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Best Summer Reading Events For Kids In The South Bay

Summer is a great time for kids to foster a love of reading. One of the best ways to do this is to join a summer reading program. There are numerous kids' summer reading programs in the South Bay. See below for a list of the five best.
www.hicklebees
Hicklebee's Kids' Summer Reading Program
1378 Lincoln Ave.
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 292-8880
www.hicklebees.com

Hicklebee's is a downtown Willow Glen icon solely devoted to all things related to children's books. Each year during June and July, the store hosts a themed kids' summer reading program with no age restrictions. All young readers are welcome to join in the program, which awards participants prizes and involves numerous related events like author readings and hands-on projects. Last year's theme was Get Caught Reading Together, and encouraged kids to read with parents and find reading buddies. For the littler pre-readers, Hicklebee's also holds summer story time hosted by master storyteller Margaret Moore.

sunnyvale library
www.sunnyvalelibrary.org

Sunnyvale Library Kids' Summer Reading Program
665 W. Olive Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 730-7300
www.sunnyvalelibrary.org

The ever-popular Sunnyvale Library Kids' Summer Reading Program is accepting online sign-ups beginning June 1st. Children ages three and up can participate by entering books read into an official library reading log. Once a child reads 10 books, they will be awarded a brand new paperback book. Due to increasing demand with around 2,000 kids participating each summer, the library has expanded the program to include events geared towards school-aged children. This summer's events will range from building with Legos to making solar prints. In addition, there is a teen-specific summer reading program, as well as a music series aimed towards infants and toddlers.

mountain view library
www.library.mountainview.gov

Mountain View Public Library Summer Reading Program
585 Franklin St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 903-6887
www.library.mountainview.gov

The Mountain View Public Library will be conducting its annual Summer Reading Program, which began on May 1st. This year's theme for the children's program is Big Into Reading, and is geared for kids in kindergarten and up. The program will award prizes for books read and include related events like a library treasure hunt. The library will also be offering a special summer teen reading program and special story times for babies and toddlers.

Related: South Bay's Best Independent Bookstores For Kids

santa clara city library
www.library.santaclaraca.gov

Santa Clara Central Park Library Summer Reading Program
2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 615-2900
www.library.santaclaraca.gov

This summer, the Santa Clara Central Park Library will be continuing its annual summer reading program for both kids and teens. The theme for the kids' program will be Digging Into Reading. The program will begin on June 1st and run for the duration of the summer break. Children and teens will be awarded prizes based on the number of books read. There are no age restrictions for either the reading program or obtaining a library card, and all children are welcome to participate.

San Jose Public Library
www.sjpl.org

San Jose Public Library Summer Reading Celebration
Multiple San Jose Branch Libraries
San Jose, CA
(408) 808-2100
www.sjpl.org

The San Jose Public Library network conducts an annual Summer Reading Celebration throughout several branch libraries. The 2013 program's theme is Dream Big, Read!, and is geared towards children up to 12 years old. Children can either read books on their own, or for pre-readers, books read with a parent may be counted. Sign-ups begin June 1st, and all qualifying books must be read between June 1st and July 31st. Prizes are awarded for every five books read, and at 15 books, children earn a free book. A separate program is available for teens ages 12-18 years old and includes prizes such as movie tickets and Barnes & Noble gift cards.

Related: Kids Summer Art Activities And Camps Around The Bay

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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