05/29/2026
Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, but for book lovers things really get started on June 1. That’s the beginning of Summer Reading, which lasts through the end of July. Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) libraries have hundreds of events and activities planned for all ages. All children who read and log at least five books and complete one activity will receive a prize (while supplies last). Prizes are also available for teens and adults.
“Reading opens the door for a lifetime of learning,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “Summer Reading is the perfect time to plant a seed with our littlest ones and to nourish and expand the minds of children, teens and adults. Come out to the library this summer for great reads and fun events!”
This year’s theme is Plant a Seed, Read, featuring characters of illustrator Pete Oswald (The Bad Seed, The Good Egg). One of the primary goals of summer reading is to avoid the “summer slide” among school age children, when they tend to lose skills and knowledge gained during the school year. Adults are invited and encouraged to join in the fun as well, with longer days and nice weather, perfect conditions to enjoy a book outdoors.
To get started, patrons can visit sccld.org/summer and sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge in Beanstack. There are events planned for kids, teens and adults. Our librarians have compiled suggested summer book lists for kids and teens. Adults can check out the latest recommendations in fiction and nonfiction.
Remember, at the library all reading is good reading. Audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and picturebooks all count!
Parents and caregivers should also sign up their little ones ages 0-5 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at sccld.org/imaginationlibrary/. Each month a book will be sent to their home, in English or Spanish. This is a great way to inspire an early love of learning. The County of Santa Clara recently reached the milestone of 100,000 books mailed with SCCLD as the program’s lead local agency. Another great way to engage little ones in early literacy is to visit our early learning
Storybook SCCLD play spaces available at the Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, and Saratoga Libraries.
Happy reading!
