Public libraries are a great, free resource for families anytime but are especially valuable during the summer. Visit your local library to check-out books for summer reading, learning, and enjoyment.
Many libraries have summer reading programs to encourage summer reading and reward children who meet reading goals. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations based on your child’s age and interests or check out the American Library Association’s summer reading list for children.
Use your library card to access free on-line books, magazines, movies, music and more from home. Visit your local library’s web site for resources and activities!
Don’t have a library card? Visit your nearest public library branch or apply online.
County Library Programs
Alameda County Libraries Creature Quest
Embark on your Summer Adventure at AC Library! Activities, reading, and more! Progress through your quest at AC Library and receive a book gift and prize drawing entries!
Contra Costa County Libraries Plant a Seed, Read
This summer, Plant A Seed, Read! Sign up with Beanstack to track your participation. Or print your own reading passport at home or visit your local library to pick one up. The whole family can grow this summer with reading, activities, and events. Everyone who completes summer reading wins prizes, including a free book, and is entered into a drawing for a chance to win more amazing prizes.
Summer at Marin County Free Library
Time to have fun, join activities, make stuff, get together with friends, and enjoy a good book! The library’s got you covered – with exciting events and programs, and recommendations for great summer reads.
Napa County Libraries Plant a Seed, Read
Read, attend fun library programs, and more with Napa County Library this summer! Log minutes and activities to earn badges.
San Francisco Public Libraries Summer Stride
Summer Stride is the Library’s annual summer learning, reading and exploration program. Challenge yourself and others to read, learn and listen with the Library this summer! Track 20 hours of reading, listening to audiobooks or participating in any Library activity on the Summer Stride tracker. After you complete the challenge, pick up your finishing prize featuring art from San Francisco illustrator Kenard Pak!
San Mateo County Libraries Summer Adventure
Summer Adventure is here! Read, Make and Explore as you complete the challenges in your Summer Adventure activity log for a chance to win prizes, like a $1,000 scholarship or tickets to see the San Francisco Giants! Pick up an activity log at your library, or print one at home. Youth ages 0-18 may receive a free book when they pick up a log in person, while supplies last. Color in a star for each challenge you complete. Once you’ve colored in all five stars, turn in your completed log at a library or submit a finisher form online.
Santa Clara County Libraries Plant a Seed, Read
Get ready for a summer of reading and growing. We’re inviting readers of all ages – kids, teens, and adults – to grow a love of reading this summer and explore the magic and wonder of the natural world!
Santa Cruz County Libraries Plant a Seed, Read
The annual library summer reading program is all about supporting summer learning through reading, programs, and events. Track how much you read this summer to win prizes and raffle tickets. Get the whole family involved reading and earning prizes!
Sonoma County Libraries Plant a Seed, Read
Join Sonoma County Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, an all-ages celebration of reading, play, and games! Keep track of your progress by logging the minutes you read.
Solano County Library Summer of Reading
Every summer, Solano County Library hosts a FREE all-ages reading challenge. Babies, kids, teens and adults are all encouraged to participate. Sign-up in-person at any Solano County Library or online. Track your reading from June 1st -July 31st on our gameboard. Each time you get to a “badge,” visit the library for a prize. Major prizes will be given at the halfway point and completion of the challenge.
City Library Programs
Belvedere Tiburon
Dig up some adventure at the library this summer with our reading program for kids. Visit the library throughout these seven summer weeks for prizes and swag.
Burlingame
Children receive a free paperback book when they pick up their first reading log.
Daly City
Sign up and complete this year’s reading challenge at your library or online. Receive a free book at any of the Daly City Public Library branches after signing up. Join us for some fun activities and events for children and families at your library this summer.
Hayward
Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge, enjoy free meals and activities at Lunch at the Library, and dive into hands-on discovery at our Summer Learning Camp. Whether your child is a curious reader, a budding scientist, or just looking for something fun to do, there’s something for everyone this summer—at no cost to families.
Larkspur
We have a Summer Reading Bingo game for you! Spend your summer reading and you can win fabulous prizes!
Los Gatos
Join our Summer Reading Challenge and read anything you want – books, ebooks, graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks – it all counts towards winning prizes. Log your reading and complete activity badges to win prizes from local businesses.
Menlo Park
Welcome to the Menlo Park Summer Reading Game, where we challenge you to track your reading, discover great books, enjoy community activities, and earn awesome prizes!
Mill Valley
Read Around the World this Summer! Read daily, earn prizes, and explore the great outdoors this summer at the library.
Mountain View
Read, learn and earn rewards!
Palo Alto
This year’s theme, Oceans of Possibilities, invites you to dive into new adventures and explore the depths of your imagination through reading. Track your reading time to earn prizes and join us for fun events this summer!
Oakland
Enjoy reading challenges, hands-on activities, and special events for all ages. From workshops and author talks to jazz performances, there is something for everyone, and everyone wins.
Pleasanton
Visit the Pleasanton Library and sign up for the 2026 Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed, Read! Everyone will receive a game board and a free book, just for signing up.
Redwood City
Visit any Redwood City Public Library location to sign up in-person or sign up online. Log 20 minutes of reading or listening each day and each time you try a new activity this summer. All reading counts- try listening to an audiobook or pick up a graphic novel or comic book!
San Anselmo
Visit the library to pick up your summer reading passport and receive a free goodie bag and book.
San Bruno
Take the summer reading challenge to earn free books.
San Jose
Get ready for a summer packed with adventure, learning, and prizes! Reading fuels fun and logging your reading will earn you a chance to win awesome prizes. Dive into new stories, discover cool resources, and make this your smartest summer yet!
San Leandro
Earn points when you read or listen to books, or complete activities. Use their points to “buy” prizes from the prize board. Everyone who earns 100 points by July 31 will receive an invitation to a special event.
San Mateo
Pick up a reading log and your free book. Return your completed reading log for a second free book and an entry for a prize drawing.
San Rafael
Play Summer Reading Bingo! Complete five activities in a row to win a prize!
Santa Clara
Ready for a summer filled with stories, culture, and hands-on fun? Collect 30 points to complete your Summer Adventure to receive a free book and prize entry.
Sausalito
Ages baby through teen, stop by all summer long for free special programs, and pick up your Journey Board to track summer reading for prizes! When you pick up your board, you’ll get to pick one free book for starting, and earn one entry into the prize raffle. Return your completed board to the library to receive an additional free book, a pick from the prize bin, and a second raffle entry!
South San Francisco
Throughout the summer, free books and summer reading logs will be provided for youth age 18 and under. With each completed log, current SSF residents can enter for a chance to win San Francisco Giants tickets.
Sunnyvale
Receive a brand-new paperback book after signing up. Add your name to our Reader Wall in the Children’s Room. Read five or more books to enter our grand prize drawing
Watsonville
Register for the challenge and explore and participate in various activities and events this summer.
