Summer Stride is the Library’s annual summer learning, reading and exploration program for all ages and abilities.
From June through August, we are promoting:
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Author talks, reading lists and book giveaways
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning
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Mindful experiences in nature
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Workforce development opportunities for teens
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Meaningful connections for all ages for our diverse community
Challenge yourself and others to read, learn and listen with the Library this summer!
Begin your journey towards 20 hours of summer learning starting in June.
Track your progress virtually on Beanstack. You can register individual participants as well as groups (families, classes).
Or, track your progress on our printable tracker! Color each square for every 20 minutes of participation. (3 squares = 1 hour.)
Recommended Summer Reading
Students, Families and Educators, the annual SFUSD Recommended Summer Reading Lists (PDF) are your source for great, diverse and newly-published reads for Pre-K to Grade 12. All SFUSD students are receiving the Summer Reading List in their home mailboxes this spring.
Pro tip: Visit our Reading Resources for more fun free downloadable activities to enhance your reading experience.
Fantastic Free Programs for All Ages
Every summer, the Library offers a bevy of quality programs for all ages—free of cost. From programs that teach kids about nature, to music performances from award-winning artists, to authors who speak on topics ranging from SF Bay Area history to racial justice, to valuable how-to programs on gardening and cooking, you will find something to love at the Library.
We’re offering one-time programs, as well as exciting series, that will carry you through the whole summer.
See all of our youth programs.
See all of our adult programs.
Virtual Youth Series
| Date and time | Name | Description | Program flier |
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June 9-August 12 Times vary, see our events calendar |
BIPOC KidLit Series | For youth ages 5-17 and their families, featuring the voices of talented and celebrated diverse authors and illustrators. |
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June 3, 4:30-5:15 p.m. June 23, 4:30-5:15 p.m. July 27, 4:30-5:14 p.m. August 11, 1-1:45 p.m. |
Alphabet Rockers Concerts + Workshops | Engage with music, movement and art activities to create meaningful change with Grammy-nominated Alphabet Rockers. For youth ages 7 and older and their families. |
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| Every Monday and Tuesday at 2 p.m. | STEM Challenge Yo’Self | Use common household items to have fun, do experiments, and test scientific methods. A new YouTube video is broadcast every Monday. Also, join us for demonstrations, Q&A sessions and expert tips every Tuesday. Register to watch the live broadcast of the SFPL STEM Science and Engineering Laboratory. Suitable for children aged five and older and their families. |
Virtual Adult Series
| Date and time | Name | Description | Downloadable program flier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Adult Authors | Laugh, learn and get inspired with our dazzling lineup of novel and nonfiction writers. |
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| Various | Special Programs | Films, art talks, gardening how-to's, craft workshops, programs from our Jails and Reentry Services—find these and more. |
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Virtual All-Ages Series
| Date and Time | Name | Description | Program flier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridays, 11-11:45 a.m. | Nature Boost with Our Parks | Discover the sights, sounds and history of your local national parks. A proud collaboration between SFPL, National Park Service, Presidio Trust and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. |
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Get to Know Kaylani Juanita, 2021 Summer Stride Artist
Kaylani Juanita illustrates inclusive picture books, such as Ta-Da!, When Aidan Became a Brother, The Little Things and Magnificent Homespun Brown, which received the 2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. Her mission as an artist is to support the stories of the underrepresented and create new ways for people to imagine themselves. California grown and raised, she has studied at California Institute of the Arts, California College of the Arts and the University of California, Davis. She currently lives in Fairfield, CA. While working on Summer Stride, she was inspired by her days in San Francisco. You can find her on Instagram @kaylanijuanita.
Read our Q&A with Kaylani Juanita
Watch Kaylani’s artist workshop and talk with her former teacher, illustrator Lisa Brown
Upcoming Events
