Long Beach Public Library Launches Annual Summer Reading Program: ‘Plant A Seed, Read!’

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Children read at the Bayshore Neighborhood Library, one of the 12 Long Beach Public Library locations where the 2026 Summer Reading Program will be offered.

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library invites the community to participate in "Plant A Seed, Read!", the library's annual Summer Reading Program from Saturday, June 13, through Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. The free eight-week program encourages children, teens and adults to read, learn, and explore all summer long through books, activities and family-friendly events at all 12 library locations. Participants can earn points by reading books, attending library programs, completing creative challenges and discovering new interests.

"Summer Reading is one of the many ways we invest in opportunity, creativity and connection across Long Beach," said Mayor Richardson. "Through free programs, performances and access to books for all ages, our libraries continue to create welcoming spaces where residents can learn, grow and build community together throughout the summer."

Residents may register for Summer Reading beginning June 13, either in person at any library location or online through the Beanstack platform. Participants may join at any point during the program, though early registration offers more opportunities to earn incentives.

"Libraries are places where curiosity takes root, and this year's 'Plant A Seed, Read!' theme reflects the many ways reading can spark new ideas, confidence and lifelong interests," said Cathy De Leon, Director of Library, Arts and Culture. "We are proud to offer free experiences all summer long that bring people together and make learning fun for every age."

The program launches Saturday, June 13, with special family performances at three Library locations:

• Billie Jean King Main Neighborhood Library (200 W. Broadway) - Michael Rayner's juggling comedy show at 11 a.m.
• Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.) - Christopher T. Magician at 12:15 p.m.
• Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.) - Christopher T. Magician at 3 p.m.

Throughout the summer, Library locations across the city will host additional performances and activities, including music, crafts, animal presentations, puppet shows and more for children, teens and adults.

Children up to 12 years old can earn prizes for every 10 points completed. Teens and adults can also earn prizes by participating in reading and activity challenges throughout the summer. Children who earn at least 10 points will qualify for a Grand Prize drawing, with additional opportunities to enter available to children who reach 50 points. Teens and adults who complete the program will also have the opportunity to enter special prize drawings.

The Summer Reading Program is made possible through support from the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Long Beach Public Library and the Port of Long Beach. Those contributions help provide books, prizes and special performances by professional family entertainers and educators.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event and upcoming Library programs, please contact the library at 562.570.7500 or visit lbpl.org.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Community Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/lbcd and follow @longbeachbuilds on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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