Newton Public Library Iowa

06/01/2026

We had 443 kids pick up summer reading logs tonight! Everyone enjoyed saying "hi" to Pete the Cat, and of course enjoyed their free Ice Cream from Sea Turtle Ice Cream Company LLC courtesy of Van Hemert Family Dentistry! Thank you Van Hemert Family Dentistry for sponsoring tonight's Kickoff event.

Don't worry if you missed the kickoff tonight, you can stop by the Library anytime we are open to pick up your summer reading log and get started. Summer reading runs through July 31st.

We had a couple of kids whose bracelets were too small, if you discover that your silicone bracelet for collecting the charms was too small, stop by the library and we will trade you for a larger one.

06/01/2026

Our first FREE snack of the summer is today at 1pm in the library Lobby.
We have graham crackers and fruit cups. Snacks can be eaten in the library lobby (enjoy that AC), taken outside on the library grounds, or taken home to enjoy when you want. We have plenty of snacks!

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

Monday, June 1st from 4 to 6 pm, the Library is the place to be! Summer reading for all ages kicks off, pick up your summer reading book log and kids will receive a free ice cream treat from Sea Turtle Ice Cream Company! Dairy free and gluten free options will be available.
The event will take place on the Library lawn, unless it is raining, then it will be in the meeting room.
Line will form on the center sidewalk at the library entrance facing south, you may come through the line, receive your bag, which includes the summer reading book log, and then pick up your starter silicone bracelet and first shoe charm. Then you will receive your ticket for a free ice cream treat from the ice cream truck.
Tickets for special children's events will be available inside the library.
Be sure and use the sturdy plastic bag to haul library book checkouts all summer long!
The Kickoff event is generously sponsored by Van Hemert Family Dentistry, thank you!

05/31/2026

Did you know that children who don’t read over the summer fall an average of two months behind their peers who do read? Kids that read just 4-6 books over the summer can counteract this trend! The Newton Public Library has a fun and simple summer reading program that will help keep your child engaged and reading all summer long.
The library has a great selection of books at all reading levels, and as always, it’s free to get a library card, and it’s free to participate in our programs. 📚

05/30/2026

Summer reading for Teens kicks off this Monday, June 1st! Pick up your bookmark book log, and read at least 5 books to be entered into the grand prize drawings for the following: $10 gift cards from local coffee shops, a 1/2 hour flight over Newton from Johnson Aviation or a gift certificate for a glass from Fuego Hot Glass!
Details in flyer below:

05/29/2026

Only a few days left to get your FREE Grogu card from the Library! Stop in today (Friday) until 5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, or Monday 9am-7pm (Summer Reading Kickoff 4-6pm) to pick your free card up.

After June 1st, library card replacements go back to $2.00 a card.

05/28/2026

Join The Plant Dealer at the library on June 25th, for a free succulent planter workshop. Library cardholder registration opens on June 15th.

05/28/2026

We just added some loose parts dinosaur bones for kids to play with in our Children’s Department! The dino bones are made of a sturdy foam, and we have a large tub full of them.
We are excited to see what “roar-some” dinosaurs are created by the kids!

05/28/2026

Ever wonder how your pet would use the library? 🤔 With so much fun stuff going on, we asked our staff to share which resources their furry friends would be most excited to try out! Feeling inspired? Tell us how YOUR pet would use the library!

See something that sounds too good to pass by? Find all these events & resources right meow 🐈‍⬛, at our library website: https://www.newtongov.org/1149/Library