The San Diego Public Library Summer Reading Program is more than just books! There are FREE weekly educational shows at several local libraries in addition to a reading contest where kids can earn prizes.
Register your child in the San Diego Public Library Reading Program Click Here!
My own child participated in SDPL Summer Reading Programs for years, and it helped prevent the summer slide (learning loss during the long summer break). This free program is open to all school age children.
Here are some of the great performances you can expect to see this summer:
Saturday, June 1, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
University Heights Library 4193 Park Blvd. San Diego
Come take a walk on the wild side with Wild Wonders and their animal ambassadors! Through an interactive program, you will hear the stories of a number of animals, learn about the adaptations they have made in order to survive, and discover what conservation challenges they now face.
FREE Summer Reading Family Pizza Party
Saturday, June 1, 2024 11:00-1:00pm
Mission Hills Library 215 W. Washington St. San Diego
Come to the Summer Reading Program Launch Party! 2024's Summer Reading Program theme is Read, Renew, Repeat, which focuses on the importance of conservation and our environment. Children and their families are invited to grab a slice of pizza, enjoy a small craft, and sign up for our Summer Reading Program at one of our signup stations. Pizza is first come, first served and is while supplies last.
FREE Michael Rayner Juggling Show
Friday, June 7, 2024 10:00-10:45AM
Ocean Beach Library 4801 Santa Monica Ave. San Diego
Michael Rayner is bringing us his hilarious juggling show which has been described as “preposterous brilliance” and “wacky jugglement,” a combination of hilarious tricks and stunts with uproarious stand-up.
FREE Summer Reading Event With Zovargo!
Friday, June 7, 2024 10:00-11:00AM
Mission Hills Library 215 W. Washington St. San Diego
The wonderful humans who work for Zovargo will bring in a few wildlife friends for children to learn about. From what they eat, to how we can protect these creatures and more. Join us for this fun interactive wildlife program children and their families will love!
FREE Puppet Show Jack & The Beanstalk
Saturday, June 8, 2024 2:00-3:00PM
Mission Valley Library 2123 Fenton Parkway San Diego
Get ready for an incredible puppet musical version of Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Jack, his cow, and a host of other friends! This entertaining show by Noteworthy Puppets is perfect for ages 3+.
FREE Sing It Again With Craig Newton
Thurs. June 13th 10:30-11:30AM
Point Loma Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
Join Craig Newton in this fun and educational sing-along program that highlights how repetition, rhythm, and rhyme make songs work. Craig will use a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, ukulele, banjo, djembe, flute, and more. The audience will join in as he explores repeated elements in songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Old MacDonald, Down By The Bay, and many more!
FREE Summer Reading Program Event Ruth & Emilia Perform
Friday, June 14, 2024 10:00-11:00AM
Mission Hills Library 215 W. Washington St. San Diego
Join us for a fun performance from Ruth and Emilia! Show synopsis from Ruth and Emilia's website: "When a shiny spaceship lands in Emilia's backyard, she meets URR, from planet Goopda, who has traveled here to promote universal peace. The two learn about working together and making the world a better place as they sing their way through the day's adventures." Join us for this fun musical performance; we promise you will leave humming several of these award-winning tunes!
FREE Ralph's World Music Performance
Friday, June 14, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
La Jolla/Riford Library 7555 Draper Ave. La Jolla
Ralph’s World is the mega-fun music show where kids rock and dance to their delight. Ralph engages his young fans with activity songs, story songs, dancing songs, and a healthy dose of pure silliness. The band leads the audience through a rocking set of dancing, singing, and good old fashioned fun.
FREE Ventriloquist Performance
Saturday, June 15, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
University Heights Library 4193 Park Blvd. San Diego
This is a hilarious family show that is full of magic and big puppets that also provides a positive message. Ventriloquist Marc Griffiths will entertain and inspire with this feel-good show. This is a must-see Summer Reading Program performance!
FREE Literature Comes To Life-Swimmy
Thursday, June 20, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
Point Loma Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
Deep in the sea there lives a happy school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and teamwork—they can overcome any danger. Children will become the storybook characters and participate in bringing the story to life! A unique storytime experience that fosters engagement, collaboration, and hands-on participation! Recommended for children ages 3-12 and their families.
FREE Summer Solstice Celebratrion @ The YMCA
Friday, June 21, 2024 5:00-7:30PM
Ryan Family YMCA 4390 Valeta St San Diego, CA 92107
The OB Library and Ryan Family YMCA are joining forces to bring you a Summer Solstice Celebration! There will be Bingo, local food and drinks, a costume contest (come dressed as your favorite literary character!), and child watch including fun activities available for kids under 7. Great prizes include PT and yoga sessions, library swag, and more. Sign up for your library card while you're there if you don't already have one! This event is free, but registration is required for all participants (including children).
Register at the YMCA website: https://community.ymcasd.org/s/registration
FREE Zovargo Animal Show
Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
Point Loma/Hervey Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
Join Zovargo on a quest to discover how we can make a change in the world from the sky to seas and everywhere in between! By connecting with our creatures you’ll see how our smallest actions make a big impact on the world we all share. Let’s renew our connection to nature and create change together that can be repeated!
Thursday, July 11, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
Point Loma/Hervey Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
Ralph’s World is a mega-fun music show where kids can rock and dance while enjoying fun, interactive songs. Ralph engages his young fans with activity songs, story songs, dancing songs, and a healthy dose of pure silliness. Recommended for preschoolers.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 12:00-1:00PM
Point Loma Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
Join us for a California State Parks Ranger Read-Aloud session! Engage with Interpretive Rangers, participate in interactive activities, and discover how to access free park resources. Let us bring the park experience to you!
Thursday, July 18, 2024 10:30- 11:30AM
Point Loma/Hervey Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
An enchanting magic show that seamlessly blends entertainment and education, captivating audiences while promoting crucial themes of conservation, sustainability, and recycling.
FREE The Spaceship That Fell in My Library
Thursday, July 25, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
Point Loma/Hervey Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
When Emilia's alien friend, URR, lands her spaceship in the local library, she learns about how the library can help both of them find new ways to make the world a better place. They learn the library 3 R's: Read, Renew and Repeat!!! and pair them with the 3 R's of environmentalism: Recycle, Re-use, and Reduce! Recommended for preschoolers and young children.
Thursday, August 8, 2024 10:30-11:30AM
Point Loma/Hervey Library 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego
Wild Wonders has your passport to adventure in this interactive wildlife education program! Meet face-to-face with furry, feathered, or scaley animal teachers from all over the world. For children of all ages and their families.
FREE Live Puppet Show! Summer Reading @ The Kroc Center With Noteworthy Puppets
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 10:00-11:00AM
Kroc Center 6753 University Ave, San Diego
In S.T.E.A.M.works: The Puppet Musical, whiz kids Max & Julie create competing entries in an effort to win a trip to Space Camp as part of the "Build a Better World Science Fair." Rap & Hip-Hop are a metaphor for STEM knowledge in this fun, musical S.T.E.A.M. adventure. This show is set to inspire a new generation of makers with the debut of the world's first 3D printed puppet character in a live puppet show! Jessica Buck Email: JGBuck@sandiego.gov (619) 533-3902
To find additional library locations offering free performances Visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/summerreading
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