This year, the Contra Costa County Library system’s Summer Reading program is celebrating all things nature with its theme “Read, Renew, Repeat.” The summer literacy program will focus on conservation, animals and getting invested in protecting the ecosystems we cherish.
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Summer Reading will run from June 1 to Aug. 3 and include a diverse and exciting mix of activities and events. Readers of all ages can visit ccclib.org/summer for fun projects and challenges to help keep our planet thriving. Everyone who completes an entry is eligible for a free book and a chance to win prizes.
As part of the program, the library system is hosting four “Exploration Stations” for youth to look, touch and explore to learn about our natural world and communities. Guests will include the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, the East Bay Regional Park District, the Mount Diablo and East Bay astronomical societies and 511 Contra Costa. Events will happen in June at the Oakley, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill and El Sobrante libraries. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/cccl-exploration online.
Pride month: The county’s libraries are honoring the diversity, resilience and history of the LGBTQ+ community this June. Visit your local branches, browse curated booklists and explore the website for ways to reflect on the richness of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Check out the library system’s rainbow of offerings from books and magazines to streaming movies and digital resources. Special events include take-and-make craft bags, dance performances, open mic poetry, paint night and more. Visit ccclib.org to find more information on community parties and parades and how you can share your pride.
Lunch at the Library: Students 18 or younger can get free lunch or afterschool meals at eight libraries across the county this summer. Lunch at the Library is a program aimed at preventing a summertime nutrition gap.
Many low-income children face nutrient deficiencies when school closes for the summer break. Lunches are available at the Antioch, Concord, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Pinole, Rodeo and San Pablo libraries.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa County library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via online chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-290-7627.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
Trails and Tales: 10 a.m. June 11 at the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. Enjoy a nature walk with a Naturalist followed by storytime with a librarian. Part of a special partnership between the county library system and the East Bay Regional Park District, this event will be at the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline in Richmond, across from the Golden State Model Railroad Museum.
BikeMobile Bike Repair Clinic: 3 p.m. June 13 at the Pinole Library. The Bay Area BikeMobile can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears and replace broken or worn-out parts like chains, seats and tires. They cannot replace missing wheels or gears. This is a first-come-first-served event. All repairs and maintenance will be free.
Integrated Wellness Drumming with RhythmALLogy: 11 a.m. June 15 at the Clayton Library. This integrated wellness program is designed to promote emotional and physical well-being. Drumming has been found to boost the immune system, reduce stress and improve mood. Aaron Kierbel is a professional drummer, educator and the founder of RhythmALLogy.
Pride Open Mic Poetry Lounge: 4 p.m. June 18 at the Concord Library. Join us for an afternoon of poetry reading with an open mic. This is your opportunity to share your poetic creations. Special guest Rayshell Clapper will join us for this event. It’s time to bring your poems to life in a safe and nurturing environment.
Cascada de Flores — Adventures of Aquiles: 1 p.m. June 22 at the Pittsburg Library. Sing, dance and enjoy bilingual storytelling with Cascada de Flores. This activity is celebrating the StoryWalk at Small World Park featuring Paletero Man and is fun for all ages.