Summer Learning: Explore Your World

Summer Learning keeps moving forward, and the librarians at San Jose Public are moving forward too! We've got another list to help inspire your reading and learning this Summer. If you haven't already, you should sign up for Summer Learning to log your reading and win prizes. This week we have a few lists to inspire you to explore the world around you, whether near, far, or from the comfort of your home.

Local Adventures

Hike, book cover
Golden Gate Park, book cover
Rock and Roll Explorer Guide to San Francisco and the Bay Area, book cover
100 Things to Do in San Jose Before You Die, book cover


Looking for some adventures close to home? The Local Adventures booklist will inspire to you explore all that is within the local area. This list contains non-fiction guides, books, and novels set within the Bay Area and includes titles for children, teens, and adults. From children's books about the ocean, such as If You Take Away the Otter to the breathtaking illustrations in Redwoods, this list is sure to pique your interest in all of the wonderful things available to us here. You can also check out some of the parks and trails in Santa Clara County or San Jose and further explore our community. 

Visit Santa Clara County Parks for Free

Road Trip Reads

 
Restart, book cover
With the Fire on High, book cover
The Poet X, book cover
The Alchemist, book cover
The Hunting Party, book cover


Heading out on the road this summer? We have you covered with our favorite Road Trip Reads to download directly to your device. This booklist contains books for children, teens, and adults. From whimsical children's stories like, Howl's Moving Castle, to classics like, To Kill A Mockingbird, these great narrators are sure to keep you engaged while riding, driving, or walking to your summer destination. If none of these books are for you, check out some of the Always Available Audiobooks on Overdrive or Hoopla Digital.

Armchair Exploration

Lost And Found Cat, book cover
Space Case, book cover
Daughter of Smoke & Bone, book cover
The Exiles, book cover
 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, book cover


What if I were to tell you there is a way to travel the world without ever leaving home? You could 'see' incredible sights, feel things you've never felt before, have new and exciting (maybe even dangerous) experiences, maybe even time travel, without buying a ticket, packing a bag, or digging your passport out. Of course I'm talking about reading folks! Travel the world from the comfort of your own home by checking out some of the titles on the Armchair Exploration booklist. From a fairytale world in children's chapter book The Land of Stories to globetrotting through time and place in the enchanting adult novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue this list contains books that are sure to whisk you away.

Stay tuned for more reading ideas to help with your Summer Learning with a new blog and book list posted weekly!

If you're looking for more ways to participate in Summer Learning, leave a book review on Beanstack (the site that powers our Summer Learning program). There is a chance we may feature your review in an upcoming blog!

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER LEARNING

(Information Updated: May 2024)