The Santa Barbara Public Library System invites children and teens to keep reading skills strong by signing up for the annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s children’s theme is “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” and the teen theme is “Exercise Your Mind. Read”. Both summer reading programs are available at all libraries in the County, including the Goleta branch, and run from Tuesday, June 14th through August 6th. To participate, children and teens sign up at their local library.
For the children’s program, children earn prizes when they visit their local Library Branch, read books and talk about them. Prizes are both tangible (a small toy from the treasure chest) and experiential (free and discounted coupons to visit local museums and businesses) to further encourage summer learning and affordable family outings. Through the support of the Friends of the Libraries, all libraries present free weekly family performances featuring guest musicians, magicians, storytellers, puppeteers, and more. The more a child reads, the more prizes they earn. Children of all ages can get their own library card with a parental signature.
The Teen Program welcomes junior high and high school students to read, visit the library, complete fun activities and earn prizes. Upon reading a book and completing an activity, teens return to the library to choose either a grab bag prize or a chance to win a drawing for exciting incentives provided by local businesses. Activities such as “suggest a good book to a friend” or “hula hoop for 30 seconds” encourage participation and start conversations. Teens will also have the opportunity to participate in movie nights, an open mic night, and an Instagram contest.
For more information on the summer reading program and other library activities, including volunteer opportunities, visit SBPLibrary.org.