The Sioux City Public Library is pleased to announce the 2026 Youth Summer Reading program. This year’s theme is Plant a Seed, READ! The program runs June 1 – July 31. Participants earn rewards and win grand prizes by reading all summer long. Sioux City Public Library Summer Reading events are always FREE and open to everyone. Certain events require advanced registration due to capacity limits.
In addition to the thousands of amazing books and resources at the Library, children, teens and families can look forward to Read-To-Me Dogs, Illusionist Keith West, Pokémon-a-thon, a visit from Great Plains Zoo, Family Yoga, Teen After-Hours events, Lil Sprouts Jamboree, Imagination Builders, Innovation Studio, Family Movie Fridays, LEGO events, and much more! More info at siouxcitylibrary.org/summerreading View the Youth Summer Reading Calendar at siouxcitylibrary.org/summer-reading-calendar or pick one up at any Library location.
Michelle Martindale will be returning to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during Library Storytimes at Morningside Branch each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. during June and July. With 15 years of experience in education, Martindale is passionate about creating meaningful access and inclusive experiences, so all individuals feel connected, supported, and fully included. Weather permitting, Storytime will be held outdoors, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
Summer Reading Celebration Event on Thursday, June 4!
Join us Thursday, June 4 from 2-4 p.m., for the Summer Reading Celebration where kids and teens get registered and pick up their Summer Reading Starter Pack at the Aalfs Downtown Library, 529 Pierce St. Attendees can visit Creation Stations and make wildflower seed bombs and grass people with Woodbury County Farm Bureau. Visitors can color a flower to add to the Library’s Garden of Readers mural window. Families will show off their moves and voices at the Family Karaoke Dance Party, read along the StoryWalk® and participate in a scavenger hunt.
Can’t make the kick-off event? Just visit any Library location during June and July to sign up for all the fun!
Featured June youth events:
LEGOs at the Library on Monday, June 8 from 2-4 p.m. Aalfs Downtown Library.
Read-to-Me-Dogs on Tuesdays, June 9, 16, 23, & 30 from 2-3 p.m. at the Aalfs Downtown Library.
*Teen Crafternoon: Upcycled T-shirt Tote Bag on Wednesday, June 10, 2-4 p.m. at the Aalfs Downtown Library.
*Illusionist Keith West on Monday, June 15, 2 SHOWS (same show both times) 2 p.m. at Morningside Branch Library & 6:30 p.m. at the Aalfs Downtown Library.
*Family Yoga on Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m. at the Aalfs Downtown Library.
Pokémon-a-thon! On Wednesday, June 24, all day, with difference activities and crafts at all Sioux City Public Library locations.
*Seeking Sasquatch 2: A Teen After-Hours Mystery on Friday, June 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Aalfs Downtown Library.
*Event requires registration.
There are so many MORE exciting events planned for this summer - visit siouxcitylibrary.org/SummerReading to register and view the complete list of Youth Summer Reading events!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
