Plant a Seed, Read!
June 8 through August 1, 2026!
Join us for another fun summer full of performers, crafts, scavenger hunts, special programming, and, of course, reading! Pre-registration for our Summer Library Program will be available beginning in mid-May. However, reading logged before June 8th does not count. You can register by calling or emailing the youth desk or through Beanstack.
Who can sign up for the Youth Summer Library Program? Children ages birth through 6th grade. If you are going into 7th grade, you can participate in our Teen Summer Library Program. There is also an Adult Summer Program available for anyone over the age of 18.
How does it work? We challenge you to read 15-20 minutes a day. Log the days you read on Beanstack or on our paper log. For every 15 days you read, you earn one free book. You can log your minutes either through our paper Summer Reading Log 2026 (pick up at the youth desk) or virtually through Beanstack. Also, you can complete activities to earn virtual badges.
What events/programs will there be this summer? Keep scrolling to find more information about our performers and programs, or check out our events calendar.
Thank you to the Cedar Falls Community Foundation: Robert & Shirley Berg Fund as well as the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library for sponsoring our summer program!
How Does Beanstack Work?
First, you need to create a Beanstack account. Parents can also create accounts for their children. Beanstack will automatically direct you to the appropriate challenges for which you can register based on your age. There are challenges for kids, teens, and adults. If you wish to be contacted about prizes and drawings, please include an email address as part of your Beanstack profile. The Beanstack app is available for iOS and Android. If you experience technical problems with the app, please contact Beanstack at usersupport@zoobean.com.
Getting Started
- Go to cedarfallslibrary.beanstack.org
- Click on the blue “Register an Individual or Family” button.
- Fill in the information! If you are a parent registering a child, be sure to enter
your information in under “Adult Information.” Beanstack allows families to
be linked together, so that all family members can be accessed with one login. - Once you are registered, you will be taken to your account page. This is where
you will log your minutes and activities and track the badges you earn!
How to log days/activities
- Go to cedarfallslibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker app for Android
and iPhone! - Click on the blue “Log Reading and Activities” button in the upper left
corner or on the blue plus sign in the app. - Follow the prompts on the screen to log whatever you’ve accomplished.
When you hit a reading landmark, you will receive a badge and may be
eligible for a prize!
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Performers
All Ages
Magician, Mikayla Oz | Thursday, June 4th | 10:00 a.m. | Community Center
This summer, get ready for a magic show that feels like stepping into a real-life cartoon! Kids will be wide-eyed with excitement, parents will be entertained, and everyone will be talking about this unforgettable Magic Show with Mikayla Oz. Mikayla Oz is one of the most in-demand family entertainers in the Midwest. Known for her iconic blue star dress, larger-than-life personality, and high-energy magical performances, Mikayla creates a show where kids become the stars. Joined by her amazing magic assistant, Bubbles the Bird, she delivers a fast-paced, interactive magic experience full of surprises, laughs, and jaw-dropping moments. For All Ages
Fable's Birthday Party! | Friday, July 10th | 3:30-5:30 p.m.| CFPL Parking Lot
Join us in celebrating our mascot Fable's third birthday! There'll be carnival games, balloons, face painting, mega foam canons, and lots of fun! All Ages.
Mississippi River Museum Shark Touch Tank | Thursday, July 16th | 10 & 11:30 a.m.| Community Center The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's traveling touch tank brings live ocean animals to us! They'll break down common misconceptions surrounding sharks as they highlight the unique adaptations these animals have to survive. Afterwards, participants can get their hands wet and touch some sharks. For All Ages.
Live Raptors! with Iowa Raptor Project | Thursday, July 23rd | 10 & 11 a.m.| Meeting Room Get an up-close introduction to three or four of Iowa Raptor Project's raptors and learn more about each raptor species. For All Ages.
Youth
Stories A Grow Grow!| Thursday, June 18th | 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room
Plant a letter, Grow a word, Harvest a story, Enjoy an adventure. Become a farmer to new and unique stories. Words, words, words everywhere! We will take all those words and sprout new stories. Using the audience's imagination and improvisational theater skills, we will grow words into adventures. Suggest a word, volunteer as a performer, or sit back and enjoy brand new stories, grown before your eyes. For Ages 5-12.
