
There are two ways to sign up for Summer Reading 2025 and log your reading! We recommend using Beanstack.
Option #1 - Beanstack (Online)
CLICK HERE TO LOG YOUR READING!
Use Beanstack to track your and your family’s reading, earn special digital badges, and place tickets into our prize drawings, all online! If it's your first time using Beanstack, follow the instructions below to make an account.
- Click on the button above to visit Beanstack.
- Click on the "Register an Individual or Family" button.
- Fill in your information. Beanstack allows families to be linked together, so that all family members can be accessed with one login.
- Once you are registered, you will be taken to your account page. This is where you will log your time and track the badges you earn!
Option #2 - Reading Log (Physical)
If you are planning to use a physical reading log this year, please click on the button above to register. If you are using Beanstack, you do NOT need to fill out the form. Note that if you have multiple children, you will need to fill out the form for each child.
Pick up a physical reading log at the library! If you filled out the online registration form, you do not need to fill out the form in the physical log. Just make sure to put your name at the top so your log doesn't get lost!
Questions?
Please ask youth library staff member in person or email childrens@clintonpubliclibrary.us.
Let's Get Reading!
If you read on 5 of the 7 days of each week (try to shoot for 20 minutes!), you earn a small prize and a ticket to place in the drawing for a big prize. You can also get one ticket for each event attended (10 max). Track your total minutes read for the chance to win a special grand prize for reading the most!
Completed logs are due to the Library by Wednesday, August 6.
READING DRAGONS!
Reading Dragons are collectible playable cards featuring mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, griffins and more. Track the time you spend reading in 30 minute increments to earn cards, then play with your friends! This program appeals to kids who enjoy Pokémon, virtual pets, trading card games, and mythical creatures.
How It Works
- Visit the library to earn a reading tracker, three starter cards, and a how-to-play card.
- Mark off one box on your tracker for every 30 minutes you read.
- When you complete a row of four boxes, you can return to the library to pick out a dragon family to collect. You will get four matching cards featuring different ages in that dragon family: egg, baby, teen, and adult.
- Work at your own pace to earn all of the cards! If you don't complete the reading tracker by the end of July, you can keep on reading until you earn all the rewards.
How to Play
To play, you and a friend each choose one card secretly, keeping it hidden so your friend can't see what you chose. Then count to 3 and both of you flip over your cards to see who wins.
Fire beats Leaf. Leaf beats Water. Water beats Fire. If you have the same color, you tie.
YEAR-ROUND YOUTH EVENTS!
For a full calendar view, visit our Programs & Events page.
If you have privacy concerns or are not comfortable with photos being taken of you or your child at an event, please let a staff member know.
Color Guide: Kids (0-3) | PreK | Kids K-6 | Teen | Family
All-Ages Chess Club
Where Every Move Matters!
1st & 3rd Saturdays | 2:00PM - 3:00PM (may go longer) | Youth Dept
Welcome to the All-Ages Chess Club, a vibrant community where chess enthusiasts of all skill levels come together to share their passion for the game! Players of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors—can connect over the chessboard. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned grandmaster, our club provides a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone.
Creative Explorers
Wednesdays at 3:00PM | Youth Dept
Join us for an afternoon of play and learning! The Creative Explorers (formerly Afternoon Adventures) program offers a space for children to create, explore, and discover. Through fun and interactive programs, we aim to provide patrons of all abilities and stages of learning with the opportunity to learn about the world around them in a hands-on way.
Caregivers are encouraged to stay in the building and participate with their children. Children under the age of 8 are not to be left alone in the building without a caretaker at least 14 years of age.
Note: Due to special programs, Creative Explorers will not be held June 25, July 23, & Aug 6.
LEGO Club
2nd & 4th Saturdays beginning in June | 2:00PM - 3:00PM | Youth Dept
Join us on 2nd and 4th Saturdays in an all-ages LEGO club. Show off your building skills, learn some tricks of the trade, complete a mini build challenge, or enjoy some open building time with buckets of bricks.
Storytime
Wednesdays & 3rd Saturdays at 10:30AM | Youth Dept
Bilingual Storytime
1st Saturdays at 10:30AM | Youth Dept
Storytime is offered continually, with breaks occurring in late December and August. Join us for fun, stories, songs, puppet shows, and a craft to take home!
