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Summer 2023

2023 Summer Reading Program: Find Your Voice

June 12 – July 31, 2023

This summer, OC Public Libraries is offering a reading challenge, in-branch programming, grab & go craft kits, author events, reading lists, special incentives/opportunity drawings and, at select branch locations, Lunch at the Library. Participate in our weekly scavenger hunts and activities, return each week for something new to find!

Follow OC Public Libraries on Facebook and Instagram for crafts, food literacy, special programming and other fun and educational content.

Summer Reading Program Flyers

English  |  Spanish  |  Vietnamese  |  Korean 

Japanese  |  Chinese Traditional  |  Chinese Simplified 

Branch Events

Summer Reading Challenge logo

OC Public Libraries offers a variety of child, teen, adult, and family events.

Click here to view events happening at your local branch.

Summer Reading Challenge

Branch activity icons

June 12 – July 31, 2023
Preregister starting June 1
Begin logging June 12

Log 20 or more days of reading to be entered into an opportunity drawing for a gift card courtesy of your branch’s Friends of the Libraries. Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at ocpl.beanstack.org or download the free Beanstack app. Set up one account and add all the readers in your family! Complete fun activities to earn virtual badges.

Author Events

Author Diaz with book

Author
Lucky Diaz

Wednesday, June 28 at 1:00pm

LUCKY DIAZ is a Latin GRAMMY award-winning and six-time EMMY nominated musician and songwriter. In 2020, his album Buenos Diaz was named an official selection of notable works for children by the American Library Association.

San Juan Capistrano Library
31495 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA

Early arrival suggested. No registration required.

Photo of Author Holm with book

Author
Jennifer Holm

Saturday, July 1 at 11:00am

JENNIFER HOLM is a New York Times bestselling children's author. She collaborated with her brother, Matthew Holm, on several graphic novel series including the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, Sunny series, and the Squish series which is now a streaming show on HBO Max.

Tustin Library
345 E. Main Street
Tustin, CA 92780

Early arrival suggested. No registration required.

Photo of author Goo with book

Author
Maurene Goo

Tuesday, July 11 at 4:00pm

MAURENE GOO is the author of several acclaimed books for young adults, including I Believe in a Thing Called Love and Somewhere Only We Know. Her newest novel, Throwback, was recently published in April 2023. She has also written for Marvel's Silk series.

Tustin Library
345 E. Main Street
Tustin, CA 92780

Early arrival suggested. No registration required.

Photo of author Lang with book

Author
Suzanne Lang

Saturday, July 15 at 11:00am

SUZANNE LANG is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series which she creates with her husband, illustrator Max Lang. Their other titles include All Kinds of Families and Hooray For Kids.

Tustin Library
345 E. Main Street
Tustin, CA 92780

Early arrival suggested. No registration required.

Lunch at the library

Photos of two children smiling at the camera

Lunch at the Library provides children and teens 18 and under with free summer meals, reading programs, and other activities that support learning, health, and wellness.

No registration is required. Meals are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Lunch at the Library Flyers:
English
Spanish
Vietnamese
Korean
Persian

Costa Mesa
Donald Dungan Library

July 5 - August 1
Monday - Friday
Noon – 1:00pm

Character Days
July 6 - Pete the Cat
July 25 - 
Rainbow Fish

El Toro
Library

June 12 – July 28
Monday - Friday
Noon – 1:00pm

Character Days
June 12 - Cookie Mouse
July 13 - Pete the Cat

Garden Grove
Chapman Library

June 5 - July 13
Monday - Thursday
Noon – 1:00pm

Character Days
June 8 - Curious George
July 6 - Elephant & Piggie

Garden Grove
Main Library

June 5 - July 14
Monday - Friday
Noon – 1:00pm

Character Days
June 6 - Curious George
June 15 - Cookie Mouse
June 20 - Paddington Bear
July 5 - Elephant & Piggie
July 13 - 
Wild Thing

San Juan Capistrano
Library

June 12 - July 20
Monday - Thursday
Noon – 1:00pm

Character Days
July 11 - Pete the Cat

Tustin
Library

June 7 – July 28
Monday - Friday
Noon – 1:00pm

Character Days
June 8 - Cookie Mouse
July 20 - 
Rainbow Fish

Reading Lists

Summer 2023 - Reading lists

This summer’s reading lists aim to guide us in the many ways we find our voices, whether it’s through listening first, new activities, or turning inwardly to hone our strengths.

These book lists span multiple genres, ages – from primary to adult – and mediums, including audiobooks. Visit your local branch to find your next summer read!

Reading Lists:
Children Grades K - 3
Children Grades 4 - 6
Youth Grades 7 - 9
Teens
Adults
Family Audiobook

Questions? Call or visit your local OC Public Libraries branch.