Encinitas isn’t just about beaches, surfboards, and perfect sunsets. This summer, it’s also about pages turning, imaginations soaring, and prizes waiting for you at the library. Whether you’re a local or just soaking up the coastal vibes for a few weeks, the 2025 Summer Reading Programs in Encinitas are ready to make your summer smarter, more creative, and a whole lot more fun.
Level Up at Your Library: The Main Event
This year’s theme is “Level Up at Your Library.” From June 2 to August 2, the Encinitas Library and other San Diego County Library branches are rolling out a reading challenge for all ages. Sign up is easy with Beanstack, an online tracker, or you can pick up a paper passport at the library. Read books, join activities, and watch your progress stack up toward some seriously cool rewards.
What’s in It for You?
Let’s talk about the loot. Complete the summer reading challenge, and you could walk away with board games, Squishmallows, LEGO sets, Beats headphones, and even a Meta Quest. Everyone who finishes gets a free book and a shot at the grand prize raffle. That’s right, reading can actually win you a new headset or a cuddly plush. Not a bad trade for a few afternoons with your nose in a book.
Events That Make You Want to Read More
It’s not just about sitting quietly with a book. The Encinitas Library is mixing things up with hands-on events and projects. Try the DIY Adventure Dice printable project or pixelate your art with another take-home craft. Teens can get crafty with Level Up-themed projects and even enter raffles for their own set of prizes. For those who love a little friendly competition, don’t miss the Pokémon Trading Event on June 17. There’s something happening almost every week, so check the library calendar and mark your favorites.
For the Youngest Readers (and Their Grown-Ups)
Summer reading isn’t just for big kids and adults. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can join in, too. Listening to stories counts, so grab a stack of picture books and get cozy. Early literacy activities are built into the program, making it easy for families to help little ones build strong reading habits before kindergarten. There are even special events designed just for the littlest book lovers.
Teens: This Isn’t Just for Kids
Teens, the library hasn’t forgotten you. There are crafts, fandom-themed projects, and even Switch gaming sessions. Create your own bookmarks and buttons, design comics, or just hang out and talk about your favorite books. Plus, every book you read gets you closer to winning prizes that are actually worth bragging about.
Adults: Yes, You Can Win Stuff Too
Grown-ups, you’re invited to the party. The adult summer reading challenge gives you a chance to log your books, join activities, and earn entries for end-of-summer prize drawings. Whether you’re into mysteries, memoirs, or cookbooks, every page counts. And if you finish, you’ll snag a library logo prize and a shot at gift cards and more.
More Ways to Read and Win
Encinitas isn’t the only place with summer reading fun. The San Diego Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge runs June 1 to August 31 and is open to all ages. Complete ten books or ten hours of reading and claim your prize. Plus, you can score free museum passes to some of San Diego’s top attractions, from the Natural History Museum to the Model Railroad Museum. That’s a summer full of stories and adventures both on and off the page.
Local Businesses Get in on the Action
If you’re hungry for more than just books, Chani’s Donuts is offering a sweet deal. Read six books (or 600 pages) and earn six free allergen-friendly donuts. Audiobooks and read-alouds count, so everyone can join in. Barnes & Noble is also running its annual program for grades 1 through 6: read eight books, fill out their journal, and pick a free book from their curated list. And if you’re craving pizza, the BOOK IT! program lets kids earn a free Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza for meeting their summer reading goals.
Tips for a Winning Summer
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Sign up early to get the most out of the program
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Mix up your reading list with graphic novels, audiobooks, and eBooks
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Join library events and workshops for bonus fun
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Track your progress online or with a paper passport
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Don’t forget to pick up your prizes before the deadline
Bring the Whole Family
Summer reading in Encinitas is a family affair. With programs for every age, the library is the perfect place to cool off, meet new friends, and discover your next favorite book. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll find something to love at the library this summer.
Ready, Set, Read!
The only thing left is to choose your first book, grab your library card, and start your summer reading adventure. The stories are waiting, and so are the prizes. See you at the library!
Sources: sandiegomamas.com, library.carlsbadca.gov, sandiego.gov
Header Image Source: Ugur Akdemir on Unsplash
