The Summer Reading Program is a Santa Clara Library tradition, dating back more than forty years. Each summer more than 3000 children participate in the program.

Educational research has demonstrated that students who read during summer vacation retain their reading level skills. The library's Summer Reading Program works in support of that goal.

Children and teens read independently and parents read to younger children to earn free paperback books and certificates.

Local businesses and organizations such as the Mission City Community Fund, Marrott's Great America, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the San Francisco Forty-Niners support the program through donations of funds, discount entry passes, and special awards.

Parents model good reading habits for their children as part of our Family Reading Program, receiving special family gift books as their reward.

Throughout the summer. special performers and events - from the "kick-off" party to the final end-of-summer party are enthusiastically attended by scores of Santa Clara families.