County Libraries Challenge Summer Readers to Fill Up Their Book Bags
Author: Erica Thatcher
Date: 5/27/2025 8:25 AM
All ages and abilities are invited to read for fun and prizes
San Luis Obispo County, CA SLO County kids, teens, and adults can visit their favorite County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries branch to pick up a Summer at the Library Guide that includes the annual Summer Reading Challenge and a map of fun things to see and do this summer.
“Every summer, thousands of people take the challenge by tracking their reading and sharing their progress with us,” said Erica Thatcher, Engagement and Marketing Coordinator for the libraries. “Summer is our time to celebrate books and to show readers we appreciate them.”
This year’s Reading Challenge runs June 7-August 9.
Readers earn a spin on a prize wheel after reading five hours, and ten hours gets readers a new book to keep. Anyone who completes 20 hours of reading earns a whimsical canvas book bag.
All ages are also invited to follow a map to the County Libraries to see a “Cabinet of Curiosities.” “You can see something cool, curious, or just plain weird at any of our libraries this summer. Just follow the Quail Trail map in our Summer Guide,” said Thatcher.
Libraries will host free all-ages events including reptile shows, magic shows, and nature presentations with a SLO County focus.
Even people who don’t consider themselves readers will find something at the libraries this summer, Thatcher said. “We have books for everyone. And it’s okay to just borrow cookbooks or comic books or how-to books. We want people to fill up their book bags with whatever sparks their curiosity. All reading is good reading, and it’s free to use the library.”
Summer at the Library is free and is sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Library Foundation and Friends of the Library groups from all 14 libraries.
For more information about Summer at the Library, library cards, and County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries locations, visit SLOLibrary.org.
