Read, Learn, Win!
Join our annual Summer Learning program from June 1 to July 31 for a summer packed with adventure, learning, and prizes. Read, log your progress, and earn a chance to win prizes. Dive into new stories, discover resources, and make this your smartest summer yet.
Last year, more than 3.1 million minutes of reading were logged, with over 11,500 participants and more than 142,000 books read across San José libraries. Let’s make this summer another one to remember!
Did you know?
According to national studies, reading 20 to 30 minutes a day exposes youth to hundreds of thousands of words annually, building vocabulary, background knowledge, and reading fluency.
Register to read and win big
Summer Learning comes with fun rewards for every age group. Sign up through July 31 and track your reading in Beanstack to receive a registration prize and earn a completion prize when you finish the program.
Prizes include free books for kids and teens, plus giveaways for adults such as flashlight keychains, screen cleaners, or Hicklebee’s coupons.
How to participate
- Sign up online through Beanstack or download the app.
- Read 8 books or 8 hours. Everything you read counts!
- Track your reading in Beanstack and finish the program to earn a completion prize.
All participants who complete the program will also be eligible to win a grand prize.
Download the Beanstack App
Grand Prizes
Register and track your reading on Beanstack for a chance to win a grand prize. One winner per age group will be selected at every branch.
"All the summer performances including circus and puppet show was great and enough to make my kid's vacation enjoyable and memorable."
- 2025 Program Participant
"I like that the friendly competition to read as many books as you can, helps to create a yearning to read aloud with family, amongst my young children! As a mother, I appreciate any help in the education of my children and the ability to get them excited to learn!"
- 2025 Program Participant
Did Summer Learning inspire your child or family? Share your experience.
Become a Summer Learning Ambassador
Volunteer this summer to help youth and families keep reading and support their literacy skills during the summer break.
Events
Summer Library Kickoff Events
Read to Raise
Support literacy and learning at SJPL through the San José Public Library Foundation’s Read to Raise program. Summer Learning participants can invite friends and family to support their reading and be entered for a chance to win prizes.
Suggested reads
Staff Picks
Summer Learning: These Books Don't Bite
Summer Learning: Summer Athletics
Summer Learning: Young Detectives
More ways to read
Summer Learning eResources
CloudLibrary
NoveList Plus
TeachingBooks
Make this summer count
Summer Learning eResources
Graphic Novel Making Contest