Teen
Teen Mystery Theatre with HappyFaces Entertainment!| Thursday, June 18 | 6:00 p.m. | Meeting Room Teens are invited to join us in an after-hours murder mystery program! As this is an after-hours program, teens are asked to be in the library building before doors close at 6pm.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Murder-When the cast and crew of a Broadway review discover murder most foul, suspicions and old grudges loom large in the footlights! Audience members play the suspects and share the stage with our professional to guide them through the highs and lows of a hilarious Broadway-themed improv mystery performance. It's Tragedy AND Comedy Tonight.
Pizza and soda provided.
For teens ages 12 - 18 who are also in grades 7 - 12. Registration required.
Adult
Murder Mystery Theatre with HappyFaces Entertainment!| Wednesday, June 17 | 6:00 p.m. | Meeting Room Join us in this interactive murder mystery with Happy Faces Entertainment!
Cleaver Class of 19-Deadly-2 : Welcome back to the gymnatorium of Cleaver High, home of the Cleaver Beavers! It’s reunion time for all your high school favorites. Find your school spirit again and reminisce about all the great times we had together... or were they? Have past rivalries come back to haunt us? Has long-lost love been found? Find out what the lunch lady knew all along.
This program is intended for adults. Light refreshments will be served.
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Weekly Crafts in the Youth Department
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Week 7:
Week 8:
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Scavenger Hunts
Library Scavenger Hunt | June- July| Youth Department
Find 20 friends hidden throughout the youth department to earn a prize!
Find Fable | Year-Round | CFPL
Each night, Fable loves to explore the library, and ends up in some very random spots. Can you find Fable and bring them back to the youth desk?
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Fable's Book Bike Tour
Sundays in June & Juiy | 2-3:30 p.m. | Various Parks
Visit Fable and friendly library staff each week in a new park! Bike, walk, roll, or use any transportation suitable to you. At each park you find our book bike at over the summer, you will be entered to win various prizes from area businesses!
Every visit to a Book Bike Tour stop is an entry to win prizes from local businesses, and five visits guarantee you a Book Nook gift certificate! Check out the available prizes starting June 1st - they will be on display in the display case by the staircase in the library. Names will be drawn and prize winners will be contacted on August 12th!
- 6/7: Big Woods (south)
- 6/14: Policeman's Park
- 6/21: Prairie Lakes
- 6/28: Overman Park
- 7/5: Place to Play Park
- 7/12: Kiwanis Bluff
- 7/19: Seerley Park
- 7/26: Tallgrass Prairie Center
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Youth Programs
Early Literacy Programs
June 1–July 29, 10:30 a.m
Mondays: Baby Storytime (0–23 months)
Tuesdays: Preschool Storytime (3–5 year-olds)
Wednesdays: Toddler Storytime (2–3 year-olds)
*Most Fridays: Music and Movement (2-5 year-olds)
Saturdays: Family Storytime (3–5 year-olds)
This summer, we will have one special guest for Music & Movement Storytime: On Friday, July 31st, Kelly Parker from Music Together will be leading storytime.
*Sunshine Storytime | Various Fridays, times, and locations
Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! We'll bring the Book Bike to Overman and Washington Park.
- 6/5: Overman Park at 10:30 a.m.
- 6/11: The Falls Aquatic Center at 11:30 a.m. **Registration Required**
- 7/17: Washington Park at 10:30 a.m.
- 7/2: The Falls Aquatic Center at 11:30 a.m. ** Registration Required**
**If attendees/registrants of the storytimes at The Falls Aquatic Center would like to stay and swim when the pool opens at noon, they can receive reduced admission.
Storytime with a Mermaid | Tuesday, June 2nd | 10:30 a.m. |Meeting Room
Join us for a special storytime with a mermaid from Lost Island! We'll read, sing, dance, and learn about mermaids
Storytime with Music Together | Friday, July 31st | 10:30 a.m. |Storytime Corner
Get ready to dance and be silly! Join Kelly from Music Together for a fun, musical time. There'll be lots of singing, dancing, and, possibly, instruments!
