iREAD on the Road 2026: Stopover 2

Jul 07, 2026

Summer reading has begun, and libraries are leveling up their decorations, displays, and programs. Hit the road with iREAD for the second leg of our trip and let’s see what all of these fabulous libraries are up to! 

Illinois

Elmhurst Public Library - Elmhurst, IL 

“I thought this year's summer reading program theme was the perfect opportunity to share the wonderful authors and illustrators who live in the Chicagoland area. I made the author's flower and pot images in Canva. I limited the selection to those whose books we currently have in a physical circulating copy. (I know I've likely missed a few people!) I tried to have as many diverse individuals as I could recall. I also made the "Locally Grown" flag banners in Canva.” - Patricia 

Flagg-Rochelle Public Library - Rochelle, IL 

Did someone say pizza? Flagg-Rochelle Public Library hosted a “Grow A Mini Pizza Garden” program where children and families had the opportunity to plant tomato, basil, and oregano to “grow” their own pizza. While they waited for their turn to plant - they created mini-pizza snacks to enjoy. If only we could figure out how to plant and grow cheese . . . 

 Glen Ellyn Public Library - Glen Ellyn, IL 

The staff at Glen Ellyn Public Library are ready to grow this summer! Check out one of their (many) Summer Reading videos here (and then scroll through the rest of their posts to see more). 

They have also developed a fun reading tracker that aligns with the video above! 

Maine 

Springvale Public Library - Springvale, ME

The gang is all here at Springvale Public Library! Look at these amazing large-scale versions of the Food Group, all made from cardboard, acrylic paint, and assorted crafty items! 

Massachusetts

Duxbury Free Library - Duxbury, MA 

Duxbury Free Library has adopted a mascot for Plant A Seed, Read - Seymour B. Chompy. They have included resources about Venus Fly Traps and important warnings to keep everyone safe. 

We hope that Mr. Chompy stays happy and healthy in the library through next summer, when he can highlight Science Fiction with Little Shop of Horrors (presumably his namesake). 

South Hadley Public Library - South Hadley, MA 

“Reading Tree: Kids will add leaves and apples (paper die-cuts) with favorite book titles written on them to the tree throughout the summer.” - Jenny 

Minnesota 

Kasson Public Library - Kasson, MN 

Kasson Public Library is all decked out for Plant A Seed, Read. They have a cheerful bulletin board, have added planters with bright new flowers, as well as eye-catching window painting. 

KPL also worked with the Mantorville Art Guild to create a display featuring plant-themed pieces in the entry Hall. 

There is also a passive “would you rather” question every week. Would you rather have a garden that grows only giant vegetables or only tiny fruits? Hmmmm . . . 

 Red Lake Falls Public Library - Red Lake Falls, MN

Red Lake Falls Public Library has created a magical garden/farm space for their children’s room - complete with a garden bench, cozy nooks to read and relax in, an interactive building garden, and soft summer grass. As an added bonus - no bugs! Everyone is welcomed by our friends The Food Group. Who wouldn’t want to spend their summer here?