The Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) has started this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, called Read & Shine, inviting children, teens and adults to embark on a literary journey.

Community members can drop in to the Central, Eastside, Montecito libraries, or a Library on the Go Van stop to sign up.

Summer Reading Challenge offers an array of opportunities for everyone. With the freedom to set their own reading goals, participants can tailor their journey according to their preferences. Whether it’s exploring captivating tales, delving into new genres, or simply immersing oneself in the joy of reading, the challenge urges individuals to embrace their love for books and stories.

Children can start by picking up a reading game board or track their reading online. Kids receive a free book as soon as they sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.

When children attend library events or share with a librarian about what they’ve been reading, they earn beads to create a reading chain or necklace. When they reach their summer reading goal, they can return to the library in July or August to collect a special prize pack.

Teens and adults are also invited to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge. They can sign up in person at any library branch and pick up a DIY reading journal to document and track their reading goal for the summer, or sign up online to virtually document and track reading goals.

When teens and adults achieve their reading goal, they are invited to visit any library branch between July and August 19 to enter a prize drawing for gift certificates to local businesses and organizations.

Keep up to date with news about Summer Reading and Library on the Go by visiting www.SBPLibrary.org to sign up for SBPL’s newsletter or check the library calendar.