Summer Reading Program returns June 2 after biggest year yet

Newton Public Library enrolled more than 1,000 kids in the Summer Reading Program last year, the most staff had ever seen. Knowing how high the bar was set, youth services librarian Phyllis Petter is preparing for yet another blockbuster event that she hopes keeps children engaged before the next school year starts.

Studies show that children benefit in school when reading over the summer. Peter said those who don’t read in the summer can be at a disadvantage when school resumes. Children in grades three through five can lose up to 20 percent of their school year gains in reading if they don’t read in the summer months.

Peter has said that reading just five books in the summer will counteract this trend. But the library’s summer reading program is setting even higher goals than that. Like in years past, kids will be given a reading log. Upon completing certain benchmarks, they will receive charms that can be attached to bracelets or Crocs.

Kids also get a ticket to the Blank Park Zoo, along with other goodies.

“If they complete their whole book log, they’ll get their Culver’s meal and two tickets to the Iowa Cubs,” Peter said. “They earn a charm for each row. We’ll let them keep reading and collecting charms … I think the charms captured the interests of the older kids last year. I noticed older kids were excited about them.”

Which could be why there was such a huge spike in participation last year. The program’s kickoff party is sponsored this year by Van Hemert Family Dentistry and will be held 4-6 p.m. June 2 at the Newton Public Library. All kids that register receive a free ice cream treat from Sea Turtle Ice Cream.

Events are also organized as part of the Summer Reading Program.

Some of the more popular events now require tickets beforehand. Tickets can be acquired for free at the library. Here are the ticketed events:

• Cockatoo Encounter, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. June 5

• Dinosaur Dimensions, 6 p.m. June 18

• Twisted Bo-Kay Balloon Art Storytelling, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. June 23

• Concert with Miss Carole, 10 a.m. June 26

• Absolute Science Fantastic Foam Show, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. June 30

• Cold-Blooded Redhead Reptile Show, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. July 9

• Mario and Princess Peach Pool Party at Maytag Pool, 6-8 p.m. July 22

• Mermaid and Moana Pool Party at Maytag Pool, 6-8 p.m. July 30

All non-ticketed children events include:

• Very Hungry Caterpillar Party, 9-11 a.m. June 4

• Music for Little Ones on the Lawn, 6 p.m. June 9

• Jonathan May Magic Show, 1 p.m. June 13

• Absolute Science Bubble Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon June 16

• Jewels Academy STEM Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m. June 26

• Cartooning Workshop with Buck Jones, 1 p.m. July 1

• Des Moines Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo, 10 a.m. July 8

• Dinosaur Encounter, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. July 14

Teen Summer Reading also begins on June 2.

Participants get a bookmark to log their reading and a free lanyard. Teens who read five books between June 2 and July 31 can be entered into a drawing for prizes such as: a free bowling game at Cardinal Lanes, $5 gift cards to local coffee shops and a half-hour flight over Newton from Johnson Aviation.

Teens events include:

• Recycled Plastic Toy Key Chains, 5:30 p.m. June 25

• Mandala Painted Rockets, 5:30 p.m. July 9

• Oui Yogurt Jar Macrame Planters, 5:30 p.m. July 16

• Air Dry Clay Key Chains or Earrings, 5:30 p.m. July 23