With activities, outdoor adventures and prizes, the annual Summer Reading Program is kicking off at the San Diego Public Library this weekend. The theme of this year’s program is “Read, Renew, Repeat,” encouraging readers of all ages to learn more about protecting, maintaining and restoring habitats, ecosystems, wildlife and natural resources.

This year’s program begins Saturday, June 1, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 31. Participants can earn prizes by completing 10 books or a combination of reading and activities. The activities include attending a Summer Reading event or storytime at the library, going on a nature walk, visiting a community garden and keeping a nature journal.

“We encourage people of all ages to sign up for the Summer Reading Program. It’s a great way for kids to keep their reading skills up when they’re out of school for the summer and for adults to find new books to love.” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Our San Diego summers are also the perfect time to get out and explore nature and embrace the conservation theme of this year’s program.”

The Summer Reading program offers age categories for children (ages 0-5 and 6-11), youth (ages 12-17) and adults (ages 18 and up). Upon completion, readers will be eligible for prizes including books, museum passes, meal vouchers and a reusable utensil kit. Reading and activities can be tracked online or on paper logs available at any of the 36 San Diego Public Library locations.

Last year, nearly 28,000 people participated in the Summer Reading Program, reading more than 428,000 books. To register online, view a list of activities and recommended books and find a Summer Reading Program kickoff event near you, visit sandiego.gov/summerreading.

About the San Diego Public Library   

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org.