Note: Storytime will be held at Riverview Pool on June 18, July 16, & Aug 13.
Vibe Out
Fridays | 3:30PM - 5:00PM | 2nd Floor (unless noted)
Teens, join us on Fridays for anime, crafts, and snacks!
- June 6 - Rock Painting
- June 13 - Popsicle Wall Art
- June 20 - Perler Bead Art
- June 27 - NO VIBE OUT
- July 4 - NO VIBE OUT
- July 11 - Water Gun Painting
- July 18 - Join us for Teen Book-to-Movie Night! (4-7pm)
- July 25 - NO VIBE OUT
- August 1 - Join us for Teen Library Lock-In! (4:30-9pm)
- August 8 - Planner Decorating
- August 15 - LEGO Building
- August 22 - Perler Bead Art
- August 29 - NO VIBE OUT
Vibe Out will continue past the summer! Fall activities will be posted on the regular programs & events page.
Wiggle Time
Tuesdays at 10:30AM | Youth Dept
We will have songs, toys, and bubbles for you and your baby or toddler to interact! This is a great chance for kids and caregivers to socialize with each other and their peers. This program is suited for ages 0-3.
SPECIAL YOUTH EVENTS!
Summer Reading events are held in addition to regularly occurring events and special programs.
For a full calendar view, visit our Programs & Events page.
If you have privacy concerns or are not comfortable with photos being taken of you or your child at an event, please let a staff member know.
Color Guide: PreK | Kids K-6 | Teen | Family | Online
STEM IS FUN!
Tuesday, June 3, 10, 17, & 24 | 2:00PM - 3:00PM | 2nd Floor
STEM IS FUN! This is a four-session workshop series for K-5 youth. Come learn about the different ways that STEM is in everyone's life and how it can bring joy to you. There will be a fun activity every day that you will not want to miss! Take home this knowledge and apply it to your everyday life. This will set you up for success in STEM in the future.
Registration is encouraged; click HERE to sign up.
Family Book Club: From Page to Screen
Tuesday, June 3 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM | 2nd Floor
This month's book/movie is Hotel for Dogs! Read the book as a family, then we’ll get together to discuss characters, themes, and plot twists, and then enjoy watching the movie adaptation together with some themed snacks. Afterward, we’ll compare the two—exploring how the movie matched our imagination and what changes were made in the transition from page to screen. It's a great way to enjoy reading, film, and family time all in one!
Sponsored by Community Partnerships for Protecting Children (CPPC)
Registration is encouraged; click HERE to sign up.
Life Skills 101
Thursday, June 5 & 12; Wednesday, June 18 | 2:00PM - 3:00PM | 2nd Floor
Life Skills 101: This is a 3-session workshop series for middle school and high school students who want to be prepared to succeed in the future with life on their own. Learn how to write checks, create a resume and cover letter, create a budget, and other life skills that will create success in your future!
Registration is encouraged; click HERE to sign up for June 5 & 12 and HERE to sign up for June 18.
Summer Reading Kick-Off
Friday, June 6 | 11:00AM - 12:00PM | Youth Dept.
Characters 2 Life will be twisting up some fun as we kick-off summer! Sign up for a library card and register for our Summer Reading Program while enjoying balloon twisting and face painting. Come level up at your library!
Park Night
Wed, June 11 | 5:30-7:30PM | Chancy Park (Camanche Ave & 22nd Place)
Theme: Jersey Night
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun! Enjoy yard games, sports activities, music, and more for free. This family-friendly event is organized by the City of Clinton’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Clinton Public Library. Park Nights will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at different parks in Clinton this summer.
D&D Summer Series
Registration is required; Click HERE to register for one or all three sessions.
Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, June 11 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM | 2nd Floor
Interested in D&D but don’t know where to start? The library is here to help - come learn the basics of the game!
Create a D&D Character
Wednesday, June 18 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM | 2nd Floor
This is a continuation of the Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons. We’re back at it and this time you’ll have a chance to create your own character!
Play a One-Shot Campaign!
Wednesday, June 25 | TIMES TBD | 2nd Floor
The final class of our D&D Summer Series. Take your character and everything thing you’ve learned to play in a short one-shot campaign. Session times will be determined at the first class on June 11th.
