CONNECT with the City2025 Summer Reading Program
Level Up at Your Library this summer! Rediscover the joy of gaming—whether it’s a favorite board game, an exciting video game or a gamified reading adventure—and join this all-ages reading adventure. Spark your creativity, critical thinking and team building skills while making connections and having fun at SDPL.
Quick links:
Program Details
- Participants can log books, hours, and activities online by clicking here OR by completing a paper log. Print from home or stop by any San Diego Public Library to pick up your reading log starting June 1.
- Prizes are available for pickup starting June 9 at any of our library locations.
- Prizes given while supplies last.
- Download reading log here: English | Spanish
Summer Reading Program Log Activities
Activities for Babies, Toddlers, and Young Children (ages 0-5)
- Attend a Summer Library Event: Whether you're interested in storytime, crafts, music, or games we have something fun and free planned for you! To find a program near you, contact your local SDPL location or visit the Library Market Calendar!
- Experience Diverse Games: Learn about children’s games families play in different countries around the world. After you find an interesting one, play one of these games together! Click here to learn about some children’s games played around the world!
- Step Outside and Play: Step outside and enjoy an outdoor game! Try a timeless classic such as tummy time, bubble blowing, setting up a mini-obstacle, hide and seek, or even a scavenger hunt! Whether you're in your backyard or exploring a nearby park or playground, there's no limit to the fun you can have. Need more ideas? Check out these 20 exciting outdoor games perfect for playing with your toddler!
- Play a Board Game: Dust off a timeless favorite like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, a classic matching game, or discover a new favorite board game together! Contact your local SDPL location, to see if they have board games available to play in the library!
- Try Peek-a-Boo Time: Play classic finger-play songs and games like Patty Cake or The Itsy Bitsy Spider to make your baby or toddler giggle and grow! These playful moments help boost language and critical thinking skills, support emotional and social development, and strengthen the bond between you and your child. Looking for more ideas? Visit your local library’s storytime to discover new songs, rhymes, and techniques. Click here for even more fun finger play songs and games to try at home!
- Use your Imagination: Create a cozy space where your child can explore pretend play! Use everyday items – blankets as capes, boxes as spaceships, or spoons as magic wands. Read stories together, then follow your child’s lead as they bring adventures to life. Join in and let creativity guide the fun. Check out these simple tips to promote pretend play. Imagination builds confidence and storytelling skills!
- Explore Sensory Games: Engage your child’s senses with simple, hands-on play! Try hiding and finding objects, pouring water, matching and sorting by color or shape, or playing grocery store. These activities boost fine motor skills, encourage curiosity, and make learning fun. Want more brain-boosting ideas for little ones? Click here for some inspiration!
- Sing and Play: Turn up the fun with games that blend music and movement—try classics like Freeze Dance, Hot Potato, or Musical Chairs! Play a sing-along from your favorite movie, explore the Baby Karaoke app, or check out this vibrant Music and Movement playlist packed with beloved children’s tunes. It’s a joyful way to build coordination, rhythm, and self-expression—plus, it’s a blast to groove together!
- Create your own Character: Ignite your child’s imagination by helping them create a brand-new character! Who is this character? What special powers do they have? Where do they live? Encourage your child to dream up every detail—then bring their creation to life through drawing, sculpting, or storytelling. Need a spark of inspiration? Start with a favorite character or click here for fun, video game-style art ideas to help visualize their creation!
- Discover Online Learning Games: Explore exciting and enriching online games on kid-friendly websites like Disney Junior and Sesame Street, or introduce your child to basic coding with apps like Rodo Codo! For even more interactive learning, visit your local library—check out the AWE Learning Station or log onto a library computer to access ABC Mouse, engaging resources made just for young children! It’s a great way to blend screen time with learning and play!
Activities for Children (ages 6-11)
- Attend a Summer Library Event: Whether you're interested in games, science, music, or crafts or we have something fun and free planned for you! To find a program near you, contact your local SDPL location or visit the Library Market Calendar!
- Host a Game Night:Set aside time to gather family or friends for a night or afternoon of friendly competition and laughter! Break out classic favorites like Monopoly or Checkers or try discovering a new board game together. Prefer screen time? Video games like Super Smash Bros. are perfect for group play and high-energy fun! Want to switch things up? Contact your local SDPL branch to see if they have board games available to play right at the library. Let the games begin!
- Level Up your Crafting Skills: Use recycled materials or art supplies you already have at home to bring your favorite characters and worlds to life—think Super Mario, Minecraft, or Pokémon! Feeling inventive? Try designing your own board game to play with friends. Need a little inspiration? Click here for fun video game-themed craft ideas. You can also visit your local library branch to join a craft program and spark your creativity even more!
