Local readers are invited to crack open their books for the chance to win prizes during the Summer Reading Program at the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL), beginning June 14.
The eight-week program will feature themed activities, special events and loads of reading time at all 12 LBPL branches through Aug. 9.
“Summer Reading is a fantastic opportunity for families to connect, learn and grow together,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This program reflects our dedication to education and community engagement, ensuring that residents of all ages have access to valuable learning experiences throughout the summer.”
Program participants can earn incentives for every five books read for children 12 years old and younger and for every book read for those ages 13 and older. Children who read 10+ books and teens or adults who read two books will be entered into a grand prize drawing.
“The Summer Reading Program is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” said Library Director Cathy De Leon in a public statement. “We are thrilled to provide opportunities for our community to experience the joy of reading and participate in the variety of engaging programs we have planned.”
The program will kick off with the The Alley Cats performing their educational and musical Do Re Mi of Doo-Wop show on June 14 at 11 a.m. at Billie Jean King Main Library, located at 200 W. Broadway.
The Summer Reading Program will also include the following free, family-friendly events:
Kids Composting Workshop with LB Recycles – Saturday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive). Long Beach Recycles will guide kids in creating healthy soils by feeding special worms that turn food waste into compost.
K-12 Author Series: Katherine Applegate – Tuesday, June 24 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. This online author talk will spotlight author Katherine Applegate and her children’s novel “Odder: An Otter’s Story,” which is about a program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. Registration is required.
Long Beach Museum of Art Workshop – Thursday, June 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). The Long Beach Museum of Art will lead an instructive workshop where participants will learn new art skills and take home their own masterpiece. Registration is required
LB Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo – Saturday, July 5 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Alamitos Neighborhood Library (1836 E. Third St.). Musicians from the Long Beach Symphony will showcase their musical skills and children will get to try their hand at playing different instruments.
John Abrams Magic: School of Astonishment – Thursday, July 31 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). This all-ages magic show will engage the audience and leave them inquisitive, with lots of laughs along the way.
Additional special events, including juggling performances, art workshops and intimate concerts can be found on the LBPL event calendar at longbeach.gov/library/events/summer-reading.
The Summer Reading Program was made possible in part by support from the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Port of Long Beach and Friends of the Long Beach Public Library.
Residents can register for the Summer Reading Program beginning June 14 in person at any LBPL branch or online at longbeach.beanstack.org. Residents may register to participate at any time during the duration of the program. To learn more, visit lbpl.org.
