Summer Reading Program
Hello Summer!
Get ready for a season of discovery, creativity, and community at the Downey City Library! This summer, we are proud to present our Summer Reading Challenge and special Summer Programming Series, inspired by this year’s theme: “Plant a Seed, Read.” Rooted in the idea that libraries help grow knowledge and imagination, this year’s theme encourages readers of all ages to explore how stories connect us to our culture, community, and the world around us.
What to Expect
A wide variety of free programs and activities designed for children, teens, adults, and families, including:
Reading challenges and incentives
Hands-on crafts, creative workshops, and STEAM activities
Live performances, special events, and interactive experiences
Summer Reading challenge for All Ages
Participants can sign up for the Summer Reading challenge and track their reading throughout the season. Readers of all ages, from early learners to adults, are encouraged to participate and grow their love of reading while earning fun rewards along the way.
Summer Reading Challenges
Plant a Seed, Read
From: June 6 - August 8
Ages: 0-12
Come by the children’s office to pick up a reading log! For every 10 books you read, you’ll win a prize. For every completed reading log, be entered into a raffle!
¡Pasa por la oficina infantil a recoger un registro de lectura! Por cada 10 libros que leas gana un premio. ¡Por cada registro de lectura completado, se inscribe en una rifa
Audiobook Reading Challenge
From: June 29 - July 29
Ages: 16+
Put your headphones on and take your reading on the road! Open to participants ages 16 and up, the Audiobook Walking Challenge invites you to borrow an audiobook from CloudLibrary and listen while you explore your neighborhood. Once you've completed your walk, tell us about the book you chose, where your walk took you, and your favorite part of the experience.
Sign up by clicking on the link below, complete the challenge between June 29 - July 29, fill out the completion form by clicking on the link below, and you'll receive one of 10 custom Downey City Library hats (awarded on a first come, first served basis). All participants who complete the challenge will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a 3-credit audiobook bundle courtesy of Libro.fm. Lace up and get listening!
Summer Reading Programs
Check out what’s happening all summer long! Click on each individual date to learn more.
Arts with Ms. G|Ages 7–12
Young artists create fun projects while learning different art techniques.
Saturday, July 18 – 12:00pm
Busy Bee Farmers | Ages 7–12
Explore the fun of farming, gardening, and creativity through hands-on weekly activities and crafts.
Friday, July 10 – 1:30–2:00pm
Friday, July 31 – 1:30–2:00pm
Chess Club | K–6th
Grade Build decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic skills through friendly games with peers of all levels.
Monday, July 13 – 5:45–7:00pm
Creciendo Contigo: A Family Cafecito| Ages 3–5
A welcoming space for caregivers to connect and learn.
Tuesday, July 21 – 11:30am–12:30pm
Family Craft Time| All Ages
Fun hands-on crafts, creativity and quality family time together for all ages.
Wednesday, July 1 – 4:30–5:30pm
Family Math| Ages 2–5
Fun activities that build early math skills.
Tuesday, July 14 – 11:30am–12:30pm ("Sorting & Collecting Storytime")
Tuesday, July 28 – 11:30am–12:30pm ("Number Sense & Counting")
Family Rhythms| All Ages
Music and movement for joyful family connection.
Wednesday, July 1 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Wednesday, July 8 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Wednesday, July 15 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Wednesday, July 22 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Wednesday, July 29 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Fire Safety Pop-Up| All Ages
Kids and families come join us for a fire relay, refreshments, and meet the Downey Fire Department.
Wednesday, July 1 – 1:00–2:30pm
Hora de Cuentos for Library Littles(Babies 0–18 Months) | Saturdays
Bilingual songs, lap bounces, and early literacy fun.
Saturday, July 11 – 10:00am
Saturday, July 18 – 10:00am
Saturday, July 25 – 10:00am
Hora de Cuentos for Library Littles@ Downey City Parks | All Ages, Fridays
A fun outdoor bilingual storytime with books, songs, and family fun.