The Juggler with Yellow Shoes
Monday, June 16 | 2:00PM - 2:45PM | Ericksen Center (1401 11th Ave N)
The Juggler with the Yellow Shoes combines dazzling juggling feats with humor and storytelling, creating a dynamic performance that appeals to children, teens, and adults alike. Join us to see the joy of juggling mixed with the magic of reading!
Pool Storytime
Wednesday, June 18 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | Riverview Pool
Come chill with us in the wading pool and splash pad for storytime, songs, and swimming! Registration is not required this year!
Anime Club!
Mondays, June 23 - August 11 | 5:30PM - 6:45PM | 2nd Floor
Join us for Anime Club! Each week on Monday, we'll be watching a couple episodes from different genres, and enjoying some delicious Japanese snacks and drinks.
- June 23 - Sci-Fi and Mecha
- June 30 - Romance
- July 7 - Mystery and Horror
- July 14 - Fantasy and Isekai
- July 21 - NOT MEETING
- July 28 - Slice of Life and Comedy
- August 4 - Music and Sports
- August 11 - Action and Adventure
Virtual Author Talk | Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate (3rd-6th Grade)
Tuesday, June 24 | 3:00PM - 3:30PM | Online
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder.
Register, find out more, or watch the recording afterwards by clicking HERE.
Storytime w/ Clinton Fire Department!
Wednesday, June 25 | 10:30AM - 11:30AM | Youth Dept.
The Clinton Fire Department is joining us this week for an extra special Storytime!
Maker Camp
Sponsored by Wa Tan Ye
Wednesday - Friday, June 25 - 27 | 2:00PM - 3:30PM | 2nd Floor
Maker Camp is a 3-day, mini summer camp for kids in grades 3-8, with a focus on using science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) to create, build, and discover. Each day, campers will learn about Makers of the past while becoming the Makers of the future. Campers will have the opportunity to explore various technology, get creative, and participate in hands on learning activities.
Registration is required; only 15 spots available. Click HERE to sign up.
Park Movie Night
Friday, June 27 | TIME TBD | Jurgensen Soccer Complex (1891 Harrison Dr)
Join us for activities and a movie to follow at dusk! More information coming soon.
Charla Virtual del Autor | Dibuja tu mundo con Raúl the Third (Preescolar a 2.º grado)
Tuesday, July 8 | 1:00PM - 1:30PM | Online
Acompaña al autor e ilustrador Raúl the Third mientras nos habla de su libro ¡Vamos! ¡A leer! Conoce a Lobito y sus amigos mientras exploran el Festival del Libro Love de su biblioteca. Desde demostraciones de libros de cocina y talleres de cómics hasta creación de máscaras y clases de idiomas, esta biblioteca tiene algo para todos los gustos y Lobito está deseando mostrárselo.
Regístrese, obtenga más información o mire la grabación después haciendo clic AQUÍ.
Virtual Author Talk | Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third (PK-2nd Grade)
Tuesday, July 8 | 3:00PM - 3:30PM | Online
Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! From cookbook demonstrations and comics workshops to mask making and language classes, this library has something for everyone and Little Lobo can’t wait to show you.
Register, find out more, or watch the recording afterwards by clicking HERE.
Magician Mikayla Oz
Wednesday, July 9 | 3:30PM - 4:15PM | Ericksen Center (1401 11th Ave N)
- AMAZING Magic!
- Tons of Laughs and Gags
- LOTS of Audience Participation
- Kids do the Magic
- Appearance by Bubbles the Bird!
- Bubbles is a highly trained, professional magic bird that will appear and vanish throughout the whole show!
Park Night
Wed, July 9 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM | Lyons Four Square Park (Main Ave)
Theme: Tropical
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun! Enjoy yard games, sports activities, music, and more for free. This family-friendly event is organized by the City of Clinton’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Clinton Public Library. Park Nights will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at different parks in Clinton this summer.
Pool Storytime
Wednesday, July 16 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | Riverview Pool
Come chill with us in the wading pool and splash pad for storytime, songs, and swimming! Registration is not required this year!
Virtual Author Talk | Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu (9th-12th Grade)
Thursday, July 17 | 3:00PM - 4:00PM | Online
Explore the intricate world of Legend with Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Explore the depths of deceit, battle for power, and the lengths characters will go to unmask the Truth.
