Summer Reading 2025

You are invited to participate in this year’s summer reading program at all Library branches starting on June 8! Check out the Summer event schedule on our calendar.

This summer, free lunch is available for children ages 0-18 from Monday June 16 through Friday August 15 at the Central Library through Lunch at the Library with the support of SB Unified and the California State Library. 

How to participate:

• Pick up an Adventure Log to set reading goals & track reading habits for the summer at Central, Eastside, or Montecito branches, and Library on the Go
• Throughout the summer, visit the library and talk with Library staff about the books you've been reading and earn special beads.
• Visit any library branch starting August 1, show a library staff member your completed Adventure Log to receive a prize packet.
• Bring your completed log to the Central Library on Thursday August 14th for a free Mr. Softee cone while supplies last.

What is a reading goal?

Your reading goal is a summer challenge that you create for yourself! You will choose the number of books you want to read this summer and can set reading goals & track reading habits using the Reading Adventure Log provided or any other way that works for you.

This program is funded in part by Lunch at the Library funds, a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

Teens: Ages 13-18
Adults: Ages 18+

Check out the Summer event schedule on our calendar.

Map Your Summer Reading Tales with SBPL's Zine!

Pick up your Summer Reading Zine at any library branch beginning June 6. As you delve into the literary treasures of this summer, fill out each zine page however you like! Add your thoughts, drawings, photos, collages, or anything that will make it yours. For each prompt, include the book’s title and author(s). Book titles may be used only once per zine. For readers 13 and older.

What Do I Do Once I’ve Completed My Zine?

Bring your completed zine to any Santa Barbara Public Library branch between August 1st and August 31st. Show your finished zine to a staff member and collect a prize. 

Entries must be shown to a staff member by August 31st.

Need suggestions for Summer Reading? Ask library staff for recommendations! Stop by any open branch or submit a Book Match request at https://library.santabarbaraca.gov/books-more/reading-resources

Children and teens are invited to come eat a free nutritious meal. Lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis, and there’s no need for applications or any kind of documentation.

This program is funded in part by Lunch at the Library funds, a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

To find out more about Lunch at the Library, special lunchtime experiences, special guests, and cooking classes, click here.