Summer Reading kickoff party brings about 650 people to the library

The Summer Reading Program was accompanied by perfect summer weather at its kickoff party this past Monday. Newton Library Director Nicole Terry estimated about 650 people attended the event. The door count was 591 people, with 300 people between 4 and 6 p.m. Sea Turtle Ice Cream truck sold 425 ice creams.

Families can still enroll their children in the Summer Reading Program anytime by visiting the Newton Public Library. When kids enroll in the program, they are given a reading log, a goodie bag and a charm bracelet. By completing reading log milestones, kids can earn new charms to add to their bracelets or Crocs.

Events are also organized as part of the Summer Reading Program.

Some of the more popular events now require tickets beforehand. Tickets can be acquired for free at the library. Here are the ticketed events:

• Dinosaur Dimensions, 6 p.m. June 18

• Twisted Bo-Kay Balloon Art Storytelling, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. June 23

• Concert with Miss Carole, 10 a.m. June 26

• Absolute Science Fantastic Foam Show, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. June 30

• Cold-Blooded Redhead Reptile Show, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. July 9

• Mario and Princess Peach Pool Party at Maytag Pool, 6-8 p.m. July 22

• Mermaid and Moana Pool Party at Maytag Pool, 6-8 p.m. July 30

All non-ticketed children events include:

• Very Hungry Caterpillar Party, 9-11 a.m. June 4

• Music for Little Ones on the Lawn, 6 p.m. June 9

• Jonathan May Magic Show, 1 p.m. June 13

• Absolute Science Bubble Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon June 16

• Jewels Academy STEM Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m. June 26

• Cartooning Workshop with Buck Jones, 1 p.m. July 1

• Des Moines Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo, 10 a.m. July 8

• Dinosaur Encounter, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. July 14