Register, find out more, or watch the recording afterwards by clicking HERE.
Incredible Bats
Friday, July 18 | 10:30AM - 11:30AM | Ericksen Center (1401 11th Ave N)
Come see Egyptian Fruit Bats and African Straw-Colored Fruit Bats up close and personal! Learn about the many benefits of this misunderstood and feared, yet amazing creature!
Teen Book-to-Movie Night | The Hunger Games
Friday, July 18 | 4:30PM - 7:00PM | 2nd Floor
Join us for a Book-to-Movie Night, featuring The Hunger Games! Books will be available for pick-up early June. Doors open at 4:30PM with the movie starting at 5PM.
Virtual Author Talk | Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship with Rex Ogle (5th-8th Grade)
Wednesday, July 23 | 3:00PM - 3:45PM | Online
You’re invited to join us online with award-winning author Rex Ogle as he talks to viewers about his struggles to navigate sixth grade as written about in his book Free Lunch.
Register, find out more, or watch the recording afterwards by clicking HERE.
Art Camp
Sponsored by Wa Tan Ye
Wednesday - Friday, July 23 - 25 | 2:00PM - 3:00PM | 2nd Floor
Level Up with Art Camp is a 3-day, mini summer camp for kids in K-6th grade. Join us where we’ll use books and games as inspiration to create literary works of art.
Registration is required; only 15 spots available. Click HERE to sign up.
Park Movie Night
Friday, June 27 | TIME TBD | Jurgensen Soccer Complex (1891 Harrison Dr)
Join us for activities and a movie to follow at dusk! More information coming soon.
Storytime w/ McCarty’s Corner Farm!
Saturday, July 26 | 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Clinton Park (301 S 4th St)
Join us for a Storytime in Clinton Park with McCarty’s Corner Farm and some of their alpacas and goats. Listen to some stories, make a craft, and feed the animals!
Summer Splash
Friday, August 1 | 1:30PM - 2:30PM | Clinton Park (301 S 4th St)
Children K-6, please join us at Clinton Park for Summer Splash with the Clinton Fire Department! Bring a towel and sunblock.
Teen Library Lock-In!
Friday, August 1 | 4:30PM - 9:00PM | 2nd Floor
It’s an end of summer party at the Clinton Public Library! Join us for pizza, games and general fun after hours!
Registration is required; click HERE to sign up and let us know your pizza preference. Sign up before 12pm on August 1st.
Boom! with Science Center of Iowa
Wednesday, August 6 | 1:30PM - 2:15PM | Clinton Park (301 S 4th St)
Why do things explode? We'll explore the interactions of pressure, temperature and states of matter to explain why things pop, bang or blow up. Experiment with ultra-cold liquid nitrogen and combustible gases in this spectacular assembly.
Pool Storytime
Wednesday, August 13 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM | Riverview Pool
Come chill with us in the wading pool and splash pad for storytime, songs, and swimming! Registration is not required this year!
Park Night
Wed, August 13 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM | Clinton Park (301 S 4th St)
Theme: Back to School
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun! Enjoy yard games, sports activities, music, and more for free. This family-friendly event is organized by the City of Clinton’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Clinton Public Library. Park Nights will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at different parks in Clinton this summer.
Big Summer Blowout!
Friday, August 15 | 6:30PM - 8:30PM | Riverview Park
Yoo-hoo! Join us in celebrating the end of summer with a Glo Party! Music, glow sticks, foam cannons, and the Rivals Hot Shot Wagon! All ages are welcome.
Park Movie Night
Friday, August 29 | TIME TBD | Jurgensen Soccer Complex (1891 Harrison Dr)
Join us for activities and a movie to follow at dusk! More information coming soon.
OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS!
(as of 5/23/2025)
Youth Event Champion | Donation range: $200+
First Gateway Credit Union
Wagner Pharmacy
Wa Tan Ye
Beckwith Commercial Roofing
Clausen Companies
Sterling Federal Bank
Rotary
Book Wizard | Donation range: $100+
Thalia Clement
Aegis
Citizens First Bank
Clinton National Bank
Clinton Printing
Kadavy Orthodontics