Children, teens and adults can celebrate reading this summer by participating in Santa Barbara Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program, June 6-Aug. 7.

Community members can sign up in person at the Central, Eastside, or Montecito libraries, or at any Library on the Go stop.

Participants are encouraged to set their own reading goals and choose how they’d like to take part, whether that means exploring new titles in the stacks, reading a few pages every day, or checking out a new genre.

In addition to the reading challenge, the library will host a full lineup of free programs and events for all ages throughout summer. Keep an eye on the Library’s Calendar regularly for details.

Children can pick up an Adventure Log at any library location to set their goals and track their reading progress. Each time they visit the library and talk with a staff member about their reading, they’ll earn colorful beads to create a personalized reading chain.

Bring completed logs to Central Library on Friday, July 31 for a free Mr. Softee cone and prizes.

Teens and adults can participate by picking up a DIY zine at any library branch. Throughout the summer participants can use the zine to document their reading from favorite quotes to a book that changed their view on something.

“Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading or help kids avoid the ‘summer slide’ by building strong reading habits,” organizers said. “Santa Barbara Public Library builds lifelong readers and community through literacy.”

All events and programs are free and open to the public. 

For more, visit Summer Reading Program 2026.

Adult Summer Reading Kickoff, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at Fox Wine Co., 120 Santa Barbara St.

All Ages Summer Reading Kickoff 11 a.m.-1:30 Saturday, June 6 at the Central Library, Michael Towbes Library Plaza, 40 E. Anapamu St.