Children visiting Iola Public Library this summer are discovering there is more to the library than books.
The library’s 2026 summer reading program, themed “Unearth a Story,” combines reading incentives with science, crafts, games, outdoor activities and special events designed to keep children engaged throughout June and July.
The dinosaur-themed program began June 1.
According to Lesa Cole, youth services librarian, the goal is to give children something to look forward to while encouraging reading in whatever form works best for them. “We have activities planned for every week,” Cole said.
This year’s reading logs feature a dinosaur excavation theme. Each time a child completes a reading log sheet, they win a prize.
Cole said the library intentionally keeps reading requirements simple and accessible. “Do I care if they’re actually reading all the books? Nope,” she said. “I tell them if they want to read a story on the back of a cereal box, that’s fine. It doesn’t have to be a library book.”
Participants also receive lanyards that can be signed by library staff each week. At the conclusion of the program, those entries will be compiled and be eligible for more prizes.
Local businesses have also contributed prizes, which include electric scooters and coupons donated by A&W, Taco Bell and Dairy Queen.
In addition, children who submit their first completed reading log receive a personal pan pizza reward through the Book It! program.
BEYOND READING, the summer program features a steady schedule of activities. One recent activity sent families on a citywide treasure hunt.
To prepare for the event, Cole and her husband hid 20 boxes throughout Iola.
Armed with maps and clues, the families searched for hidden treasures throughout town.
“The map kind of gave them an idea of where things were and the clues are what told them where they actually were,” Cole said. The event proved popular. “All of the items were claimed,” she said.
The library’s programming also includes educational STEM activities designed to make learning fun. Last summer, one activity challenged children to create their own water filtration systems using common materials.
Children were provided with rocks, charcoal, gravel and sponge material, which they layered inside plastic bottles to build filtration systems.
“The activity started out with really nasty, mucky water,” Cole recalled. As the water passed through the filtration layers, participants watched the results unfold. “It came out and it was clear,” Cole said.
