Press Release
San José Public Library
For Immediate Release
Friday, July 2, 2026
Media Contacts
Elizabeth Castaneda
elizabeth.castaneda@sjlibrary.org
(408) 458-0662
Nancy Macias
nancy.macias@sjlibrary.org
(408) 712-2150
San José Public Library’s Summer Learning Program Surpasses 1-Million Minutes Read
Participants read nearly 50,000 books in June and still have one month remaining to enjoy free educational programs and compete for exciting prizes
San José, Calif., July 2, 2026 – Participants in the San José Public Library’s (SJPL) annual Summer Learning program have already logged more than 1.18 million minutes of reading – nearly 20,000 hours – since the program began in June. With Summer Learning now at its halfway point, there is still plenty of time for readers of all ages to join the free program before it ends on July 31st.
During the program’s first month, participants have also logged nearly 50,000 books read, while over 5,300 people have attended free Summer Learning programs across SJPL’s 25 library locations. From soccer themed storytimes featuring players from the San Jose Earthquakes and hands-on STEAM activities to family-friendly entertainment, petting zoos, and much more – the library continues to provide engaging opportunities that encourage learning, creativity and exploration all summer long.
Summer Learning helps children and teens maintain and build good reading habits, while continuing to learn during their summer break to support a successful return to school when the academic year begins. The program also encourages people of all ages to discover something new and explore everything the library has to offer.
Throughout July, SJPL will continue to host free educational programs and opportunities for children, teens, and adults. Including fun soccer themed reading programs featuring San Jose Earthquakes players on Tuesday, July 14 at the Bascom Branch Library and Bay FC players at the Cambrian Branch Library on Thursday, July 16.
Participants who complete the Summer Learning program will be entered into drawings for more than 125 grand prizes across the library system. Thanks to the generosity of community partners, grand prizes will include:
- Free Mountain Mike’s Pizza for a Year
- Bay FC Game Suite Experience for the family
- Family tickets to most San Jose Earthquakes regular season home games
- Additional assorted prizes for readers of all ages
Every participant who registers also receives prizes and books (while supplies last) just for signing-up.
To learn more, register, and view a complete schedule of Summer Learning programs, visit www.sjpl.org/summer
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About the San José Public Library
San José Public Library (SJPL) is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and in the nation's 12th largest city. SJPL serves a culturally diverse population of nearly one million and has nearly 650,000 library members. In addition to providing award-winning library services, SJPL proudly leads the City's Education and Digital Literacy Strategy, opens a new window and the City's SJ Access, opens a new window digital empowerment initiative. For more information, please visit sjpl.org, opens a new window.