Summer Reading 2022

ELY PUBLIC LIBRARY

For more information or to register for events, go to www.ely.lib.ia.us

or give us a call at (319) 848-7616

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Summer Reading Kick-off Party - Friday June 3 from 6-8pm

FREE fun and food for all ages!


FREE food served 6-7pm

Yogi Bear Visit 6-6:30pm

Magic Show at 6:30 pm

Live acoustic music with Zach Kuhl 7-8pm


This will be held on the street outside the library (weather permitting). We will have food, games, prizes, a Magic Show @ 6:30pm, and information about summer reading. This is free and everyone is welcome.

Early Literacy Events - Weekdays at 9 or 10AM

All ages are welcome!


Monday - 9AM: Babygarten (music and movement - intended for up to age 3)

Monday - 10AM - Toddler Time (featuring stories, rhymes and activities intended for up to age 4)

Tuesday - 10AM - Power of Play (free independent STEM play - for all ages)

Wednesday - 10AM - Billingual Story Time (stories shared in English and Spanish for all ages)

Thursday - 10AM - Preschool Story Time (books, songs and a craft intended for ages 3-5)

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Get FREE BOOKS for your child! Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five! The Ely, Iowa, Friends of the Public Library partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ensures all children in our community, with a mailing zip code of 52227, can have a great selection of books at home.


Sign up when we kick-off this new partnership during our Summer Block Party!

Or register here: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/IAELY/

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Children's Events - Weekdays at 2PM

These activities were created with children ages 5-11 in mind, but everyone is welcome! Reference the June and July calendar for the specific program.


Messy Mondays we will be getting messy! Make sure you wear something that you don't mind getting dirty!


Tasty Tuesdays are sure to be a treat! We will be making something yummy and listening to one of our newest books chosen by Tracy! Please let us know about any allergy concerns that we can help with ahead of time.


Welcome Wednesdays join us as we welcome special guests you sure won't want to miss!


Camp Craft Thursdays we are going to camp with summer camp inspired crafts!


Friday Flix - Enjoy a cool afternoon in the library as we watch a variety of PG rated movies and enjoy a snack.

Teen Events (ages 12-17) - Weekdays at 2PM

Teen events are only for youth ages 12-17. No exceptions.

See calendar above for full listing.


Monday - STEM Challenges

Tuesday - Cooking (please be aware of possible allergens)

Wednesday - Special Guests

Thursday - Arts & Crafts

Friday - Movie & Snack

Teen Pride Party (ages 14-18)

Teen Pride Party (for teens ages 14-18)

Teen Pride Party (for teens ages 14-18)

This Event is for youth ages 14-18. No exceptions.

Sunday, June 26 4-7pm


Calling teens! Drop in any time between 4-7 pm to hang out with your friends! Enjoy pizza and snacks! Make your own mini-buttons, key chains, and flag.

Teen Pride Party (for teens ages 14-18)

Family Events (All Ages) - Various Dates

One Book One Community

One Book One Community

This is our third year of providing a community-wide reading program centering around one title geared for the whole family to read together. We provide an opportunity for discussion and activities for the whole family focusing on the book. Families who register and participate are entered in for drawings. This year we will be providing a copy (one per family please) of the title "The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane" by Kate O'Shaughnessy.


Register and pick up your free copy at the Summer Block Party on Friday, June 3rd 6-8 pm. OR

Register here and stop by the library to pick up your book!

One Book One Community
Artist Michael Albert

Artist Michael Albert

Thursday, June 9 6-8pm

Event for Adults & families


Artist Michael Albert, an artist from the state of New York, will be at the library on Thursday, June 9 from 6-8 p.m. for a fun presentation. Albert is an artist who uses popular advertising and everyday print media to create his art. Participants will leave with their own pop media creations. This program is for all ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.


Space is limited so register HERE for this family fun event.

Artist Michael Albert
No Roads Lead to Buxton Exhibit

No Roads Lead to Buxton Exhibit

On display from June 11-20


Step back in time to Buxton, an early 20th century coal-mining town once referred to as “the black man’s utopia in Iowa.” Buxton, which existed for only two decades at the turn of the century, was one of the few communities in Iowa’s history with a majority African American population.
No Roads Lead to Buxton Exhibit
Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth Celebration

Monday, June 20, 6:30pm

For all ages!


A light meal will be served from 6:30-7:00 pm. Stay for the sharing of stories featuring local celebrity Phil Reed from KCRG TV9 and partake in crafts. Be sure to check out our No Roads Lead to Buxton, a display on loan from the African American Museum.

Juneteenth Celebration
Indoor Fort Building and Family Reading

Indoor Fort Building and Family Reading

Tuesday, July 29 6-8pm


Bring your blankets, because we are making indoor forts! Build your fort, get comfy, and READ! Enjoy walking s'mores for treats!

Indoor Fort Building and Family Reading
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