The LA Public Library's summer reading program is about more than tote bags

Your local library offers a cornucopia of free resources all year — including musical instruments and legal aid — but during the summer there’s an extra incentive to visit (in addition to the air conditioning).

The city and county public library systems host the biggest local summer reading programs, though you’ll also find similar opportunities at the dozens of other library systems in our region.

Whether you’re a child or an adult, the basic premise is to track your reading, visits to the library and other activities, for prizes.

The Los Angeles Public Library tote went viral in 2023, and this year’s edition features the work of local artist and illustrator Alexander Vidal (who also contributed to LAist fave, “Cougar Crossing”). The design includes several critters with their noses (or beaks) tucked into a book.

Local artist and illustrator Alexander Vidal created the design for this year's Los Angeles Public Library tote bag.

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Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library

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Unlike in prior years, where the tote was a participation prize, you’ll have to log three weeks of reading (or other activities) to secure the bag.

“The thought behind it was we had people coming in and signing up and getting the tote bag — and they were very popular — but then the participation dropped off,” said Phoebe Guiot, who helps oversee youth services at the Los Angeles Public Library. “It's just really encouraging people to be more engaged with the library.”

The library’s borrowable collection includes more than 6 million books (print, audio, digital — in many languages), magazines and zines.

“ We have an amazing selection of materials that are inclusive and diverse,” Guiot said. “When you read right, it expands your worldview, especially for children and for teens.”

Another learning option to prevent ‘summer slide’

Students can fall behind academically over the summer, but their families — and the library — can help them continue to learn while school is out.

The Los Angeles County Public Library is expanding a free, in-person tutoring program for elementary school students to 45 locations this summer.

Students in California and across the country are still scoring lower on reading and math tests than before the pandemic.

 ”Parents told us what they needed,” said county librarian Skye Patrick. “They told us a few years ago that just coming out of the pandemic, they really needed some help getting their students, their young people up and mobilized for the school year."

The Summer Stars tutoring sessions start in mid-June, but families are encouraged to sign up on the County Library’s website as soon as possible.

Last year, more than 2,700 students participated in nearly 14,000 tutoring sessions. Patrick said pre- and post-tests show participating students made gains in both reading and math at the end of the summer.