Monterey County Free Libraries launch summer reading program, signups June 1–July 31

Allison Day of Monterey County Free Libraries described the county’s summer reading program at the June 10 news briefing, saying the program runs June 1 through July 31 and is available at all branches and two bookmobiles.

"When you sign up for summer reading, you will either get a reading log and this you track your reading for every 20 minutes that you read," Day said, describing a system that applies to children, teens and adults. Participants may sign up in person at any of the 16 branch locations or online via the Beanstack platform and receive a free book at registration. Materials and selected titles are available in Spanish and large print.

Day described programming and incentives: performers (magicians, Puppet Art Theater, Sterling Bubbles), teen and adult workshops that require registration, and prize options that include stuffed animals, art kits and branded reusable cutlery. The library also runs a "lunch at the library" program at many branches that provides meals for residents 18 and under; schedules vary by location.

Day said the system piloted outreach to school classrooms and partner events in late May that increased signups by about 1,000 students. She listed participating schools and small branches that partnered on outreach, and said the program also accepts non‑traditional reading formats — audiobooks, magazines and graphic novels — which count toward program goals. Digital resources cited include OverDrive, Palace Project and Comics Plus.

For details, branch times and registration, Day directed listeners to the Monterey County Free Libraries website (emmcfl.org) and the library event calendar.