Summer Reading 2026

You are invited to participate in this year’s summer reading program at all Library branches starting on Saturday, June, 6! Check out the Summer event schedule on our calendar.

This summer, free lunch is available for children ages 0-18 from Monday, June, 15 through Friday, August, 7 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 a Reading 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 Sunday, July, 12th show a library staff member your completed Adventure Log to receive a prize packet. 
• Bring your completed log to the Central Library on Friday, July, 31st 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.

Check out the Summer event schedule on our calendar.

Document your reading journey with SBPL’s Summer Reading Zine!

Pick up your Summer Reading Zine at any library branch beginning June, 5. As you delve into literary fun 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.

Sign Up Prize
While supplies last, adults and teens can pick up a free Summer Reading Zine, tote bag, and sticker sheet when they sign up for Summer Reading at any library branch. Teens can also select a free book while supplies last.

Adult and Teen Summer Reading Kickoff on Thursday, June, 4
Kick off your summer of reading with Santa Barbara Public Library at Fox Wine Co in the Funk Zone! 

Adults and teens can pick up a Summer Reading Zine and sign up prize while supplies last and begin documenting their summer reading journey with collage-making materials. Check out books and make a library card with Library on the Go. Pose for glamour portraits with Cher Martinez and enjoy coffee drinks from Cafe Ortega!

How to Fold Your SRP Zine

Instructions on how to fold your SRP Zine.

1. Do a hamburger (vertical) fold. Unfold.
2. Do a hot dog (horizontal) fold. Unfold.
3. Fold the short ends into the center fold. Unfold.
4. Do a hamburger fold again. Then cut on the dotted lines, where the scissor marks are, stopping in the middle. Don’t cut all the way through! Unfold when you’re done.
5. Do a hot dog fold.
6. Grab both ends and push them together like an accordion! And voilà!

Need suggestions for Summer Reading? 

Ask library staff for recommendations! Stop by any open branch or submit a Book Match request.