Libraries hosting summer reading fun for kids, adults
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
School is out but that does not mean those of all ages will not still be hitting the books this summer.
San Diego Public Library and San Diego County Library have kicked off their “Reading is So Delicious” summer reading programs open for free to babies through adults. In conjunction, libraries will also have many free programs and activities in addition to those offered year round.
SDPL’s youth program is available at all city libraries, but the adult program is only offered at some branches, including Rancho Bernardo Library — the only one participating in the Inland Corridor.
The city’s program began Saturday and continues through Aug. 15, by which time reading logs must be returned to redeem prizes that become available this Saturday. To participate, register in person at a city branch or go to
www.sandiego.gov/public-library.
Babies and toddlers (0-2 years) need to have 10 books read to them. At registration they receive a free child’s admission to Legoland California and Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland Water Park. Upon completion they will receive a baby bib plus two Padres tickets, kid’s meals at Chipotle, Daphne’s and Round Table Pizza plus a Museum of Man pass.
Children (3-11 years) need to read 10 books or for 10 hours. They too receive the Legoland pass plus a temporary tattoo and bookmark for signing up. Upon completion they receive a flying disk, pencil, two Padres tickets, three kid’s meals plus passes to Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Museum of Man, San Diego Air and Space and San Diego Natural History museums.
Teens (12-18 years) receive a Legoland pass and temporary tattoo for signing up. After reading for 10 hours they receive a water bottle, chef rubber duck plus all tickets, meals and museum passes offered to child readers.
Adults have two options — read or listen to books plus either briefly review three books or list the titles of books read over 10 hours. They will receive coupons for free desserts.
All who complete the city library’s program will also be entered into prize drawings.
The county’s program started June 1 and concludes on Aug. 10. Its prizes will be available starting July 1. To register, go to a county library branch, including 4S Ranch and Poway, or www.sdcl.org.
In addition to age-level prizes listed below, youth participants receive a prize package that includes passes to San Diego Natural History and San Diego Air and Space museums plus meals at restaurants such as Round Table Pizza and Chick-fil-A.
To encourage reading throughout the summer, youths and adults can repeat the program but in lieu of multiple prize packages get extra entries into their branch’s drawing for gift cards and prize baskets.
Babies and toddlers (0-3 years) need to have 10 books read to them and/or participate in pre-literacy activities for prizes that include a Hippo Chef. The program’s website offers suggestions on pre-literacy activities.
Kids (4 years to second grade) are to read for 300 minutes (five hours) to receive ice cream shooters, scented erasers and scented pencils.
Tweens (third- to fifth-graders) are to read for 600 minutes (10 hours) to receive a splat egg, scented candy bar eraser and scented pencils.
Teens (sixth- to 12th-graders) are also to read for 600 minutes (10 hours) to receive a yo-yo and mustache bracelet.
Adults can receive a SDCL tote bag after they have read four books.
The county library is also participating in Read for a Reason, where Hill’s Science Diet donates dog food to local animal shelters each time youths and adults reach reading goals. To participate, click the box when registering online.
