San Diego Public Library Padres Card. Image credit: City of San Diego/Padres

By SDCN Editor

San Diego, CA–The San Diego Public Library is launching a free Summer Reading Program, and for the first time, new patrons will receive a Padres-themed library card at all 36 locations in the city. 

This year’s theme is “Discover Your Voice” and readers of all ages are encouraged to share their stories, express themselves, and spark change.  

“Teaming up with the Padres is a fun way to promote reading and to join the excitement San Diegans have for their home team,” said Library Director Misty Jones. ”We encourage everyone to visit their local library, pick up a library card and register for the Summer Reading Program. It’s a great way to keep reading skills sharp for kids when they’re out of school and for readers of all ages to find new stories to enjoy.”  

The Summer Reading Program began Thursday and runs through Aug. 31. Existing patrons can replace their current cards at no cost, library officials said. 

Participants can earn prizes by completing 10 books, 10 hours of reading, or a combination of reading and activities. Activities include attending a library storytime or Summer Reading event, starting a journal, or recommending a book to a friend.  

The program offers age categories for children (ages 0-5 and 6-11), youth (ages 12-17), and adults (ages 18 and up). After completing the program, readers will be eligible for prizes including free books, meal vouchers, and passes to local museums. Reading and activities can be tracked online or on paper logs printed at home or picked up at any SDPL location.  

Last year, more than 24,000 people participated in the Summer Reading Program, reading nearly 366,000 books. 

To register online and view lists of recommended books and activities, visit sandiego.gov/summerreading.