Summer Reading

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Summer is a time when children get a break from the rigorous study and learning they do from late August to early June. Sadly, summer break also means that many children fall victim to the dreaded “summer slide.” Summer slide or summer learning loss occurs during these summer months when children simply stop learning. During the summer months, summer slide can cause a child to lose as much as 2/3 of what they have learned during the previous school year. This simply means that they return to school not on grade level as their peers who are engaged in some kind of activities which stimulates the mind to continuously learn during the summer months.

Libraries across the country have been fighting summer slide for over a hundred years now. This year the fight continues on with Summer at Your Library. What started out as a reading program at the library during the summer months has evolved into a summer full of fun, educational, and free programs for the entire family. Reading is still a very big component of the programs, but there are also many performers providing entertainment to kids. Learn more about programs near you below!

Fresno County Public Library

Auberry • Bear Mountain • Betty Rodriguez • Big Creek • Biola • Bookmobile • Caruthers • Clovis • Easton • Fig Garden • Firebaugh • Fowler • Fresno • Gillis • Kerman • Kingsburg • Laton • Mendota • Mosqueda • Orange Cove • Parlier • Piedra • Pinedale • Politi • Reedley • Riverdale • San Joaquin • Sanger • Selma • Shaver Lake • Sunnyside • Tranquillity • West Fresno • Woodward Park

Join Summer at Your Library, the Fresno County Public Library’s reading challenge. Participate online or stop by your local library to sign up in person.
  • Programs and performances for all ages!
  • Reptiles, animals, bubbles, magic, and more!

Kings County Library

Armona • Avenal • Corcoran • Hanford • Kettleman City • Lemoore • Stratford

Information coming soon!

Madera County Library

Chowchilla • Madera • Madera Ranchos • North Fork • Oakhurst

“Level Up at Your Library!” This year’s Summer Reading Program, with a focus on play. Play is one of the ways we learn to relate to others, to think in new ways, and to foster friendships—old and new. Sign-up in-person or online through Beanstack to earn prizes for reading! Track your reading on Beanstack or head to the library to grab a copy of the reading challenge. Registration required for some programs, please call (559) 675-7871 or visit www.maderalibrary.org for more information.

  • Fun story times!
  • Entertaining performers!
  • A variety of crafts!

Merced County Library

Atwater • Bookmobile• Delhi • Dos Palos • Gustine • Hilmar • Le Grand • Livingston • Los Banos • Merced • Santa Nella • Snelling

Merced County Library will be having its annual Summer Reading Challenge from May 31st–August 2nd—the kick-off event is on May 31st. There will be a variety of in-person programming and a reading program for adults 18 and up. Sign-up in person at any branch or online through Beanstack to earn prizes for reading. Call (209) 385-7484 or visit www.mercedcountylibrary.org for more information.

  • Fun Library events for family
  • Storytimes, crafts, and games
  • Activities for all ages

Tulare County Library

Alpaugh • Dinuba • Earlimart • Exeter • Farmersville • Ivanhoe • Lindsay • London • Orosi • Pixley • Springville • Strathmore • Terra Bella • Three Rivers • Tipton • Visalia • Woodlake

Tulare County residents of all ages can participate in the free reading challenge from June 10th–July 19th. Create an account on Beanstack to sign up the whole family or download the Beanstack Tracker in the App or Play Store. Participants can also register at their local library to receive a paper reading log. Ages 0–5 are challenged to read 20 books and ages 6 and older are challenged to read 20 days. More info on prizes and summer lunches coming soon! Call (559) 713-2700 or visit for questions and more information.
  • Magicians, reptile shows, comedians, and service dog events.
  • Game days, craft days, and art classes.
  • Many more programs and prizes for children, teens, and adults!

Tulare Public Library

Tulare

“Level Up at Your Library!” will run June 17th–July 12th—with a kick-off on June 14th from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. with an indoor carnival and three performances of E&M’s Reptile Show. During the four-week program, kids and teens receive prizes for every hour they read and entries into a grand prize drawing. They also receive a finishing prize if they reach the 300-minute goal. Adults receive an entry to a grand prize drawing for every hour they read and a finishing prize if they read 300-minutes. There is also an online option through Beanstack for kids, teens, and adults to log their reading time. Grand prizes will include backpacks or bags filled with age-appropriate books, games, activities, and gift cards!

  • Fun performers for all ages on Saturdays!
  • Storytimes, crafts, and a Builders’ Zone for kids.
  • Activities for teens and adults.