Sensory Stations for Little Learners| Thursday, June 11th & July 2nd | 10:30 a.m. | Youth Department
Join us for some hands-on learning. Children and their caregivers will navigate sensory stations and discover new ways to learn and play. Ages 0-5
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Elementary-aged programming
Fan Works For Fable | All Summer!
We'd love to see your fan works of Fable! Send us your artwork and stories of our new mascot, Fable the Fox. We'll feature them on our website and social media. At the end of the summer (beginning of August), we'll draw a winner from the submissions, and the winner will receive a free Fable plushie!
Summer Stories & Sips Book Club | Tuesdays, June 9th & July 14th | 2:00 p.m. | Youth Department
Bring your own book and cozy up at the library at our Summer Stories & Sips book club. Quietly read your book of choice and enjoy a sip! A Dirty Soda station will be available for all readers to create their custom drink. Drop-in program. First-come, first-served. Ages 6-12.
Sign-up for Summer Reading will be available at the program. Get closer to your Summer reading reward!
Feel free to bring your own headphones and or blankets to the program.
Tween Time | Wednesdays, June 17th & July 15th | 3:00 p.m. | Youth Department
This is a social program just for tweens, (for ages 9-12) that entertains, enriches, and empowers. Tweens are invited to drop in and check it out on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of most months at 3-4 p.m. This program is held once a month during June and July and then returns to twice a month starting in September.
Reading Rocks!: Painting and Popsicles | Tuesday, June 16th | 3:00 p.m. | Youth Department
Come paint some rocks while snacking on a popsicle! During this drop-in program, we will provide some delicious popsicles and all the materials needed to paint rocks (popsicles and painting supplies are available while supplies last) that will be a part of a new program at CFPL, Reading Rocks! Once your painted rock is prepped and dry, it will be ready for you to go find a hiding spot for it somewhere in our community of Cedar Falls. If you ever find a rock that has “Return to CF Library” on the back of it, bring it into the CFPL Youth Department to receive some goodies! For kids ages 6-12. Drop in, no registration needed.
Popcorn & Pictures: Family Matinee | Mondays, June 22nd & July 20 | 2:00 p.m. | Youth Department
Join us for monthly movie screenings that are fun for the whole family! We'll provide the popcorn, but feel free to bring your own snacks, refreshments, and maybe even a cozy blanket or two.
- June: "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" (2025)
- Runtime: 80 min.
- Rating: PG
- July: Moana 2
- Runtime: 100 min.
- Rating: PG
Art Adventures: Oldies But Goodies | Tuesday, June 23rd | 3:00 p.m. | Co-Lab
Join us for a fun crafty day where you and your kiddo can create awesome art together. Missed a previous Art Adventure program? No worries! In this Oldies But Goodies edition, there will be four past crafts and one new craft to choose from! Ages. 6-12.
Doll-a-palooza! | Thursday, June 25th | 10:30 a.m. | Youth Department
Did you know the library has American Girl® Dolls available for check out? Drop in and explore our Historical Doll Kits and make new friends while you play! We'll provide some dolls and clothing, but we recommend bringing in some of your own for extra fun! Geared toward kids ages 7+, younger children are welcome as long as they can play gently and share with others.
Suncatcher Studio | Thursday, June 25th | 2:00 p.m. | Co-Lab
Catch the Sun!
Get creative and let your art shine! In this fun, hands-on arts program, kids will rotate through four stations to create colorful suncatchers. Each station offers a different way to explore color, light, and creativity — and every participant will leave with bright artwork ready to shine in the sun. Perfect for creators ages 6-9. Registration Required.
Travel Thursdays: Sweet Summer Edition! | Thursday, July 9th | 4:15 p.m. | Meeting Room
Pack your bags and bring your sweet tooth - we're traveling the world one dessert at a time! In this special summer edition of Travel Thursday, young explorers will "visit" different countries by discovering fun facts at each station. Kids will mix, assemble, and explore global treats in this hands-on, sweets-filled adventure!
Perfect for explorers aged 5-9. Registration Required.
Sun Print Studio | Tuesday, July 21st | 2:00 p.m. | Co-Lab
Watch this space for more information.
