Summer Stride, San Francisco’s premier summer reading, learning and exploration program, is back! From June 1 through August 31, San Franciscans of all ages are invited to join San Francisco Public Library for an exciting lineup of free programs, reading challenges and so much more! 

Every year, the Library uses original art from a recently published children’s book to excite San Franciscans to participate in Summer Stride. The meditative, beautifully rendered On a Summer Night by Deborah Hopkinson (Chronicle Books, 2024) is this year’s featured picture book, and San Francisco-based book illustrator Kenard (Ken) Pak is this year’s Summer Stride artist. Meet Pak during Library Day at the Conservatory of Flowers on July 26, where he will lead a read-aloud and an art session.  

San Francisco’s outdoor gems will be showcased in the Library’s summer calendar. Walk with a librarian from Excelsior Branch to Hawk Creek Farm on June 1 for a Summer Stride kick-off event featuring family-friendly activities and a presentation by Café Ohlone. On July 5, Library Day at the New Farm will feature live music, dancers, book giveaways, art and crafts, and of course, goats and chickens, plus the Bookmobile will be there.   

Events showcasing performers and presenters who embody San Francisco's unique flair will spark joy among young and old alike. For youth, programs include magic and musical shows, yoga, Afro-Brazilian dance, fairytale engineering, and live lizards. For adult audiences, the Library offers a range of enriching programs to entertain and educate throughout the summer. From writing workshops and sound baths to self-defense classes and birding, adults will surely be dazzled and inspired. 

Every Monday from June 2 to August 11 from 4–7 p.m., find the SFPL Bookmobile at the corner of JFK Drive and Conservatory Drive to browse and borrow books and participate in a hands-on activity. 

Summer Stride incentivizes reading, learning or exploring nature for 20 minutes a day as a way to prevent “summer slide”—a decline in academic skills that occurs while school is out. Participants can track their time reading and learning on Beanstack (sfpl.beanstack.org), an online platform accessible from computers or mobile devices. Participants can also download a physical tracker along with the SFUSD/SFPL Recommended Reading List for preschoolers to high schoolers at sfpl.org/summerstride. Those who complete 20 hours are eligible to receive a prize—the coveted 2025 Summer Stride tote featuring original artwork by Ken Pak. In addition to tracking 20 hours of library activity, participants can complete Summer Stride Bingo, available at all branches or for download. Plus, all youth (babies through teens) may receive a free book to keep every time they visit the library. 

Visit sfpl.org/summerstride to learn more! 

Summer Stride Program Highlights  

Youth Programs 

Make and Do 

Bay Area Discovery Museum  

Work collaboratively to solve problems for a set of beloved fairytale characters. For ages 5–9. Space limited. Reservations required.   

Fairytale Engineering – June 24, 2 p.m., West Portal Branch; July 15, 2 p.m., Chinatown Branch; July 24, 1 p.m., Parkside Branch; Aug. 7, 2 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch  

The Breakfast Project   

Learn about Harvey Milk, Gilbert Baker and the history of the rainbow flag, then make your own delicious fruit parfait. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Reservations required.  

Edible Social Studies, Rainbow Pride Parfait – June 10, 1p.m., Richmond Branch; June 16, 1 p.m., Bayview Branch; July 21, 10 a.m., Main Library, The Mix at SFPL, 2nd Floor; July 21, 2 p.m., Glen Park Branch; Aug. 12, 2 p.m., Portola Branch 

Root Division  

Express yourself while learning basic art techniques with teaching artists and fellows from Root Division, a local visual arts nonprofit. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Reservations required.   

Art Studio – July 26, 11 a.m. Conservatory of Flowers, Terrace Lawn; July 29, 3 p.m., Main Library, Children’s Center, 2nd Floor; August 6, 3 p.m., Bayview Branch; August 8, 3 p.m., Potrero Branch 

Entertainment 

Magic Bubbles and Balloons  

Visit outdoor bubble-making stations and learn how to create gigantic bubbles with bubble master Stephen Treder of Magic Bubbles and Balloons. For children and their families.  

Giant Bubble Play – July 8, 11 a.m., Koret Children’s Playground, Golden Gate Park (Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Bowling Green Drive); July 8, 3 p.m., Richmond Branch; Aug. 3, 2 p.m., Main Library, Children’s Center, 2nd Floor; Aug. 9, 11 a.m., Western Addition Branch; Aug. 9, 3 p.m., Marina Branch 

Music is First! Band  

Enjoy the sounds of Bay Area musicians connecting literacy and music. For children and their caregivers.  

