On this page...
About the Summer Library Program
The State Library provides access to a comprehensive Summer Library program for public libraries statewide through the national iREAD program. Each library may download a free resource guide for the current theme, additional learning opportunities for support and inspiration, and the option to order supplementary materials.
Back to topTheme & Resource Guide
The 2026 Summer Library Program theme for all ages is Plant a Seed, Read.
Public library directors were sent instructions and a code to download the 2026 iREAD Summer Reading Resource Guide via email on Oct. 9, 2025. If you have questions or need to be resent the email, please contact Janee.Jackson-Doering@iowa.gov.
The deadline to download the Resource Guide is June 1, 2026.
Back to top
2026 Summer Library Program Learning Opportunities
The following list below shows the current learning opportunities scheduled for the 2026 program. Watch this page and other State Library communication channels for additional opportunities.
Missed the Summer Reading 2026 Jump Start Virtual Training? It is now available to watch on Workday Learning!
Back to topSummer Reading Summits
The Summer Reading Summits are designed to help you in your Summer Reading plans. Whether you're putting the finishing touches on your plans, or if you're still in the planning stages, you'll walk away with new programming ideas, tips, resources, and inspiration to help make your Summer Reading Program a successful one! Attendees can network with other librarians, view craft examples, get book display ideas, and more!
The summits will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- March 3 (Central District): Johnston Public Library
- March 4 (Southwest District): Atlantic Public Library
- March 6 (Southeast District): Coralville Public Library
- March 10 (Northeast District): Oelwein Public Library
- March 11 (North Central District): Clarion Public Library
- March 12 (Northwest District): Rockwell City Public Library
Registration will open in late January. Stay tuned for more details.
Back to topCanva Templates
Canva is a free web-based graphic design tool. We've created templates with the theme graphics provided by iREAD. To use the templates, you must first create a free account at www.canva.com. Canva is easy to learn, but if you want to familiarize yourself with the basics or improve your skills, check out Canva Design School. The Getting Started with Canva tutorial is a good “Canva 101” resource.
The 2026 Canva Templates will be available in late January. Stay tuned for more details.
Back to topAbout iREAD
iREAD was developed by the Illinois Library Association (ILA) and the program is adopted in other states including Minnesota, California, Alaska, Iowa, and Oregon, and worldwide by the Department of Defense for libraries on military bases. Moreover, iREAD is implemented in thousands of individual libraries across the country.
By combining resources and working with a commercial vendor to produce high quality materials, public libraries in participating states or systems can purchase themed posters, reading logs, bookmarks, certificates and a variety of reading incentives at significant savings.
iREAD is run by ILA, a nonprofit entity; revenues are used to support libraries. There are NO membership fees, contracts, or commitments necessary. iREAD is flexible; you can use the art in perpetuity after purchase. They provide themed templates for any commonly used registration software package such as Beanstack, Evanced, and others. They have been creating inclusive, high-quality summer programming material since 1982.
Subscribe to the iREAD Newsletter
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
This program or resource is made possible in part by the IMLS under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.