Friends of Montclair Library

The OPL’s summer reading program launched last Saturday 6/12, encouraging readers of all ages to “Make a Splash!”

Kids ages 13 and under can drop by any branch library or the Main Library’s Children’s Room to sign up. Read 8 hours during the summer and be eligible to win a free book and other prizes. (I’m not sure what’s planned for this year, but last year’s prizes were great – discounts and free admissions at places like Chabot Space & Science Center, MOCHA and more.) Parents and older children may read to children who aren’t reading yet. The program runs through August 14.

Adults can get in on the fun this summer, too. Adult patrons can fill out a raffle ticket at Montclair and other participating branches each time they read a book and become eligible to win prizes at monthly drawings held at each participating library location. Patrons who wish to do so may also write brief reviews of the books they have read to share with others. Participants will be free to read any books and types of material of their choice.

Teens ages 12-18 get their own special Teen Summer Passport program. Pick up a passport at any branch of the Oakland Public Library and you’ll receive a list of recommended Bay Area Hot Spots to explore, including museums, farmers’ markets, skate parks and cemeteries. Each time a teen visits one of these cultural sites, they can get their passport stamped. In addition to visiting local attractions, teens can also collect passport stamps by reading and writing short reviews; attending library programs; producing a self-portrait for their passport (digital, photo, or drawing); or volunteering for worthy causes. Three passport stamps will earn a raffle ticket (up to a maximum of 8 raffle tickets) for a drawing for prizes like a computer and an iPod Shuffle.