Music Performance – June 18, 5 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch; July 10, 3 p.m., Merced Branch; July 12, 2 p.m., Presidio Branch; Aug. 30, 4 p.m., Park Branch 

Perry Yan  

Watch an award-winning magic show with incredible feats of sleight of hand, comedy and storytelling. For children and their families.  

Magic Show – June 25, 2 p.m., Chinatown Branch; June 25, 4:30 p.m., Mission Bay Branch; June 26, 11 a.m., Excelsior Branch; June 26, 2 p.m., Sunset Branch; July 9, 2 p.m., Marina Branch; July 9, 5 p.m., Park Branch 

Movement 

Jarrel Phillips   

Learn about traditional Afro-Brazilian dance and movement in a fun, relaxed community and play-based environment. Please wear comfortable clothing to support whole-body movement. Space limited. Reservations required. 
Rhythm and Movement – July 9, 12 p.m., Parkside Branch; July 30, 3 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch; Aug. 2, 11 a.m., Excelsior Branch; August 7, 4 p.m., Ingleside Branch 
A Game Called Capoeira – June 17, 3 p.m., Marina Branch; June 21, 11 a.m., Golden Gate Valley Branch; June 21, 2 p.m., Potrero Branch 

Upside Down Yoga Kids  

Learn to reduce stress and self-regulate emotions with yoga, games, storytelling, music and art. Space limited. Reservations required. 
Yoga and Crafts. For ages 3–6 –  Aug. 2, 11 a.m., Ocean View Branch; Aug. 16, 11 a.m., North Beach Branch; Aug. 16, 2 p.m., Mission Bay Branch 
Yoga and Crafts. For ages 7–12 – July 12, 2 p.m., Anza Branch; Aug. 2, 3 p.m., Ingleside Branch 

Summer Stride Kick-Off at Hawk Creek Farm  

Walk with a librarian from Excelsior Branch to Hawk Creek Farm and join family-friendly farm activities, a book giveaway and presentation by Cafe Ohlone founders Louis Trevino and Vincent Medina. 
Social at Hawk Creek Farm – June 1, 11 a.m., Hawk Creek Farm (203 Cotter Street) 

Library Day at Conservatory of Flowers  

Celebrate summer with the Library on Terrace Lawn, in front of Conservatory of Flowers, with Ken Pak and friends. Enjoy a read-aloud by Pak and children’s book author, Monica Wesolowska, art session with Pak, book giveaway, arts and nature activities with Haight Street Art Center, Root Division, Randall Museum and Bean Sprouts. 
Social at Conservatory of Flowers –– July 26, 11 a.m., Conservatory of Flowers’ Terrace Lawn (100 John F. Kennedy Drive) 

Lizard Lady Reptiles  

Learn about endangered species, plus an opportunity to cozy up to some cold-blooded critters. Space limited. Reservations required. 
Reptile Romp – June 10, 1 p.m., Presidio Branch; July 12, 11 a.m. Ocean View Branch; July 12, 3 p.m., Ingleside Branch; July 26, 2 p.m., Ortega Branch; Aug. 16, 2 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch  

NorCal Bats  

Meet live bats and hear about the local bat species in San Francisco. Learn about echolocation, how bats fly, what they hunt and more. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Reservations required. 
A Bit About Bats – June 12, 1 p.m., Main Library, Children’s Center, 2nd Floor; June 12, 3:15 p.m., Marina Branch; June 14, 11 a.m., Merced Branch; June 14, 3 p.m., Park Branch; July 24, 1 p.m., Bayview Branch; Aug. 2, 12 p.m., West Portal Branch; Aug. 2, 3 p.m., Glen Park Branch  

Planet Bee Foundation   

Learn about pollinators by participating in a creative beeswax program or observational neighborhood walk program. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Reservations required. 
Beeswax Crafts – July 9, 1 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch 
Pollinators in Your Neighborhood Walk – July 9, 3 p.m., Potrero Branch; Aug. 10, 1 p.m., Noe Valley Branch; Aug. 10, 3 p.m., Glen Park Branch 

Adult Programs 

Unleash Your Creativity 

Asé Arts utilizes the arts as a powerful tool to provoke thought, conversation and change. Space limited. Reservations required. 

