2025 Summer Library Reading Program - Color Our World: Home

A fun and easy way to select books based on a child’s Lexile® measure and interests. Use this free search tool to build custom lists for readers at all ability levels, and then locate your selections at the local public library.

Monday, June 16, 1 to 2 p.m. eastern time
Join author Mac Barnett for this live Summer Reading Program kickoff event with a reading of his book “Extra Yarn (DB127239),” available from NLS in audio. This year’s theme is “Color Our World”—and in addition to this amazing storyteller, we will have more information on how you can join us all summer long. So get ready to dive into summer reading and color our world with books!

Monday, June 23, 4 to 5 p.m. eastern time
Summer is a great time to get your garden growing. Master Gardener Roger Erpelding is here to help you do just that! Roger is a patron of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and will provide tips and tricks for sighted and blind gardeners alike. This session will have time for questions, and we’ll have a list of Roger’s favorite gardening books from the NLS collection. Be sure to check out Roger’s recorded presentations about gardening, “Gardening: In the Beginning” and “How Your Garden Grows,” both full of information on how to color your world with plants!

Thursday, June 26, 4 to 5 p.m. eastern time
This one’s for the kids—or kids at heart. Donna Washington will lead an inclusive storytelling hour for children, engaging with participants in a fun and accessible way. Kids will find fun and inspiration in this hour of creativity and be encouraged to color their world with summer reading.

Monday, July 14, 7 to 8 p.m. eastern time
When Christine Ha won the third season of MasterChef, she was the first blind contestant on the show! Join us for a night of conversation about cooking, reading, and everything in between. Christine will tell us her story and maybe even share a recipe or two. Check out her books “Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food from the Winner of MasterChef Season 3 (DB76676)” in audio and “Recipes from My Home (BR20085)” in braille.

Thursday, July 24, 7 to 8 p.m. eastern time
Color your world with music! Jono Manson has been playing his brand of music for decades, collaborating and touring with some of the biggest names in the business. Join us for a lighthearted interview that captures some of Jono’s stories and memories, as well as what he’s got planned for his next project.

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