Summer Stride is the Library’s annual summer learning, reading and exploration program for all ages and abilities.
From June through August, we promote:
- Author talks, reading lists and book giveaways
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning
- Exploration of nature
- Workforce development opportunities for teens
- Meaningful connections for all ages within our diverse community
Challenge yourself and others to read, learn and listen with the Library this summer!
There are three ways for you to complete the Summer Stride challenge!
- Track 20 hours of reading, listening to audiobooks or participating in any Library activity on the Summer Stride tracker, available at any Library location.
- Log your progress virtually on Beanstack.
- Complete an Adult Summer Challenge card, available at any Library location.
After you complete the challenge, come pick up your finishing prize featuring art from San Francisco illustrator Nidhi Chanani!
Recommended Summer Reading
Students, families and educators, the annual SFUSD Recommended Summer Reading Lists are your source for great, diverse and newly-published reads for Pre-K to Grade 12. Start reading now!
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 by award-winning artists, to expert presenters on climate activism, gardening, the Bay Area in film and wellness, to hands-on art workshops, you will find something to love at the Library.
See all of our youth programs.
See all of our adult programs.
Get to Know Nidhi Chanani, 2026 Summer Stride Artist
Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator. Her graphic novels include Pashmina, Jukebox, the Shark Princess series and the Super Boba Café series. She also creates picture books. Some of her titles are I Will Be Fierce, Strong, Binny’s Diwali, What Will My Story Be? and Quiet Karima. When she’s not drawing, Nidhi loves to travel and has visited 20 countries. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What were you thinking about when creating the Summer Stride vignettes?
I was thinking about an ideal San Francisco summer, filled with reading, outdoor exploration and joy.
What tools do you use to create art?
For these illustrations I drew in Photoshop with my Wacom Cintiq.
What artists have influenced your work?
So many! Klimt, LeYuen Pham, Felicia Chiao, Catia Chien, Lian Cho, Anoosha Syed, Mai K. Nguyen, K-Fai Steele, Cyril Pedrosa, Trung Le Nguyen, Felicita Sala, to name a few!
What advice do you have for aspiring illustrators?
Keep drawing! Even if you believe you’re not making progress, every minute spent drawing is an opportunity to train and build your skills. Improvement is slow and incremental. Art can’t be rushed, and each small win is a cause for celebration.
How have public libraries played a role in your life?
From my youth to present day they’ve been important to my reading life. I visited the library when I was young, and it fostered my love of reading, which is still active today. In high school I volunteered at the library reshelving books. Before art school, I worked at the Menlo Park Library as a clerk and then as a member of the adult reading support staff. I have a deep love and appreciation for the library as a home for a variety of programs, services and access.
Do you listen to music or sounds when you’re creating? What does your playlist include?
Yes, it’s essential! I sometimes listen to soundtracks—right now the Heated Rivalry soundtrack is on repeat. I also listen to a lot of pop, R&B and world music.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Harold and the Purple Crayon.
What’s your favorite place to visit in SF?
Do I have to pick just one? I love Crissy Field.
What is your favorite summertime snack?
Chips and salsa!
Do you have a fun childhood memory of summer reading programs and how they impacted you as an adult? If so, please share it with us.
Yes! My library had this miniature village set up during summer reading. Every time you read a book, you came in and moved your designated figure forward on a path through the village. It was so cute and I was highly motivated to have my figure standing ahead of the others.
What’s your go-to place when you want to be inspired?
The ocean.
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