Artful Stitches – June 7, 12 p.m., Mission Bay Branch; July 19, 3 p.m., Glen Park Branch; Aug. 9, 2 p.m., Noe Valley Branch; Aug. 20, 2 p.m., Parkside Branch 

Manifesting Art Journals – June 13, 2 p.m., Ingleside Branch; June 28, 2 p.m., Richmond Branch; July 25, 2 p.m., Bayview Branch; Aug. 16, 2 p.m., Merced Branch 

Bea Byrne shares her passion for quilting and crafts. Space limited. Reservations required. 

English Paper Piecing Patchwork for Beginners – June 21, 2 p.m., Noe Valley Branch; June 29, 2 p.m., Portola Branch; Aug. 13, 5 p.m., Park Branch; Aug. 20, 5 p.m., Mission Bay Branch 

UV Resin – June 12, 5 p.m., Sunset Branch; June 15, 2 p.m., Potrero Branch; June 28 ,11 a.m., Western Addition Branch; Aug. 16, 3 p.m., Visitacion Valley Branch 

Take Time for Yourself 

Sound Bath with Megan Heuer – Let the tranquil vibrations of crystal singing-bowls and the soothing sounds of nature prompt deep relaxation. Space limited. Reservations required. 

June 9, 5:30 p.m., Bookmobile, Golden Gate Park on the JFK Promenade between the Conservatory of Flowers Lawn and the Bunny Meadow; June 13, 3 p.m., Bayview Branch; June 14, 3 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch; June 20, 2 p.m., Visitacion Valley Branch; July 19, 2 p.m., Presidio Branch; July 30, 5 p.m., Park Branch; Aug. 7, 5:45 p.m., Glen Park Branch; Aug. 9, 3 p.m., Sunset Branch; Aug. 23, 2 p.m., North Beach Branch 

Phoenix Song – Learn to connect with yourself and others in a playful, supportive space as you explore your creativity through music, sound, writing and more.  Space limited. Reservations required. 

Free Your Voice – June 17, 4 p.m., Glen Park Branch; July 12, 3 p.m., Sunset Branch; July 19, 2 p.m., North Beach Branch; July 21, 3 p.m., Marina Branch; Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch; Aug. 16, 2 p.m., Ingleside Branch 

Writing From the Body – June 14, 3 p.m., Anza Branch; June 21, 3 p.m., Ocean View Branch; July 9, 3 p.m., Visitacion Valley Branch; July 18, 2 p.m., Potrero Branch 

Write the World with Nandita Dinesh – Learn how to use writing as a way to explore current events.  Space limited. Reservations required. June 8, 2 p.m., Parkside Branch; July 12, 1:30 p.m., Richmond Branch; July 19, 2p.m., Bernal Heights Branch; July 20, 2 p.m., Portola Branch; July 25, 2 p.m., Ingleside Branch  

Make Healthy Choices 

Self Defense for the People is a unique program for everyone who wants to learn street-smart self-defense to protect themselves, their loved ones and their peers.  Space limited. Reservations required. 

June 10, 6 p.m., West Portal Branch; June 12, 2 p.m., Ortega Branch; June 18, 2 p.m., Presidio Branch; July 15, 6:30 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch; July 25, 3 p.m., Excelsior Branch; Aug. 7, 2 p.m., Potrero Branch; Aug. 17, 2 p.m., Western Addition Branch 

SF Environment Department presents workshops to drive climate action and enhance the quality of life for all San Franciscans. Space limited. Reservations required. 

Healthy Homes – June 11, 3 p.m., Park Branch; July 29, 2 p.m., Anza Branch; Aug. 5, 2 p.m., Excelsior Branch; Aug. 12, 2 p.m., Chinatown Branch 

The Dirt on the City's Compost Program – June 3, 3 p.m., Marina Branch; July 9, 2 p.m., Ortega Branch; July 16, 10:30 a.m., Merced Branch; July 17, 2 p.m., Ocean View Branch; July 23, 2 p.m., Parkside Branch 

Tea Tasting with Tap Twice Tea – Embark on a journey through the history of tea: learn about its many different varieties, how it's made and how to brew the perfect cup or pot of tea for yourself.   

