Summer Learning

Summer Learning logo.

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?

During the summer, students can lose learning progress when they are not reading or practicing skills. SJPL's Summer Learning program helps youth stay engaged and keep learning during the summer break.

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

  1. Sign up online through Beanstack or download the app.
  2. Read 8 books or 8 hours. Everything you read counts!
  3. 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

Google Play button link to Beanstack. Apple App store button to 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.

A youth volunteer at a summer learning table with various printed material and giveaways.

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

Multiple Event Listings
Get your summer started with free performances, games, crafts and more. Sign up for Summer Learning to read and win prizes.

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

Sink your teeth into our captivating selection of books about vampires.

Summer Learning: Summer Athletics

Are you an avid summer athletics fan? Gear up by spending time with these sporty reads!

Summer Learning: Young Detectives

Are you ready to be a detective? Let's see if you can apply your sleuthing skills to crack the the cases in these mystery chapter books.

More ways to read

Summer Learning eResources

CloudLibrary

Summer is too short to wait for your next read. Find popular titles on CloudLibrary, SJPL's Lucky Day eBook collection.

NoveList Plus

Keep your Summer Learning reading going with NoveList Plus. Find read-alikes for books you love and get personalized recommendations.

TeachingBooks

Use TeachingBooks to bring summer reading to life with book trailers, author interviews, games, and more.

Make this summer count

Summer Learning eResources

Graphic Novel Making Contest

Draw, create, win! The Graphic Novel contest starts June 1st. Start your entry, find book suggestions, or attend a fun event.
Young girl giggling in front of a cutout board that reads Super Reader at the San Jose Public Library.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Help your child become a great reader starting from birth!
Variety of gems and jewels on black river rocks.

More Than Books

We have more than meets the eye. Uncover hidden gems at your library.
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