Summer Reading begins for all ages at Eugene Public Library

Free activities from June 1 through Aug. 31.

The whole community is invited to join Eugene Public Library for Summer Reading activities from June 1 through the end of August. From babies to grown-ups, everyone is welcome to participate in free fun and learning at the library's three locations: the Downtown Library, Bethel Branch and Sheldon Branch.

"We love celebrating Summer Reading with the Eugene community each year," Library Director Angela Ocaña said. "Summer Reading helps keep kids' and teens' skills up while school's out and it's a fun and social way to inspire all ages to read for enjoyment and expanded horizons."

Every child and teen can visit the library to choose a free brand-new book to keep from a selection of thousands of titles. Kids can play Book Bingo to enjoy new reading adventures all summer. Starting July 15, return the card with one or more lines filled to get a free ticket to a family pool party (while supplies last).

Adults can choose one of two featured books as a gift, while supplies last: "Hollow Kingdom" by Kira Jane Buxton or "Better Living Through Birding" by Christian Cooper. Adults and teens who share reading recommendations will earn chances in a free raffle for gift cards to book, game and hobby stores.

The library will host free events all around town including storytimes, book groups, creative activities, guest presenters and more. Highlights include the Teddy Bear Picnic (11 a.m., July 19, in the park at Amazon Community Center), a Teen and Tween Comic-Con (2 p.m., Aug. 8, Downtown Library), and a talk by visiting author Kira Jane Buxton (3 p.m., Aug. 9, Downtown Library).

Library cards are not required to participate in Summer Reading. For full library services, including borrowing items and using online resources from offsite, sign up for a card. Eugene Public Library cards are free for everyone who lives within the City of Eugene limits, for all Eugene School District 4J and Bethel School District students regardless of address, and for all children through five years old who live within those school districts.

For more information, contact Eugene Public Library at 541-682-5450 or visit eugene-or.gov/library.