- Play a Video Game: Whether you're playing on a console, tablet, or computer jump into classic favorites like Super Mario, Minecraft, or Roblox to sharpen your gaming skills and have fun all summer long! You can even visit your local library to explore educational games on trusted websites like PBS Kids, Turtle Diary,National Geographic Kids, or Árbol ABC (perfect for Spanish-speaking learners) using the library’s computers.
- Take a Gaming Journey: Ask an adult to take you to a local arcade or video game store for some hands-on fun. Or dive into the excitement of Comic-Con Convention—attend with family or enjoy the free downtown festivities as San Diego transforms with themed pop-ups, food trucks, games, and incredible cosplay. For more fun, explore our gaming-themed booklist or stream a movie on Kanopy Kids!
- Create your own Universe: Bring your imagination to life by creating your own game world—design the look, invent characters, and dream up exciting challenges! Use kid-friendly tools like Scratch, Tynker, or Code.org to build levels, animate scenes, and add sound effects with easy drag-and-drop coding. Prefer to plan it out first? Sketch your characters or game universe and jot down ideas in a journal!
From space battles to magical quests, the next big game could be yours—start creating today! Click here for fun game design tools and resources! - Explore Games from Around the World:Try fun games from around the world, like Oonch Neech from Pakistan or La Lotería from Mexico! Discover more global favorites in this list of children’s games from around the world.
- Transform Yourself with Cosplay: Pick a character you love and study their outfit. Make a list of what you’ll need, then search around the house, visit a thrift store, or use recycled materials like cardboard or styrofoam. With a grown-up’s help, use art supplies and equipment to turn your finds into a one-of-a-kind costume. Need ideas? Check out these 6 Ways to Make DIY Costumes. Once you're dressed up, let the adventure begin!
- Compose a Song: Get inspired by listening to music from your favorite movie or video game. Then, try writing your own song lyrics—let your imagination lead the way! Want to make your own music? Explore fun, hands-on activities and online tools like PBS Kids: Make and Play Music or Classics for Kids. Let the creativity flow, have fun, and jam out!
- Try an Outdoor Game: Head outside and enjoy your favorite outdoor activity—whether it’s basketball, dodgeball, frisbee, or hide-and-seek. Add a creative twist to the rules for a fresh spin and earn some serious XP in the sunshine! Play in your backyard, at a park, playground, or beach. Want more action? Catch a local sports game or join a youth league through San Diego Parks & Rec or the YMCA. Need inspiration? Explore these 40 classic outdoor games!
Activities for Teens and Adults
- Attend a Summer Library Event: Whether you're interested in video games, book clubs, music, crafts, health and wellness, or learning opportunities we have something thought-provoking and free planned for you this summer! To find a program near you, contact your local SDPL location or visit the Library Market Calendar!
- Host a Game Night:Gather family and friends for a night of friendly competition! Whether it's board games, card games, or Super Smash Bros showdowns, there's fun for every player. Want to level up your gameplay? Explore timeless or fresh board and video games. Or, contact your local library branch to see if they offer board games to play at the library. Let the games begin!
- Level Up your Crafting Skills: Use recycled materials or art supplies you already have at home to bring your favorite game characters and universes to life—think Super Mario, Zelda or Pokémon! Need a little inspiration? Stop by your local library branch to join a craft program or visit an IDEA Lab—our unique makerspaces where you’ll find advanced equipment like dye-sublimation printers, laser cutters, 3D printers, and more!
- Play a Video Game:Whether you're gaming on a console, computer, or smartphone, dive into classic favorites like Super Mario, Candy Crush, or Elder Scrolls to sharpen your skills and have fun all summer long! For some fresh ideas, explore the top 100 mobile, console, and PC games of all time. Teens can also check out the gaming spaces at the Central Library or the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library’s teen centers! These spots ideal for playing favorite games, meeting new friends, and connecting through the joy of gaming!
- Take a Gaming Journey: Visit a local arcade or video game store with friends or family for some hands-on fun! Or dive into the excitement of Comic-Con—attend the convention or enjoy the free downtown festivities as San Diego transforms with themed pop-ups, food trucks, games, and incredible cosplay. For more fun, check out our teen and adult gaming booklists or stream a movie on Kanopy for extra summer adventure!
- Create your own Universe: Got an idea for a character or universe that could rival Fortnite or Pokémon? In a journal, describe your universe's environment, culture, language, and history. Then, develop your main characters—who they are, what motivates them, and whether they're heroes or villains. After, sketch out your universe and characters to visualize them, or develop your coding and game design skills. Use these free 3D rendering tutorials and software such as Blender or Unity Real-Time Development Platform and Essentials Pathways to render your universe and characters to get you one step closer to making the next iconic game.
- Explore Games from Around the World: Try out popular games from around the world, like Mahjong from China or La Loteria from Mexico, that you’ve never tried before! Check out this list here to discover iconic games played around the world!
