Summer Reading

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 • Big Creek • Caruthers • Clovis • Easton • Firebaugh • Fowler • Fresno • Kerman • Kingsburg • Laton • Mendota • Orange Cove • Parlier • Reedley • Riverdale • San Joaquin • Sanger • Selma • Shaver Lake • Tranquillity

Avoid learning loss by keeping your body and mind healthy and active this summer by joining FCPL’s Summer at Your Library Program! Enjoy a lovely mix of virtual and in-person programs—so join FCPL for all the summer fun! Call 600-6227 for questions.

  • Performances from some old favorites and new friends in the Branches!
  • Take-and-Make crafts and virtual programs for high schoolers!
  • In-person programs for adults!
  • Reading Challenge for all ages!

Learn more!

Kings County Library

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

“Find Your Voice” performances will be in-person this year. Kids can spend the summer with the library and iREAD, discovering their voice through reading! Track reading progress on Beanstack or pick up a form from any Kings County Library branch. Call 582-0261 for questions.

  • Tuesdays: Avenal at 11 a.m. and Kettleman City at 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: Lemoore at 11 a.m. and Stratford at 2:30 p.m. (Lemoore programs will be held in the Lemoore Civic Auditorium)
  • Thursdays: Hanford at 10 a.m. and Armona at 1 p.m. (Hanford programs will be held at the Hanford Civic Auditorium)
  • Fridays: Corcoran at 1 p.m.

Learn more!

Madera County Library

Chowchilla • Madera • Madera Ranchos • North Fork • Oakhurst

“Find Your Voice!” Our voices have power. We use our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change. Our voices include not only the sounds we make, but the words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world. 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 Action Bingo Card. Call 675-7871 for questions.

  • Fun story times!
  • Entertaining performers!
  • Enjoy a variety of crafts!

Learn more!

Merced County Library

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

“Find Your Voice,” Summer Reading 2023 will take place from June 3rd–August 5th. Track your reading progress through the online reading log, Beanstack, or register in-person at your local branch. Read books and participate in activities like storytimes, performances, crafts, and more to earn prizes. Summer Reading 2023 is open to all ages. For more information visit www.mercedcountylibrary.org or follow the Merced County Library on Facebook or Instagram.

  • Enjoy bubble adventures!
  • Enjoy magic and reptile shows!
  • Learn self-defense and zumba!

Learn more!

Tulare County Library

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

Tulare County Library will be having their annual Summer Reading Challenge from June 13th–July 22nd. The library system will be having a multitude of in-person programming opportunities. Sign-up in-person at any branch or online through Beanstack to earn prizes for reading! Call 713-2700 for questions.

  • 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!

Learn more!

Tulare Public Library

Tulare

The Tulare Public Library will have their annual Summer Reading Program June 10th–July 15th. The Kickoff Event will be June 10th at 10 a.m. with two performances of E&M Reptile Family, plus free carnival games. During the five-week program, kids and teens get prizes for every hour they read plus an entry in a Grand Prize Drawing. There will be a reading program for adults 18+ as well. Call 685-4500 for details.

  • Fun performers for all ages on Saturday!
  • Storytimes, crafts, and a Builders’ Zone for kid
  • Activities for teens and adults

Learn more!