Yolo County Library invites community members of all ages to participate in its annual Summer Reading Program, running from June 1 through Aug. 15. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” celebrates creativity, curiosity, and diversity through books, activities, and special events.

According to a Yolo County press release, all who sign up for the program can choose a free book from a selection available at their local branch library. Children aged 0 to 12 who complete the program will receive another free book, a medal, and certificates for a complimentary kid’s meal at both Panda Express and Raising Cane’s.Teens ages 13 to 17 who finish the program will receive another free book and can choose between a medal or a tote bag. Adults who complete the program will receive a free book and tote bag as well.

All participants who complete the program will have the opportunity to take on a bonus challenge to earn an additional free book. To be entered into the grand prize drawing, participants must return to their library branch and confirm completion by Friday, Aug. 15. More prizes may be available, but check with your local branch for details. Prizes will be available to pick up through the end of August or while supplies last.

Participants are encouraged to track their reading, log minutes and complete themed activities online using the Beanstack platform on the web or via a mobile app. Parents and caregivers can manage family participation by creating a single account to track reading for both themselves and their children. Instructions and sign-up information are available at YoloCountyLibrary.org/Summer. Those who prefer a non-digital option can pick up paper gameboards at any library branch.

Summer reading programs are designed to inspire a love of reading, even among reluctant readers. Research shows that participation helps children and teens retain and improve their literacy skills during the summer months. Adults also benefit by rediscovering the joys of reading and modeling positive reading habits for children. A 2024 program participant shared, “I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and the Summer Reading Program always gives me the motivation I need to get back into reading. Not to mention the super cool prizes and the three books I can potentially get!”

Throughout the summer, the Yolo County Library will also host a range of fun and educational events at local branches. These include a variety of animal encounter programs, arts and crafts, scientific exploration, and musical performances. The summer season kicks off with the fourth Annual Trucktopia event on Saturday, May 31 in West Sacramento at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library from 10 a.m. to noon. A schedule of Summer Reading Program events can be found on the library’s online calendar at YoloCountyLibrary.org/Events.

The Summer Reading Program is free to the public and sponsored by the Yolo County Library Foundation, the various Friends of the Library groups, Raising Cane’s, Panda Express, First 5 Yolo, the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge, and the Davis Rebekah Lodge. For more information or to sign up, visit your local Yolo County Library branch in person or online at YoloCountyLibrary.org/Summer. Connect with the Yolo County Library on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @yolocountylibrary.