- Transform Yourself with Cosplay: Pick a character you love and research their costume! Gather inspiration and create a list of materials you'll need. Then, search your house, visit a thrift store, or repurpose old clothing and supplies to craft a unique costume. Need tools? Visit our IDEA Labs—makerspaces with staff to help you use equipment like sewing machines, laser cutters, and 3D printers for your costume. For guidance, check out Tips for Cosplaying like a Pro or join a local Cosplay meet-up. Once your costume is ready, find a local event like Comic Con to showcase your creation!
- Compose a Song: Get inspired by listening to music from your favorite movie or video game, or explore Retro Chiptunes. Then, try writing your own song lyrics—let your imagination lead the way! Want to make your own music? Explore fun, hands-on activities and online tools such as BeepBox, Chrome Music Maker, or GarageBand! Want to record? Visit one of our recording studios located in our IDEA Labs! Let the creativity flow, have fun, and jam out!
Try an Outdoor Game: Head outside and enjoy your favorite outdoor activity—whether it’s kickball, volleyball, throwing a frisbee, or mini golf! Add a creative twist to the rules for a fresh spin and earn some serious XP in the sunshine! Play in your backyard, at a park, playground, or beach. Want more action? Catch a local sports game or join a social league or an inclusive sports team! Need inspiration? Explore these classic outdoor games making a comeback!
Finisher Prizes
Participants who finish the Summer Reading Program may earn prizes, while supplies last. Read each pass for additional details.
Children (Ages 0- 11)
1 Book
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT)
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Automotive Museum
Pass for 1 for the Children’s Discovery Museum
1 free cookie at Mendocino Farms
1 free kid’s meal at Denny’s
Teens (Ages 12-17)
1 Book
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT)
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Automotive Museum
1 free cookie at Mendocino Farms
Adults (Ages 18+)
Free book at participating Friends of the Library Book Sales and Used Bookstores
Pass for 2 for the San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT)
Summer Reading Kick-Off & Finale Celebrations
San Diego Public Library locations across the city celebrate the annual Summer Reading Program with exciting community events throughout the summer. Enjoy special festivities, live performances, hands-on activities and more! Everyone is welcome, click the event links for more information.
SRP Kick-Off Events
- June 2 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Tierrasanta Library
- June 3 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Mountain View Beckwourth Library
- June 5 | 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.| San Ysidro Library
- June 7 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Rancho Peñasquitos Library
- June 7 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | College-Rolando Library
- June 7 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Central Library
- June 7 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | North University Library
- June 7 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Pacific Beach Library
- June 10 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Valencia Park / Malcolm X Library
- June 10 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | San Ysidro Library
- June 14 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | University Heights Library
SRP Finale Events
- August 16 | 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Central Library
- August 26 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. | Mountain View/Beckwourth Library
Summer Reading Program Featured Events
Game Jam 2025
Discover the world of video game design. Participants learn the basics of video game development—storyboarding, programming, art and audio—then put their skills to the test by creating a game, solo or as part of a team.
Game Jam North & South · Grades 6 – 12
South: Otay Mesa-Nestor Library
June 6 – June 13 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Register Here
Finale: Saturday, June 21 | 10 a.m. - Noon
North: Mira Mesa Library
July 28 – Aug. 1| 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Finale: Saturday, Aug. 9 | 10 a.m. - Noon
Game Jam Jr. North & South · Grades 3 – 5
North: North University Community Library
June 9 – June 13 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | Register Here
South: Paradise Hills Library
July 14 – July 18 | 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Free Summer Lunch for Youth
College-Rolando Library & Skyline Hills Library
June 9, 2025 – August 1, 2025
Monday—Friday | Noon
San Diego Public Library has partnered with the San Diego Unified School District to help end summer hunger. Around lunch time, SDPL meal sites hold performances, enrichment programs and activities for all ages.
Skyline Hills Library
7900 Paradise Valley Rd. | 619-527-3485
College-Rolando Library
6600 Montezuma Rd. |619-533-3902
Additional Upcoming SRP Events
12am - 12am
All Ages, Elementary School Age, Middle School Age, Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults
12pm - 1pm
Free Summer Lunch @ the Library: Movie + Craft
Babies/Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary School Age, Middle School Age, Teens
12pm - 1pm
Preschoolers, Elementary School Age, Middle School Age
12pm - 2pm
Babies/Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary School Age, Middle School Age
1pm - 4pm
DYH@L Presents: Summer Enrichment
Preschoolers, Elementary School Age, Middle School Age, Teens
SRP Reading Resources
Thank you to our sponsors!
The Summer Reading Program is presented by SDPL, the Friends of the San Diego Public Library and Library Foundation SD. The support of community partners assists in providing prizes and incentives throughout the summer and includes: The Nat, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Mendocino Farms, Panda Express, Denny’s and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers.
