Oakland, CA — Just because our branches aren’t open doesn’t mean we can’t explore, connect and grow this summer together.
Starting now, people of all ages can register to participate in our annual Summer Reading program. Like always, you’ll be able to qualify to win prizes at the end of the program by completing your reading log, participating in our online programs, and getting involved in your community.
We’ll have free virtual activities and programs throughout the summer to keep the entire family engaged, entertained and motivated to reach their reading goals. Stay up to date with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Our Children’s Services Department has also put together a resource guide to help bridge the learning gap to assist parents and caregivers to keep children engaged and learning throughout the summer.
Program Details
Each week during the summer, May 30 – August 1, we’ll have a different theme that relates to the activity, reading list or online program available for kids, teens, and adults. The weekly schedule will run Saturday – Friday with programs, blogs or activities being released by age group:
Saturdays – Kids
Mondays – Adults
Tuesdays - Teens
Kids: OPL Kids' Summer Reading rewards children for reading and doing different types of activities this Summer. Kids who participate weekly during the summer can choose a free prize book and are eligible to win other prizes. Books and prizes will be distributed when we reopen. Register online or download and print a reading log by clicking on the “Kids” link at www.oaklandlibrary.org/summer.
This year’s Kids grand prizes are a four-night stay for a family of four at Oakland Feather River Family Camp in summer 2021; one family membership to Children’s Fairyland (for ages 0-4); and 18 Chromebook laptops (for ages 5-14).
Teens: Register online or download and print a summer passport by clicking on the “Teens” link at www.oaklandlibrary.org/summer.
Adults: Review books, movies or log activities. Each review or activity logged earns a chance to win a prize. Register online or download and print Adult review cards by clicking on the “Adults” link at www.oaklandlibrary.org/summer.
Themes (Activities to be updated throughout the summer)
Week 1 (May 30 – June 5): Summer Kickoff
Week 2 (June 6 – June 12): Let’s Play
Week 3 (June 13 – June 19): Health and Fitness/Wellness
Week 4 (June 20 – June 26): Art & Expression
Week 5 (June 27 – July 3): Reach Out
Week 6 (July 4 – July 10): Do-it-Yourself
Week 7 (July 11 – July 17): Celebrating Our Diversity
Week 8 (July 18 – July 24): Global Society
Week 9 (July 25 – August 1): Nature Close at Hand
Prizes and Donations
The Summer Reading programs are only possible thanks to generous community donations. Some of the most popular incentives are prizes donated by local businesses. Interested in making a donation? Click here for more information.
Summer Lunch Update
Library branches are unavailable to be food pick-up points for the Summer Lunch program. However, three OPL branches are currently offering free meal pickup for the community until further notice. There are no eligibility requirements. - 81st Avenue Branch: Prepared meals pick-up; 12-2 PM; Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- West Oakland Branch: Produce pick-up; 12-2 PM; Tuesday/Thursday
- Cesar Chavez Branch: Prepared meals pick-up; 12-2 PM; Tuesday/Thursday
Please visit www.oaklandca.gov/food for additional locations and organizations that can connect you to food resources.
Major Supporters of Summer Reading 2020
Summer Reading Prize Donors - Friends of the Oakland Public Library
- Hellman Foundation
- Kenneth Rainin Foundation
- Oakland Athletics
- The Bernard Osher Foundation
- William G. Gilmore Foundation
In recognition of current and past support, OPL acknowledges all generous prize donors from 2019 and 2020 below:
• Athletic Playground
• Bookmark Bookstore
• California Canoe & Kayak
• Cat Town Oakland
• Chabot Space & Science Center
• Children's Creativity Museum
• Children's Fairyland
• Cream
• Downtown Oakland YMCA
• East Oakland Sports Center
• Fentons Creamery
• Flavor Brigade
• Folkmanis
• Ford GoBike
• Friends of the Oakland Public Library
• Grand Lake Theater
• Kinetic Arts Center
• Lake Merritt Boating Center
• The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The MADE)
• Oakland Athletics
• Oakland Feather River Family Camp
• Oakland Ice Center
• Oakland Zoo
• Oaklandish
• Pacific Pinball Museum
• Pump It Up
• San Francisco Bay Ferry
• Studio Naga
• The Crucible
• The New Parkway Theater
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