*Now updated with Summer Reading Programs for Kids for summer 2026!*
Summer is a great time to read, and our local Siouxland libraries and bookstores do a great job of supporting summer reading with fun programs for kids (and sometimes for adults!) Here are some of the great summer reading programs happening in and around Sioux City for summer 2026 at local libraries and at stores and restaurants:
Summer 2026 Sioux City and Siouxland Library Reading Programs:
Le Mars Public Library
The Le Mars Public Library is hosting summer reading for kids, teens, and adults with a summer 2026 theme of "Unearth a Story" and will have fun programming and prizes throughout the summer. Registration opens May 1st. To register or for more information, visit their website.
North Sioux City Community Library
The North Sioux City Community Library holds summer reading programs each year with fun themes and prizes. The 2026 form isn't up yet, but once available, it will be on their website.
Orange City Public Library
The Orange City Public Library summer 2026 reading program will follow the "Plant a Seed, Read" theme with fun activities and prizes. For full details, visit their website.
Sioux City Public Library
The Sioux City Public Library is hosting summer reading programs for all ages, using the theme of "Plant A Seed, Read" for their summer 2026 program. The actual logging and prize contests will be run through the Beanstack app and will be open from June 1st through July 30th, 2026!The SCPL summer reading program will include lots of fun programming including
- a Summer Reading Celebration to celebrate the kickoff of the summer reading program, at the downtown location of the Sioux City Public Library. You'll find a family karaoke party, creation stations with hands-on activities, a story walk, and more
- Illusionist Keith West will be performing at the Morningside branch library at 2pm and the downtown library at 6:30pm on June 15th, 2026. Both performances will be the same, both are free, and both require advance registration because space is limited.
- Great Plains Zoomobile will be visiting the Morningside branch library on July 14th, 2026 at 1:30 and 3pm. Both events will be the same, both are free, and both require advance registration because space is limited.
- the Little Sprouts Jamboree on July 10th is for babies and toddlers 2 & under with their caregivers
Families can pick up their reading packets at the kickoff event or come to any branch of the library during regular library hours, while supplies last (and they usually do for quite a while. They're pretty good at guessing how many families will participate each year!) The swag bags each year from the library are always really fun, but optional. While this year could of course be different, in recent years, each kid has been able to choose a brand-new book to keep, plus received some fun little things that go with the theme, like bookmarks, pencils, water bottles, backpack charms, etc.
Most other public libraries around the area are also holding summer reading programs, so please check with your local library even if they aren't on this list. They are probably doing something fun that you will want to be a part of!
More Sioux City Reading Programs for Summer 2026 programs:
Book People
Sioux City, IA
Many locations nationwide, including at Sioux City's Southern Hills Mall
Barnes & Noble does a summer reading challenge for kids in 1st through 6th grade every year, with a free book as the prize for each participating kid who logs 8 books on the B&N form in recent years. Currently the 2025 full program details and printable pdf form in both English and Spanish is available here. I'll update again when that shows 2026 details!
Pizza Hut
Submit online
Pizza Hut is running its classic "Book It!" program with Bookit Summer Stories, that parents can sign up for here. Kids 4-12 can earn personal pan pizzas for meeting their reading goals each month during summer 2026!
Other Summer 2026 Reading Programs
White House Summer Reading Challenge
Submit online
Second Lady Usha Vance is inviting kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade to read a dozen books between June 1st and September 4th, 2026. Kids who fulfill the program requirements and submit their forms will receive a special gift certificate and an America 250-themed bookmark. There's also a mention of a link to a surprise prize (my guess is something digital like a congratulatory video, but we'll see! I'll update once more information is available.) And at least one participant will be chosen to win a trip to the White House this September!
Reading log and submission form for the White House Summer Reading Challenge will be available here beginning June 1st, 2026
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Nearest locations to Sioux City include Omaha and Clive
All readers are invited to participate in the Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp to have fun reading and win digital prizes. You can also win $5 of Bookworm Bucks, redeemable at Half Price Books stores. If you'll be in Omaha, Clive, or another city with a Half Price Books this summer anyway, I would definitely sign your kids up!
Full details and logs are available on the Half Price Books website
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