An Events & Reading Incentives Program for Babies, Toddlers, Kids, Teens
(and NEW THIS YEAR) Adults too!

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program; GAME ON: READ begins June 1 and runs through August 14th.  This year Summer Reading is open to all ages! In addition to our reading incentives for youth ages 0-18; the library will offer a pilot program for adults: LIBRARY BINGO. Library Bingo encourages adults to complete 5 activities on a library bingo card, for chances in a county wide raffle.

This year’s theme is GAME ON!  in honor of sports, the outdoors, the upcoming Olympics, and reading and learning as forms of play. Participants are encouraged to read books of their own choosing — or listen to audio books, or be read to. Young participants set their own goal and complete as much or as little of the 20-hour incentive program as they wish. Adults have their choice of fun activities featured in LIBRARY BINGO. Incentive prizes are available for all age groups. Young participants may earn up to twenty “BOOK BUCKS,” one for each hour of reading (or listening) logged. BOOK BUCKS may be ‘spent’ on goods and services at dozens of local businesses, such as Atlantis Fantasyworld, Pacific Edge Rock Climbing, Westside Video, The Bay Tree Bookstore, the Penny Ice Creamery, and more (see the full list of business sponsors here.)

In 2015, participants earned over 33,000 BOOK BUCKS, an average of just over 18 per reader. Local businesses donated approximately $28,000 in goods and services to support reading and learning in Santa Cruz! Summer Reading is also made possible through the California State Library, the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and iREAD  (www.ireadprogram.org) resources.

FREE Programs @your library

GAME ON: READ features an extensive line-up of special events for people of all ages at branch library locations throughout the county. Programs this year include musicians, a magician, crafts, a sand castle workshop, puppet theater, a visit with live bats, a BMX bike stunt show, and more!

Festival of the Book:

Our annual Festival of the Book, celebrating reading for all in Santa Cruz will feature The Circus of Smiles jugglers, Tales to Tails therapy animals (Read to a Dog!), face painting, free lunch, and a Kids Only Book Sale. Join us at Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St • Sun, July 31st • 1-4pm.

WHY do we do this?

Summer reading programs help prevent learning loss. Reading for pleasure is essential for learners of all ages to become better readers, writers and critical thinkers. Reading just five books a summer can prevent ‘summer slide’ (www.ireadprogram.org/resources/prevent-summer-slide).

ABOUT THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM:

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) facilitates access to information, education, and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a Bookmobile and many community-based outreach programs. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. Learn more about SCPL at santacruzpl.org