Library Summer Reading Program and events cultivate learning skills and love of literacy
May 28, 2025 3:20 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 28, 2025) – The Santa Monica Public Library offers a series of events and programs designed to help children and teens maintain and build learning skills during the summer break and promote the love of reading for people of all ages.
The Summer Reading Program for youth, teens and adults offers fun prizes as reading milestones are reached between June 14 and Aug. 16.
Participants can sign up online here or in person at the Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd.), Pico Branch (2201 Pico Blvd.) or Montana Branch (1704 Montana Ave.) now through Aug. 16.
Summer Reading Program registration will also be available during the Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival, a free family-friendly event with summer treats, carnival games and Michael Rayner’s Found Object Juggling Show on June 14 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
Summer Reading Program prizes include books and collectible stuffed animals for youth and teens. Adults can win books and will be entered automatically into a drawing for a chance to win one of five $50 gift certificates to local businesses. All participants can receive a coupon from the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library Bookstore with proof of registration beginning June 14. Prizes and giveaways are available while supplies last.
"At Santa Monica Public Library, we believe that reading unlocks a world of adventure, and our Summer Reading Program and events are the perfect way to spark imaginations and keep patrons of all ages engaged during the summer months,” Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan said. “We can’t wait for our patrons to visit the library this summer as we read, play and explore together through exciting programs and events."
Summer library events for youth and adults aim to foster literacy and lifelong learning. Highlights include:
- The Crow’s Family Comedy Show on Tuesday, June 24, from 3-4 p.m. at the Montana Branch Community Room (1704 Montana Ave.)
- Regular Guy Dave’s Wacky Balloon & Fun Academy for ages five through 11 on Tuesday, July 1, from 3-4 p.m. at the Fairview Branch Community Room (2101 Ocean Park Blvd.)
- The Summer Film Series for adults, showing “I’m Still Here” on Saturday, June 21; “Real Women Have Curves,” on Tuesday, June 24; “The Greatest Showman” on Friday, July 18 and “The Farewell” on Tuesday, July 29
- "Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics" featuring author Margaret Stohl on Thursday, July 24, from 6-8 p.m. at the Main Library Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium (601 Santa Monica Blvd.)
- Santa Monica Public Library at the Beach, Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library, on Friday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy.), featuring a no-library-card-required book sign out from the beach reads collection, a relaxing Surfside Lounge, games and a Seaside Storytime. All ages are welcome.
The Summer Reading Program is supported by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica.
For more information, including library open hours, visit santamonica.gov/library.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
