Holiday Hours

Both locations of the library will be closed on Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26, for the Memorial Day holiday. 

Special Summer Performances on Mondays in June and July

A room full of children raise their hands in the air with Tom Pease.
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Alison Gowans
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May 15, 2025 – The Summer Reading Challenge welcomes a series of big performances for kids to the library on Mondays throughout June and July. All performances are first-come, first-serve; wrist bands will be handed out one hour prior to each performance.  

Gincy Hartin: It’s Cool to Be Kind

Nationally acclaimed recording artist Gincy Hartin presents a show filled with original songs with meaningful and inspiring lyrics. Participants will sing, dance, and interact to songs such as "Cool To Be Kind," "Together," "We Can Change the World," and more. Gincy's original compositions take inspiration from pop, rock, and R&B, making this a library performance you've never experienced before! 

Monday, June 16, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

Gincy Hartin plays guitar and sings.

Mikayla Oz Magic Show

Mikayla's show is highly interactive and makes it seem as though the kids make the magic happen. She presents a performance full of family-friendly comedy, including appearances by audience favorite Bubbles the Bird. 

Monday, June 23, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

Mikayla Oz wears a red sparkly coat and does a magic trick with two balls.

Wilderman's Treetop Tales with Chad Elliott

Songwriter and children's author Chad Elliott will perform songs from his "Wilderman's Treetop Tales" album. His interdisciplinary offering of art, music, and writing will allow the whole family to embrace wild imagination. His art will also be on display in the Downtown Library’s Third Floor Gallery throughout the summer. 

Monday, June 30, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

Chad Elliott plays a guitar.

Sam Rezz Circus Variety Show

Join circus performer Sam Rezz for a dazzling show for all ages. From aerial feats to hula hoops to juggling, this show has something for everyone!  

Monday, July 7, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

Sam Rezz balances a sphere on her forehead.

Meet Reptiles with the Cold-Blooded Redhead

Local reptile enthusiast Lindsay McDermott has a passion for sharing reptiles and invertebrates with children and families. Get up close and personal with her lizards, snakes, arachnids, and more at this interactive presentation! Kids and adults alike will have the chance to learn, discuss, touch, and even hold some reptiles. 

Monday, July 14, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

A woman has a large yellow snake on her shoulders.

Absolute Science: Laser Show

In this show, we expose you to chemical reactions. We walk you through how heat can create sound, get to play with HIGHLY FLAMMABLE powder (Don’t worry, we are always safe!), and get messy with ink. We will also create a soda explosion indoors and introduce you to what our high-powered laser can do! No matter your age, there is something in this show for you! 

Monday, July 21, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

kids in lab coats pour chemicals into beakers

Tom Pease: Children’s Musician

Singer, songwriter, and recording artist Tom Pease entertains with great music and audience participation that will have you rockin' and rollin' like no other performance.  

Monday, July 28, 10-11 am & 1-2 pm, Downtown Library, and 3:30-4:30 pm, Ladd Library

Tom Pease dances with a group of children.

The Summer Reading Challenge is generously supported by the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, Hills Bank, GreenState Credit Union, The Gazette, and the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Find more summer programs at the library at CRLibrary.org/events. Learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge at CRLibrary.org/summer.