I was finally able to return to my local public library for the first time since before the pandemic, and it felt amazing. I’m an avid reader and spending more than a year away from browsing the stacks definitely left a hole in my heart — a hole in the shape of a stack of books.

I walked out of the library with a bag full of randomly-plucked-off-the-shelf books and felt like things were finally returning to normal. 

Most local libraries have summer reading programs, which are a great way to motivate yourself to read more. I also think there’s value in tracking what you read — at the end of the summer, you can look back at all the books you read with pride, remembering your favorite parts of each and reflecting on everything you learned. 

The Kalona Public Library’s adult and teen summer reading program includes a bingo card and a season chock-full of scheduled summer reading program events. Register online, stop by the library to pick up your bingo card and check out the library’s website for a schedule of events.

The Kalona Public Library’s kids summer reading program includes a summer reading program bag — you can register your child online at kalona.lib.ia.us and see all of the scheduled summer reading program events on the website calendar.

The Wellman Scofield Public Library’s summer reading program, for pre-K through high school, has the theme of “Reading Colors Your World”. Stop in to the library or call 319-646-6858 for more information.