County Libraries Kick Off Summer Reading

Santa Clara County Library District began its 2026 Summer Reading Program on June 1, opening a countywide challenge for children, teens and adults that runs through July 31. The free program, branded “Plant a Seed, Read!,” asks participants to track books and activities through Beanstack or on paper logs picked up at library branches. The district says readers can earn badges during the summer and qualify for a prize by reading five books and completing one activity. The program is paired with free events across district libraries, including crafts, book clubs and family programming. ### Who can take part, and how long does it run? The Santa Clara County Library District says the program is open to adults, teens and children from June 1 through July 31. Registration opened May 1 through Beanstack, and participants can also use the Beanstack mobile app to track progress. Readers who prefer not to log online can pick up a reading log at the library starting June 1. June 1 is the start date for tracking, according to the district’s summer program page. (sccld.org) The same page says all events tied to the program are free. ### What do readers get for joining? The district says participants earn badges by logging reading and activities during the program. The main reward threshold is five books plus one activity, which qualifies a reader for a prize. Prizes will be available starting Aug. 1 while supplies last, according to the library district. (sccld.org) Beanstack is the platform the district is using to manage the challenge. (sccld.org) The summer program page directs participants to sign up online and begin logging on June 1. ### Where does Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library fit in? Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Santa Clara County is a separate early-literacy offering highlighted by the district for children ages 0 to 5. The program provides free, age-appropriate books delivered to enrolled children and is presented by the district as part of its childhood literacy work. (sccld.org) The district’s kids page also directs families to register online for the mailing program. Santa Clara County Library District says the Imagination Library is intended to encourage reading with children and caregivers. The district describes it as a way to support early literacy before children enter school. ### What kinds of summer events are on the schedule? The district’s summer page lists free events for adults, kids and teens at multiple branches. Early listings include a June 2 Chinese-language learning event at Campbell Library, a June 3 guided hike at Picchetti Ranch Preserve, a June 5 teen lock-in at Los Altos Library, and June 6 programs in Morgan Hill including a tote-bag decorating activity and a performance by Sterling Bubbles. (sccld.org) The district’s website says summer programming also includes crafts, book clubs and other activities tied to the “Plant a Seed, Read!” theme. In Campbell, the branch has resumed full operations after reopening in May in a renovated, all-electric building at 77 Harrison Ave., giving the district a refreshed venue for summer events. ### How big is the library district behind the program? Santa Clara County Library District said in a May 6 release that it serves Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and unincorporated parts of Santa Clara County. (sccld.org) The district said it had nearly 400,000 library accounts in 2025, more than 2.7 million visitors and circulation of more than 12.3 million items. The district was founded in 1914 and says its collection includes more than 2 million books, videos, audiobooks, eBooks and online resources. Those systemwide numbers help explain why the summer reading program is structured as a districtwide campaign rather than a single-branch event. ### What happens next? Aug. 1 is the date prizes become available for eligible participants, while supplies last, according to the district’s summer reading page. (sccld.org) The district is also continuing to post featured events and sign-up information on its summer program site, where readers can register, check schedules and start logging books through Beanstack. (sccld.org)