San Luis Obispo County readers of all ages and abilities are invited to choose their adventure during this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at SLO County Public Libraries.
Kids, teens, and adults can visit their favorite library between June 6 and August 8 to pick up a “Summer at the Library” guide that includes the Challenge and other free library activities.
Readers taking the Challenge earn a spin on a prize wheel after reading for five hours, and after completing ten hours readers receive a new book to keep. Anyone who completes 20 hours of reading earns a 100% recycled denim book bag.
“Summer is our time to celebrate readers and libraries,” according to Erica Thatcher, marketing and communications coordinator for the libraries. “We aim to keep kids reading over the summer so that they’re ready for the upcoming school year—but we designed the reading challenge to be fun for readers of all ages and abilities.”
In addition, everyone can explore a “Quail Trail” by visiting any of the county’s 14 libraries, where at each location they can choose an interactive adventure. Libraries also are hosting free events including reptile shows, Festival Mozaic Young Artist Mini-Concerts, SLO Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo exhibits, and painting classes for adults. A Quail Trail map and schedule of activities is included in the Summer Guide.
Summer at the Library will close with the annual Back-to-School Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 at Cuesta College. Guests will enjoy free entertainment, food trucks, character meet and greets, games and more. Admission and parking are free.
The Summer Reading Challenge and library activities are free and sponsored by the SLO County Library Foundation and Friends of the Library groups.