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Teen Programs
Jr. High Book Club | TBD | TBD | Teen Room
Students ages 12-15 are invited to join us for a summer book club! We'll be meeting once a month, June through August. This summer, we'll be exploring various genres of books! Each month, students can choose whatever book they'd like to read within the monthly genre. At our meetings, we'll have informal discussions on the books we've read and hopefully connect over our shared reading interests.
Fork to Farm: A Cooking Demonstration | Wednesdays in June & July | 6:00 p.m. | Co-Lab
Using ingredients you would be able to find at the upcoming farmer's market, Chef Zach from The Spire will demonstrate cooking one to three family-friendly dishes. This program is open to folks of all ages and may include audience participation. Recipes cards of dish(es) showcased will be available for folks to take home with them so they can attend the Saturday morning Cedar Falls Farmer's Market and recreate the dish(es) for themselves!
Some samples of the dishes may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating at the demonstration may be limited. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. For All Ages.
Registration is encouraged to help us anticipate numbers, but registration does not guarantee a spot in the room.
Teen Wildcrafters | Mondays in June & July | 2:00 p.m. | Co-Lab Teen crafters are welcome to join us in crafting all things wild and green this summer! Crafts will range from the sustainable to the naturely as we Plant A Seed, Read this summer!
- June 8: Beaded Mini Plants
- June 15: No-sew Veggie Pillows
- June 22: Jar Terrariums
- June 29: Twig Window Art
- July 6: Painted Book Bricks
- July 13: Beeswax Wraps
- July 20: Flower Pounding on Paper
- July 27: Tea Cup Bird Feeders
Teen Foraging and Cooking Program| Saturday, July 18 | 11:00 a.m. | Co-Lab Looking to be more self-sustainable and learn a few edible plants you can cook with? Join us for a foraging walk along the trail leading to Washington Park where we will identify some basic wild edibles and afterwards cook with them in the Co-Lab! We will meet in the Co-Lab to begin.
Due to the nature of this program, registration is required, teens are asked to wear clothes appropriate to go off-trail in (close-toed shoes and pants), and it is understood that there will be wild food cooked.
The anticipated menu is a wild greens pesto (likely nettle and/or garlic mustard) with pasta and a mulberry syrup on ice cream, but this is subject to change depending on what is available in the wild.
Open to teens ages 12-18 and in grades 7-12. Registration required.
WARNING AND DISCLAIMER: Foraging for and consumption of wild noncultivated food carries with it inherent risks. Although great care will be taken in the selection of wild edibles for consumption, reaction to such consumption varies, and may include allergic reaction. Participants acknowledge the risks of such foraging and consumption, and to the fullest extent of the law, participants agree to expressly hold harmless and release the Library and staff and to assume all risks of injury or death in connection with the foraging consumption activity in which participants will be voluntarily engaging.
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Adult Programs
Cribbage Meetup | Tuesdays, June 2 & July 7 | 2-4 p.m. | Meeting Room
Bring your own cribbage board or use one of ours. Come for the fun and social opportunity. Meets every first Tuesday of the month.
Fork to Farm: A Cooking Demonstration | Wednesdays in June & July | 6:00 p.m. | Co-Lab
Using ingredients you would be able to find at the upcoming farmer's market, Chef Zach from The Spire will demonstrate cooking one to three family-friendly dishes. This program is open to folks of all ages and may include audience participation. Recipes cards of dish(es) showcased will be available for folks to take home with them so they can attend the Saturday morning Cedar Falls Farmer's Market and recreate the dish(es) for themselves!
Some samples of the dishes may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating at the demonstration may be limited. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. For All Ages.
Registration is encouraged to help us anticipate numbers, but registration does not guarantee a spot in the room.
Science vs. Magic Book Club | Wednesdays, June 3 & July 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Conference Room
For fans of creatures that don't exist (probably), people they'll never meet (maybe), and places that can't be found (yet); whether you're a seasoned explorer of other worlds or a first-time reader in these genres, we welcome you to join us! This book discussion group meets 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the 1st Wednesday of each month in the 2nd-floor Conference Room. It is intended for adults.
- June 3: Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve.
