For Kids


Story Time, Tot Time and Lap Sit

All in-person story times are on hold indefinitely.

Story Time will be offered online via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Monday - Thursday.  These will not be recorded or archived due to publisher requirements for the temporary read aloud permissions. Participants must register to receive a link and password.  Search "Story Time  - Zoom" in our online calendar to register. Please "Like" and "Follow" the Pella Public Library on Facebook to see up to date information about story times.

Summer Zoom Story Time

Monday - Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Click here to register online

Outdoor In-Person Story Time

Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Story time with Miss Katie and Art in the Park with Miss Mary from the Pella Art Center.  Program will be held at West Market Park, South Shelter House on Liberty St.

All ages are welcome to participate.  If you have any questions, please contact Miss Katie in the Children's Department.

Summer Library Programs - Reading Colors Your World!

Reading Programs

Early Literacy Program 

This program is for children 0-2 years.  Parents will read and complete the early literacy activities. Remember it is never too early to start reading to your child!

Read to Me Program

This program is for children 2 years old–PreK. For every 10 days of reading, you earn a prize. You can earn a total of 4 prizes. Adults will be doing the reading with the children for this program.

School Age Program

This program is for children who have just finished grades K-5.  For every 10 days of reading, you earn a prize. You can earn a total of 4 prizes. Parents are welcome to read to their kids in this program, but kids are encouraged to read on their own. (5th graders have the option of the Summer Library Program or the Teen Program) 

Teen Summer Reading Program 

This program is for 5th graders to those who have just graduated high school. Participants will read as much as they want. For every 200 pages read, an entry will be made into a drawing held at the end of the program. The more you read, the more entries you have!

Register on Beanstack for all reading programs.


Beanstack how-to videos

How patrons create an account and add readers


How to view and participate in challenges on the mobile app

How to log reading on the mobile app

How to log activities on the mobile app

How to edit, add, and switch readers on the mobile app

Spreading Kindness

Join us to participate in different activities designed to spread kindness around Pella!

June 14-18  - Take and Make Friendship Treats!  Pick up a recipe for friendship.

June 21-25 - Kindness to all creatures big and small! Join us making snuffle mats for the Marion County Humane Shelter.

July 6-9- Kindness to our neighbors! Help us build a rainbow of food for the Pella Food Shelf!

July 12-16 - Become a Super Secret Kindness Ninja!  Pass the training and receive a ninja to gift someone else to become a Super Secret Kindness Ninja.

Special Performers!

Juggler Jason Kollum

Jason will wow all ages, as balls, clubs, rings, spinning balls, giant beanbag chairs and much more will be sent flying through the air, leading up to the big balancing and juggling finale that will have everybody on the edge of their seats!

Thursday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m.  

Sponsored by VanMaanen, Sietstra, Meyer, & Nikkel, P.C.

Singer Jennifer Daniels

Jennifer is an award-winning songwriter and a powerhouse on stage. She tours schools, libraries, and play museums performing stories and songs that get kids jumping and smiling and excited about learning.

Thursday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                 

Sponsored by Leighton State Bank

Both programs will be held on the north side of the Tulip Toren.  In case of weather, program will be held at the JKF Auditorium Community Center Building.

Book Clubs

Tuesdays @ 11:00 a.m. for children in grades 2-6 on  

Session 1 - June 15 and 22            Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Session 2  - June 29 and July 6      Pie in the Sky by Remi Lai

Session 3 - July 13 and 20             Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

Teen/Tween on Thursdays @ 11:00 a.m. for teens/tweens in grades 6-12

Session 1 - June 17 and 24            Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Session 2 - July 1 and July 8          Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Session 3 - July 15 and 22             Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse


1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Did you know that if you read one (1) story every day for 5 years that would equal 1,825 stories read! 

How the program works:

1. Any child from birth to before entering Kindergarten can participate in the program.

2. Register on our new online reading tracker, Beanstack, at https://pella.beanstack.com/reader365

3. After receiving each badge on Beanstack, come to the library to receive a small incentive.  Multiple children in a family may do the program.  Each child will have an account on Beanstack to keep track of their badges.

4. When you reach 1,000 books your child will receive a certificate.  You will also be invited to attend our 1,001 party!  

For more information on the program click here!

Free TumbleBooks Resources

For a limited time, get free ebooks and audiobooks from the TumbleBooks company!


Reading Resources