This summer, local libraries are offering multiple activities for all ages, including self-paced reading challenges, special events and learning opportunities for kids, teens and adults.
Summer Reading
At library branches across the San Fernando Valley – including in San Fernando, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, Granada Hills and other locations – readers of any age can sign up for a self-paced summer reading club. Dubbed Summer With the Library at city library sites and Summer Discovery at county branches, both programs run through Sunday, August 9.
Participants in either program can sign up to obtain a list of suggested reading-related activities and challenges to complete. Upon completion, readers will be entered into a free raffle for the chance to win a $50 Visa gift card or an iPad (via Summer With the Library), or tickets to Raging Waters for kids and teens or a Kindle e-reader for adults (via Summer Discovery).
Special Events & Learning Opportunities
On Tuesday, June 30, at 4:15 p.m., the Sylmar Branch Library – at 14561 Polk St. – will host “Robot Building & Other Animatronics” for kids of all ages. Bot builder Paul Thompson will showcase his animatronics and robot creations based on popular film and television characters.
Also at the Sylmar branch, the library will present “Paleontology and Fossils” for children on Thursday, July 2, at 4 p.m. Participating kids will learn about the work paleontologists do to find and identify fossils, and they will be able to sort through fossil specimens and take one home.
On Thursday, July 16, at 4 p.m., children are invited to enjoy the “Magic Show with Stoil Stoilov” at the Pacoima Public Library, located at 13605 Van Nuys Blvd., near Haddon Avenue.
The Pacoima branch will also present “Beginner Digital Photography: Crash Course” on Tuesday, July 21, at 4 p.m. for teens ages 11 to 18 interested in learning the basics of photography. Some cameras will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras or smartphones.
Every Thursday from July 2 to Aug. 6 at 11 a.m., the San Fernando Library – at 217 N. Maclay Ave. – will offer “Smarty Pants Storytime” for children 2 to 5 (with a parent or caregiver). The goal: to support school readiness skills and have fun via books, songs, rhymes and movement.
Also at the San Fernando Library, the branch will host an on-site “camping adventure” for children ages 5 to 12 (with a parent or caregiver) on Tuesday, July 28 at 4 p.m. Kids will get to explore play tents, enjoy camp crafts and play some traditional camp games and activities.
For more events and information about the Sylmar Branch Library, go to: www.lapl.org/branches/sylmar.
For the Pacoima Branch Public Library, go to: www.lapl.org/branches/pacoima.
For the San Fernando Library, go to: www.lacountylibrary.org/location/san-fernando-library.
For a list of all LA City Public Library locations, go to: www.lapl.org/branches.
For LA County Library branches, go to: www.lacountylibrary.org/locations.