Summer Reading Program: Game Nights, Performances, Prizes, More

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton residents can look forward to a slew of curated reads, a book cover art competition, craft and game nights, and prize drawings for this year's summer reading program.

The program runs through summer vacation for local students from May 29 to August 8, but it's open to readers of all ages, the city announced. This year's theme is "Reading Colors Your World."

"The broad motif of 'colors' provides a context for exploring humanity, nature, culture, and science, as well as developing programming that demonstrates how libraries and reading can expand your world through kindness, growth, and community," the city Library and Recreation Department said in a statement.

Readers are encouraged to try new things, get creative and "find beauty in diversity," whether that means reading work from Black authors such as Maya Angelou, Ocavia Butler or Ta-Nehisi Coates, or snag an activity badge by learning about the Ohlone people by visiting the Alviso Adobe Community Park.

Teens and adults will be eligible for prizes by tracking and turning in their reading hours.

Artsy Pleasanton residents can submit a hand-drawn, colorful rendering of their favorite book cover no larger than an 8.5" by 11" sheet of paper. Submissions must be sent by emailing KDelang@cityofpleasantonca.gov, dropping them off at the library's children's desk or posting them online and tagging #PleasantonBookCovers.

The library also announced plans to host virtual events including craft and game nights. There will be special performances and events such as "Songs and Stories for Kids" with Bill Harley, "Anime Your Way" for teens with Carlos Nieto III and "A Different Shade of Fairytale" with local improv troupe Creatures of Impulse.