Colorful graphic that says Cedar Rapids Public Library Summer Dare June 3-July 29.

Do You Dare?

Dare to read. Dare to explore. Dare to learn. We dare you to do it all with the Summer Dare.  

The Summer Dare is for everyone. It is your chance to engage with your community, to embrace lifelong learning, and to have fun this summer with the library. 

Read and Explore

Get started by registering for the Summer Dare on Beanstack or by picking up a game card. Track your reading minutes, complete dares, and earn prizes. 

Beginning June 3, pick up a library bag when you register and free book when you complete the challenge.

Complete five squares on your game card in a row – up and down, sideways, or diagonal – to complete the challenge. If you block out the whole game card, you earn a special commemorative lapel pin.

The Summer Dare kicks off June 3 and runs through July 29. Join us – if you dare! 

A child crouches down while holding a tablet in front of a Cedar Rapids Public Library tent.

Mobile Technology Lab

The library's Mobile Technology Lab is on the move!

We are partnering with Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation’s Rollin' Recmobile to bring activities for all ages to the community this summer. Find us at parks around the city from Monday, June 5 to Friday, Aug. 4 with books, games, fun, and a few surprises, too.

Each stop will feature story time 30 minutes after the visit begins (9:30 am at Redmond Park, noon at Jacolyn Park, etc).

  • Mondays: 9-11 am, Redmond Park, 1545 Third Ave. SE
  • Mondays: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Jacolyn Park, 198 Jacolyn Dr. NW
  • Tuesdays: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Hayes Park, 1924 D St. SW (No visit July 4.)
  • Alternating Wednesdays: June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, & Aug. 2, 4:30-6:30 pm, Cleveland Park, 1600 Eighth Ave. SW
  • Alternating Wednesdays: June 14 & 28 & July 12 & 26, 4:30-6:30 pm Jacolyn Park, 198 Jacolyn Dr. NW
  • Thursdays: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Hughes Park, 2100 Wilson Ave. SW
  • Fridays: 9-11 am, Bever Park, 2700 Bever Ave. SE

June Tech to Go programs are generously sponsored by CRBT, and July programs are sponsored by ITC Midwest.

A blue square with CRBT inside next to the words Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.
A blue circle with a swoop missing next to the words ITC A Fortis Company
Summer Dare written inside a rainbow-colored wheel.

Register

Registration for the 2023 Summer Dare is now open! Click the Beanstack button to get started.

Beanstack
A man in a blue vest, wearing a guitar, makes an open-mouthed expression while raising his arms.

Library Programs

Join us for a full slate of summer programs at the library and visit our Mobile Technology Lab at area parks.

Listen to music, hear stories, experience magic, visit the circus, meet animals, and even encounter dinosaurs. 

We invite you to explore our programs for all ages on our calendar or call (319) 261-7323 for updated information.

Events Calendar

Severe Weather

The Cedar Rapids Public Library values and prioritizes the safety of our patrons and staff. During extreme weather, outdoor outreach programs will be cancelled in accordance with Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines, including: 

  • Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings 

  • Heat Index above 100 degrees Fahrenheit 

  • Wind Chill below 10 degrees Fahrenheit 

Outdoor outreach may also be cancelled at the discretion of the Library Director or library management. 

All decisions will be made no later than 30 minutes before the start of an outdoor program. Cancellations will be communicated on the library’s social media channels and the online events calendar. 

Thank You to Our Summer Dare Sponsors!

Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation logo
Friends of the Library logo
Hill Bank logo with a green H.
logo for green state credit union