June 14, 1 p.m., North Beach Branch; June 22, 1 p.m., Excelsior Branch; July 12, 1 p.m., Ortega Branch; July 23, 5:30 p.m., West Portal Branch; July 25, 2 p.m., Noe Valley Branch; Aug. 10, 2 p.m., Portola Branch 

Mission Branch + Roxie Theater – Don’t miss our curated film screenings in the heart of the Mission. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. 

Como agua para chocolate – June 12, 6 p.m. 

Robot Dreams – July 13, 12:30 p.m. 

El Mariachi – Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. 

All Ages Programs 

Jarrel Phillips’s performances build bridges and foster healthy relationships via experiential learning opportunities through engaging activities that involve movement, creativity, play, performance and Capoeira. 

Rhythm and Movement – July 9, 12 p.m., Parkside Branch; Aug. 7, 4 p.m., Ingleside Branch 

A Game Called Capoeira – June 17, 3 p.m., Marina Branch 

Unique Derique’s Summer Fun for Everyone – Let the laughter lift you up on this hippity-hop, nonstop flight as Unique Derique’s blend of classic physical comedy, circus-inspired tricks, and playful Hambone body-percussion touches your funny bone. For all ages. 

July 24, 3 p.m., Portola Branch; June 7, 4 p.m., Ocean View Branch 

Storytelling, Music and Movement – Renowned storyteller Kirk Waller shares African and African American folktales, legends and history, bringing them alive with music, movement, singing and the spoken word. 

July 12, 3 p.m., North Beach Branch 

DíaPaSón is a music ensemble specializing in Mexican music traditions, including son jarocho. Each performance is a polyrhythmic delight of lyric and melodic improvisation. 

The Sounds of Our Neighborhoods – June 18 ,1 p.m., Ingleside Branch; July 12, 2 p.m., Portola Branch 

Son Jarocho – Aug. 9, 3 p.m., Excelsior Branch; June 21, 3 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch 

Kalimba for All – Learn about the ethereal, mysterious kalimba, a.k.a. the African thumb piano, with expert Carl Winters. 

June 1, 2 p.m., Noe Valley Branch; June 17, 1 p.m., Chinatown Branch; Aug. 23, 2 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch; Aug. 28, 3 p.m., Richmond Branch 

Songs in Spanish and English with Susan Peña and Miguel Govea – La Familia Peña-Govea is a three-generation family band playing bilingual children’s music based in Latin American folk traditions. 

July 7, 3 p.m., Marina Branch; June 17, 3:30 p.m., Richmond Branch 

DJ and Mix Music Live – Learn how to DJ and mix songs using digital turntables and mixers with Lower Grand Radio. 

July 21, 3 p.m., Western Addition Branch; July 29, 3:30 p.m., West Portal Branch 

Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff, celebrated for her expertise in vegetarian cooking, has published several cookbooks and loves to share her knowledge of food, nutrition, and cooking with audiences of all ages. 

Summer Pickling – June 14, 2 p.m., Bayview Branch; July 19, 2 p.m., Ocean View Branch; Aug. 10, 2:30 p.m., Parkside Branch 

Workshop: Watermelon Basket – Aug. 16, 1 p.m., Excelsior Branch; July 20, 2 p.m., Potrero Branch; June 22, 2 p.m., Ortega Branch 

Birding with Golden Gate Bird Alliance – Improve your birding skills or get started in birdwatching with friendly expert help from Golden Gate Bird Alliance. 

 Aug. 16, 10 a.m., Park Branch; Aug. 23, 11 a.m., Golden Gate Valley Branch; June 14 ,10 a.m., Mission Bay Branch; June 28 ,10 a.m., Ortega Branch 

Color as Creation – Intro to Natural Dyeing – Learn about local plants in the SF Bay Area that yield beautiful colors and find ways you can access the natural world around you in an urban environment. 

July 19, 2 p.m., Eureka Valley Branch; July 26, 2 p.m., Anza Branch; June 21, 2 p.m., Glen Park Branch; June 7, 1:30 p.m., Potrero Branch; Aug. 2, 2 p.m., Visitacion Valley Branch 

Library Day at the New Farm 

The New Farm will be jumping with live music, dancers, new book giveaways, art and crafts, and, of course, goats and chickens—plus the Bookmobile will be there. 

July 5, 11 a.m., New Farm, 10 Cargo Way