Summer offers kids a much-needed break from the school routine, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to spark a love of reading. With no homework or tests, children can read purely for fun. A little reading each day helps keep their minds active and learning all summer long.
CARMEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The annual Summer Reading Program will run from June 10 – August 2. Visit the Park Branch to sign up for challenges and pick up an event schedule.
- CARMEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
- CORNER OF MISSION STREET & 6TH AVENUE, CARMEL
- CI.CARMEL.CA.US/LIBRARY
- (831) 624-4664
MONTEREY COUNTY FREE LIBRARIES
The MCFL program runs June 12 through July 27. Patrons of all ages can register in-person at their local MCFL branch or online at eMCFL.org. Participant receive free books and prizes. Exciting, family-friendly programs will be hosted in June and July and include free live performances, free books, and fun for all ages. Programs require registration.
- MONTEREY COUNTY FREE LIBRARIES HAVE BRANCHES THROUGHOUT MONTEREY COUNTY
- CO.MONTEREY.CA.US/GOVERNMENT/DEPARTMENTS-I-Z/LIBRARY/KIDS-TEEN/KIDS
- (831) 883-7555
MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM
The Summer Reading Program runs from June 1-July 31. Complete the all-ages reading challenge to receive a free book and an entry into a prize drawing. Special events are planned throughout the summer and details can be found on the library’s calendar.
- 625 PACIFIC STREET, MONTEREY, 93940
- MONTEREY.ORG/LIBRARY
- (831) 646-3933
PACIFIC GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Summer Reading Program begins June 4 with programs for all ages. The program includes weekly entertainment on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm at Jewell Park in Pacific Grove. The teen program runs June 3-July 28. Participants can log their reading and attend events to receive tickets for a raffle. The adult program runs from June 10-August 6.
- 550 CENTRAL AVE, PACIFIC GROVE, 93950
- PACIFICGROVELIBRARY.ORG
- (831) 648-5760
SALINAS PUBLIC LIBRARY
A variety of drop-in and registration-based programs for all ages will be offered throughout the summer to promote learning and exploration. The program will offer an array of engaging activities and reading prizes for children, teens, and adults and include a Summer Reading Challenge, prizes, in-person programs, live performances and take-home kits.
- 350 LINCOLN AVE., SALINAS, 93901
- SALINASPUBLICLIBRARY.ORG
- (831) 758-7311
SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Summer Reading Program at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries is for all ages. Read to earn virtual badges, books, and raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes. You can sign up online for a Beanstack account any time.
- 224 CHURCH STREET, SANTA CRUZ, 95060
- SANTACRUZPL.ORG/SRP
- (831) 427-7713
WATSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The annual Summer Reading Program will run from June 2 – July 25. All ages are invited to participate and everyone who registers gets a free book. You can register and track books online or in a paper log available at the library. A variety of themed events are planned including crafts, a movie night, and more.
- 275 MAIN ST., SUITE 100. WATSONVILLE, 95076
- CITYOFWATSONVILLE.ORG
- (831) 768-3400
BONUS: MORE SUMMER READING PROGRAMS FOR KIDS!
BARNES & NOBLE
Barnes & Noble’s annual Summer Reading Program invites children in grades 1 through 6 to earn a free book by reading eight books of their choice. Participants record their reading in a downloadable journal, noting their favorite part of each book. Once completed, the journal can be brought to any Barnes & Noble store (closest to our area is in Gilroy) between July 1 and August 31, to select a free book from a curated list appropriate for their grade level.
BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ
Children in K-12th grade are challenged kids to read six books—at least three from the store’s recommended reading list. Complete the challenge and kids can earn excellent rewards including a $5 Bookshop gift card, a $10 MyBoardwalk Card from The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a free scoop from the Penny Ice Creamery, a free slice from Pizza My Heart, and a special prize from the Santa Cruz Warriors.
FOR MORE INFO: bookshopsantacruz.com/summer-reading-program
PIZZA HUT’S CAMP BOOK IT!
Pizza Hut’s Camp BOOK IT! program for children in pre-K through sixth grade runs from June through Augus. Parents can set monthly reading goals for their children using a digital dashboard. When children meet their goals, they receive digital coupons for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza.
FOR MORE INFO: bookitprogram.com
SCHOLASTIC BOOKS
Kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base through September 12. Home Base is a free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. It is moderated for safety 24/7.
FOR MORE INFO: scholastic.com/site/summer-reading.html#summer-reading