San Diego is famous for its beaches, tacos, and sunshine, but did you know it’s also a paradise for book lovers every summer? Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting, the city’s summer reading programs are ready to turn your vacation into a brain-boosting adventure. This year, the options are bigger, brighter, and packed with more prizes, events, and page-turners than ever.
Level Up at Your Library: San Diego Public Library Summer Reading Program
Dates: June 1 to August 31, 2025
The San Diego Public Library’s summer reading program is back, and this year, it’s all about leveling up. The “Level Up at Your Library” challenge is open to everyone—toddlers, teens, adults, and even that one uncle who claims he only reads instruction manuals.
How does it work?
Sign up online or at any of the 36 library locations. You can track your reading and activities either on paper logs or digitally. The goal is simple: complete a combination of 10 books, 10 hours of reading, or 10 activities. Activities include everything from attending library events to going on a nature walk or keeping a nature journal.
What’s in it for you?
Prizes. Lots of them. Finish your reading goals and you could snag museum passes, free books, meal vouchers and even a reusable utensil kit. Prizes are first come, first served, so don’t wait until August to start flipping those pages.
Kickoff Carnival:
The fun starts with a big Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Carnival at the Central Library Courtyard on Saturday, June 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Expect carnival games, storytime, balloon animals, magic shows, and resource tables. Throughout the summer, libraries will host community events like video game tournaments, board game nights, and even Game Jam camps for budding video game designers.
Why join?
According to Library Director Misty Jones, “The Summer Reading Program is the perfect place for children and adults to engage in literary and physical fun to keep their brains sharp during the summer months.” Last year, nearly 32,000 people joined in and read more than 265,000 books. This year, the library is ready for even more readers.
Sign up at: sandiego.gov/summerreading
San Diego County Library: Summer at Your Library
If you’re outside city limits or just want even more options, the San Diego County Library has its own summer reading challenge. The program runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to all ages.
Highlights:
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Track your reading progress
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Write book reviews
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Complete learning challenges
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Attend events like scavenger hunts, craft sessions, and book clubs
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Access eBooks with no waitlists
How many books can you read?
Set your own goal—whether it’s 10 or 200. The library’s “Summer Reads” lets you dream big and read bigger.
Check out: sdcl.org/summer
More Ways to Read and Win: San Diego’s Bonus Programs
San Diego’s reading scene doesn’t stop at the library doors. Local businesses and national chains are getting in on the action, offering sweet rewards for bookworms of all ages.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Kids in grades 1 to 6 can read any eight books, record them in a special journal, and bring it to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31 to pick a free book from a curated list.
Chani’s Donuts Summer Reading Program
Read six books (or 600 pages) and earn six free allergen-friendly donuts. Audiobooks and being read to count too, so even the youngest readers can join.
Books & Bundts
Nothing Bundt Cakes encourages young readers to dive into books and earn sweet rewards. Check with your local bakery for details.
BOOK IT! by Pizza Hut
Using the BOOK IT! app, kids in Pre-K through 6th grade can set reading goals and earn a free personal pan pizza in June, July or August.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Program
Track reading progress on a printable chart, then trade it in for 10 free play points or tokens at Chuck E. Cheese.
University of California, San Diego: Summer Reading Programs for All Ages
If you want to take your reading skills to the next level, the University of California, San Diego, offers summer reading programs for students from four years old to college age. Each age group gets its own curriculum, unique skill lessons, and age-appropriate books.
Program levels include:
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4-year-olds and entering kindergartners
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Entering 1st through 5th graders
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Entering 6th through 8th graders
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Entering 9th through 11th graders
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Entering 12th graders and college students
Parents rave about the program’s book selection and the boost in reading comprehension their kids experience. Two sessions are available, so you can pick the one that fits your summer schedule.
Learn more at: readingprograms.org/ucsd
San Diego’s Summer Reading: More Than Just Books
San Diego’s summer reading programs are about more than just turning pages. They’re about community, creativity, and a little bit of friendly competition. Whether you’re in it for the prizes, the events, or just the joy of discovering a new favorite story, there’s a program for you.
So grab your library card, dust off your bookshelf, and get ready for a summer of stories, sunshine, and maybe a donut or two. Happy reading, San Diego!
Sources: sandiego.gov, sandiegofamily.com, readingprograms.org
Header Image Source: Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash
