Santa Cruz Public Libraries has launched its 2026 Summer Reading Program, inviting adults, children and families to participate in a season of reading, learning and community activities.
The program, themed “Plant a Seed, Read,” began June 1 and runs through July 31. Participants can earn prizes by reaching reading milestones, with prize redemption continuing through Aug. 9.
According to the library system, this year’s theme is rooted in the concept of farm-to-table, drawing parallels between farms that grow food to nourish the body and libraries that cultivate ideas to nourish the mind. The program emphasizes the connections among food, stories, family, culture, economy and ecology.
Throughout the summer, all 10 branches of the library system will host free activities for children, teens and adults designed to encourage reading and lifelong learning.
“The Summer Reading Program is all about celebrating reading for pleasure and encouraging children and everyone to keep reading all summer long,” said Youth Programs and Services Manager Heather Norquist. “I love that we have this opportunity to host special performances by magicians, puppeteers, musicians and more, and that we give children books as incentive prizes to build their home libraries. This year we are also offering a fantastic selection of arts and crafts programs to go along with the ‘Plant a Seed, Read’ theme.”
Adult Programs and Services Manager Jessica Goodman said the program offers opportunities for adults as well.
“Summer Reading is not just for kids. We invite all adults to slow down and enjoy a summer filled with creativity, community, and unique learning experiences for wide-ranging interests,” Goodman said.
Adult programming will include gardening workshops, author talks, music performances, nature journaling, mosaics, sketching, painting and botanical bundle dyeing. Science-themed presentations will explore topics, such as astronomy, bees, mountain lions and bobcats, bats and everyday chemistry. Additional programs will focus on the farmworker experience and sustainable futures through a series of Solarpunk workshops.
Goodman encouraged adults to participate in the reading challenge and prize program.
“Spend some summer leisure time reading for pleasure, and you can win Renee’s Garden seeds, our custom designed Summer Reading 2026 vinyl sticker, plus have a chance to win Santa Cruz Shakespeare tickets, a Museum of Art and History Fan membership pass, or a Monterey Bay Aquarium family membership,” she said.
Residents can register for the Summer Reading Program by visiting their local library branch or the library system’s website santacruzpl.org.
