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win big prizes — Local teens are diving into summer reading at the Irondale Public Library. (Bham Now)

As an avid reader, I’m always looking for an excuse to spend more time surrounded by books. The good news? I just found the perfect reason: summer reading at the Irondale Public Library.

From exciting reading challenges and awesome grand prizes to family-friendly events and activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—and best of all, it’s free!

Here’s a closer look at how your family and friends can join in the fun in Irondale all summer long.

Summer reading at the Irondale Public Library is free + for all ages

Friends and families browsing the shelves at the Irondale Public Library

People of all ages participating in summer reading activities at the Irondale Public Library

Friends and families love browsing the shelves at the Irondale Public Library. (City of Irondale)

If you’ve always pictured summer reading as something meant for kids, think again. These programs are designed for everyone.

Here’s how you can participate in Irondale Public Library’s Summer Reading Program:

Sign up for the free 2026 Summer Reading Challenge

Children browsing shelves at Irondale Public Library Irondale Public Library offers books and more for kids and parents. (City of Irondale) — Irondale Public Library offers books and more for kids and parents. (City of Irondale)

Whether you’re reading picture books with your toddler, listening to audiobooks on your commute or finally tackling that novel you’ve been meaning to finish, every day you read counts in this year’s summer reading challenge.

It’s easy and free to sign up. Just follow these steps:

Register as an individual, family or group through Beanstack.
Log your reading daily.
Earn entries toward grand prizes.

I wasn’t kidding earlier when I said the grand prizes were awesome. Here are a few up for grabs for top reading participants:

McWane Science Center membership (1 year)
Birmingham Zoo membership (1 year)
Thank You Books gift card + tote bag
2 Sidewalk Film Festival weekend passes
+ more!

When: Now–July 22
Designed for: readers + listeners ages 0–100+
Cost: Free

Join the free 1,000 Books Reading Challenge

<figure>Children reading in a dedicated kids' area at the Irondale Public Library Littles have a special space to read and learn at the Irondale Public Library. (City of Irondale)</figure>

Let me correct that:

Children reading in a dedicated kids' area at the Irondale Public Library<figcaption>Littles have a special space to read and learn at the Irondale Public Library. (City of Irondale)</figcaption> — Littles have a special space to read and learn at the Irondale Public Library. (City of Irondale)

Summer is a great time to get little ones excited about reading, especially those getting ready for Kindergarten.

The 1,000 Books Challenge is designed for families of young children ages 0–5 to help build strong reading habits before entering elementary school.

What’s extra cool is the challenge is ongoing and built for year-round progress.

It’s free to sign up—here’s how:

Register as an individual, family or group through Beanstack.
Log your reading daily.
Earn entries toward grand prizes.

When: Ongoing
Designed for: Families of children ages 0–5
Cost: Free

Game nights, crafts + a 75th birthday celebration at Irondale Public Library

<p>Exterior view of the Irondale Public Library building (City of Irondale)</p> — Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr (middle) is a frequent visitor of the Irondale Public Library. (City of Irondale)

One thing I love about libraries is they offer so much more than books. The Irondale Public Library is proof, having rolled with the times to become a real community hub for all ages to enjoy.

When you visit, you’ll discover everything from audio books and game nights to crafting sessions and community events.

Visit the library’s event page to see what’s planned this summer.

Don’t miss this event: The Irondale Public Library’s 75th birthday is this summer! Attend a Birthday Cake Picnic on Wednesday, July 1 and Brunch for Books on Saturday, July 11.

REMINDER: If you don’t have a library card, now’s the perfect time to get one. Just stop by the Irondale Public Library’s front desk and sign up—it’s free! Cards are available to all Jefferson County residents, not just those in Irondale.

You can also renew your library card online here.

Visit Irondale Public Library

Children browsing books at Irondale Public Library

City of Irondale, Irondale Public Library

How many books will your family read this summer? (City of Irondale)

If it’s been a bit since you visited the Irondale Public Library, you’re in for a treat. Just a short drive from Birmingham, the library opened its new 16,000-square-foot facility in fall of 2025, giving visitors twice the space to read, learn and connect.

Take a look at some of the features you’ll find inside:

A children’s section with storytime area + interactive play kitchen
A quiet reading room for adults
A vending machine with “smart choices” + coffee
Small study rooms for meetings + remote work
See the full list of new features on the Irondale Public Library’s website.

Address: 1032 Grants Mill Road, Irondale
Hours
- Mon + Thurs: 9AM-7PM
- Tues + Wed: 9AM-6PM
- Fri: 9AM-5PM
- Sat: 10AM-4PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ready to join the fun? Sign up for summer reading and discover why the Irondale Public Library is a favorite local spot to read, learn and connect.

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