Friday, July 10 – 10:00am @ Apollo Park
Friday, July 17 – 10:00am @ Rio San Gabriel Park
Friday, July 24 – 10:00am @ Golden Park
Friday, July 31 – 10:00am @ Furman Park
Hora de Cuentos for Library Littles(Toddlers 18–36 Months) | Thursdays
Bilingual interactive stories with movement and repetition.
Thursday, July 2 – 10:00am
Thursday, July 9 – 10:00am
Thursday, July 16 – 10:00am
Thursday, July 23 – 10:00am
Thursday, July 30 – 10:00am
LEGO® Builders Club | Ages 7–12
Create and build imaginative Lego designs.
Monday, July 6 – 4:30–6:30pm
LunchBunch Cooking | Ages 7–9
Learn fun and easy recipes while exploring healthy eating, nutrition, and hands-on cooking skills.
Thursday, July 2 – 12:00–1:00pm
Thursday, July 9 – 12:00–1:00pm
Painter's Space Paint-Along | All Ages
Learn step-by-step painting techniques while creating beautiful artwork.
Tuesday, July 14 – 6:00–7:00pm
Pokémon Club | Ages 7–12
Learn strategy and teamwork through Pokémon play.
Tuesday, July 14 – 4:30–6:30pm
Tuesday, July 21 – 4:30–5:30pm
Ready Readers Book Club | Ages 5–7
Build confidence and reading skills by reading aloud and talking about books together.
Thursday, July 2 – 3:30pm
Reel Family Fun | All Ages
Family-friendly movie screenings.
Thursday, July 2 – 4:30–6:30pm
Rimas y Ritmos | Ages 0–5
A music and movement class filled with rhymes, songs, and cultural traditions in Spanish.
Thursday, July 2 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Monday, July 6 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Thursday, July 9 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Friday, July 10 – 12:30–1:00pm
Monday, July 13 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Thursday, July 16 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Friday, July 17 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Monday, July 20 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Thursday, July 23 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Friday, July 24 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Monday, July 27 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Thursday, July 30 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Friday, July 31 – 11:30am–12:00pm
Rising Readers Book Club | Ages 8–10
Build confidence and reading skills by reading aloud and talking about books together.
Thursday, July 30 – 3:30pm
Sign, Say & Play | Ages 0–3
Learn everyday signs that promote speech through playful interaction.
Monday, July 6 – 10:00–10:45am ("Mealtime")
Wednesday, July 8 – 1:00–1:45pm
Thursday, July 9 – 1:00–1:45pm
Monday, July 13 – 10:00–10:45am ("Bedtime")
Wednesday, July 15 – 1:00–1:45pm
Thursday, July 16 – 1:00–1:45pm
Monday, July 20 – 10:00–10:45am ("Bathtime")
Wednesday, July 22 – 1:00–1:45pm
Thursday, July 23 – 1:00–1:45pm
Monday, July 27 – 10:00–10:45am ("Getting Dressed")
Wednesday, July 29 – 1:00–1:45pm
Thursday, July 30 – 1:00–1:45pm
Snack Scouts | Ages 10–12
Explore exotic international snacks & treats from around the world.
Wednesday, July 15 – 3:30–4:15pm
Storytime for Library Littles | Preschoolers Ages 3–5, Tuesdays
Stories and activities that build school readiness.
Tuesday, July 7 – 10:00am
Tuesday, July 14 – 10:00am
Tuesday, July 21 – 10:00am
Tuesday, July 28 – 10:00am
Thor's Reptile Family | All Ages
Live reptile show that is fun, educational, and interactive.
Tuesday, July 21 – 6:00–7:00pm
Twinkle Time | All Ages
Join Twinkle Time for a high-energy bilingual concert filled with music, movement, and messages of kindness and self-confidence.
Tuesday, July 7 – 6:00–7:00pm
Yogapalooza | Ages 4–12
Playful yoga and mindfulness for children.
Wednesday, July 29 – 2:00–2:30pm