- July 1: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
Knitting and Crocheting Group: The Sheep Baatiquers | Saturday, June 6 | 12-3 p.m. | Co-Lab
The Sheep Baatiquers (a knitting and crocheting group) meets in the Co-Lab every first Saturday of the month from 12pm-3pm. New yarn crafters are welcome to bring their projects, both large and small. Although no formal instruction will be provided, there are community knitters and crocheters on hand to offer guidance. The group even has resources to help the left-handed yarn crafter. No registration is required. Bring your own needles, yarn, and pattern. A few free patterns will be available. Stop by to see what's going on and join in!
Quilting Program | Mondays, June 8 & 22, July 13 & 27 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Co-Lab
CFPL has a quilting group that meets every second and fourth Monday of the month from 10am-1pm. Large projects and small, with community quilters on hand to offer guidance. New quilters are welcome. No registration required; tools and machines, along with some patterns, are available. Stop by to see what's going on or join in!
CFPL Stammtisch | Tuesday, June 9 | 7:00 p.m. | Conference Room
Are you a serious language learner of German (at whatever level) or native-speaker (die geduldig mit Anfaenger sind)? Would you like an opportunity to converse with others auf Deutsch? Come to the CFPL Stammtisch for conversation and mingling. On occasion, we will screen German-language videos and/or enjoy other cultural activities. Every second Tuesday of each month. All ages welcome. No registration required. Meeting in the conference room (2nd floor). Please note: There will be no formal instruction at our meetings.
Chigiri-e (Japanese Torn Paper Art) | Wednesday, June 10th | 7:00 p.m. | Meeting Room
Chigiri-e is an art form that uses torn washi paper to create pictures and designs. In this workshop, participants will tear and layer washi paper to create their own unique artwork.
Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome as long as supplies last. This program is intended for adults and will take place in the Meeting Room.
Murder Mystery Theatre with HappyFaces Entertainment!| Wednesday, June 17 | 6:00 p.m. | Meeting Room
Join us in this interactive murder mystery with Happy Faces Entertainment!
Cleaver Class of 19-Deadly-2 : Welcome back to the gymnatorium of Cleaver High, home of the Cleaver Beavers! It’s reunion time for all your high school favorites. Find your school spirit again and reminisce about all the great times we had together... or were they? Have past rivalries come back to haunt us? Has long-lost love been found? Find out what the lunch lady knew all along.
This program is intended for adults. Light refreshments will be served.
Movie Matinee | Fridays, June 19 & July 17 | 2:00 p.m. | Meeting Room
- June 19: Song Sung Blue | Rated PG-13 | 2 hrs 13 min | Biography, Drama, Musical
- July 17: Sleeping with the Enemy | Rated R | 1 hr 39 min | Psychology Thriller, Drama
Tech Time | Thursday, June 25 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. Apple users & 2:30-3:30 p.m. Android & PC users | Conference Room
Got Tech Troubles? We’ve Got Answers! Join our friendly group tech session in the meeting room and get hands-on help with your Apple device or any tech questions you’ve been wrestling with. Whether it’s a glitchy phone, a confusing update, or just something you’ve always wanted to learn—bring it in and let’s tackle it together!
Prefer one-on-one support? No problem! Stop by the reference desk or call us at 319-268-5543 to schedule a personalized tech appointment. All ages welcome.
Lit Lounge: Make-Your-Own Terrarium | Thursday, June 25th | 7:00 p.m. | Community Center
Lit Lounge: A private, adults-only event series focused on meaningful conversation, hands-on workshops, and social connection. Sessions will feature guided group activities, time for relaxed networking in a respectful, age-gated environment for adults to enjoy outside of the 9-5 workday schedule.
Always loved plants but somehow manage to… un-love them to death? This workshop is for you. In our Make-Your-Own Terrarium program, you’ll create a beautiful, self-contained mini ecosystem—no gardening experience, plant knowledge, or confidence required.
We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, from layering soil and stones to choosing hardy plants that thrive on minimal attention. Terrariums are famously forgiving, making them perfect for beginners, busy people, and anyone who’s ever said, “I just can’t keep plants alive.” You’ll leave with a finished terrarium, simple care tips, and the satisfying realization that yes—you can do plant things.
Registration Required. Registration link available 30 days before event.
Sponsored by the CFPL Friends of the Library.
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Funding for the summer library program is provided by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, Robert & Shirley Berg Fund for use by the Library.
Questions? Contact us!
