A Universe of Stories

SCPL’s Summer Reading Program for Kids of All Ages

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ (SCPL) Summer Reading Program, A UNIVERSE OF STORIES, begins June 1 and runs through August 10. Our entire program has been revamped this year in order to be more inclusive and to put an even greater focus on reading. Studies have shown that reading just 5 books over the summer can significantly reduce Summer Slide — a term for the learning loss experienced over the summer.

This year’s theme, A UNIVERSE OF STORIES, was chosen to help inspire children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own story. It also celebrates the richness of perspectives that arise when we include stories from diverse people. And finally, we celebrate 50 years of space exploration and the anniversary of the lunar landing.

We are excited to present 3 SUMMER READING KICKOFF EVENTS to celebrate the beginning of the new program. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, and lunches for these free family events:

A Universe of Stories with Nikki Borodi

Start summer off on Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Duck Island Stage in San Lorenzo Park.

Nikki Borodi is a performance artist, singer, songwriter, ukulele player and acrobat! She brings her acrobatic musical storytelling to Santa Cruz with bubbles, balloon animals, magic, and acrobatics to delight all ages.

Coventry & Kalusa

Join us for some fun in the sun and sign-up for summer reading while playing with bubbles, hula-hoops and more on Saturday, June 15, at Anna Jean Cumming Park (AKA Blueball Park) from 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

From 12-1 p.m. enjoy a special performance by award winning circus artists Coventry and Kaluza. They will be juggling, hula hooping, playing music, doing some comedy and more.

Percussion with James Henry

Sign-up for summer reading while playing with bubbles, hula hoops and more on Sunday, June 16, from 12 – 3 p.m. at Highlands County Park in Ben Lomond. From 1 – 2 p.m. enjoy a special performance by James Henry, master percussionist.

Expect to dance, sing, be involved and be transported to many areas of the globe through the sounds of drums and percussion!

How to Participate

To sign up, visit santacruzpl.org/srp or visit any branch library, the Bookmobile, or a Summer Reading Kickoff event. Signups begin June 1st and participants have until August 10th to sign out of the program and receive their rewards. Participants of all ages are encouraged to read books 5 books of their own choosing, listen to audio books, or be read to.

Upon registration, kids and teens ages 0-18 receive a $10 Atlantis Fantasyworld gift certificate good towards a specially curated collection of comics and graphic novels and a coupon for a free book from any Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Book or Lobby Sale.

After completing the goal of reading 5 books, kids ages 0-11 receive brand new free book selected by our librarians for summer reading. Kids ages 0-18 receive a certificate for a free game of bowling at Boardwalk Bowl.

In addition to these reading rewards, teen’s ages 12-18 also receive a raffle entry. After reading 5 books adults receive a coupon for a free book from any Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Book or Lobby Sale. All age groups may choose a sticker or a button after reading 5 books.

Local businesses have donated fabulous raffle prizes for the raffles for those who read beyond the 5-book summer goal. Each age group receives a raffle entry after completing an additional 5 books, up to a maximum of 20 books. Raffles will be drawn in July and August.

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Learn more about SCPL at santacruzpl.org or via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

Photos Credit: Jim Sullivan