South Pasadena Public Library Announces 2026 Summer Reading Program
Published on May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Colby, Public Affairs Manager
Phone: (626) 403-7215
Email: jcolby@southpasadenaca.gov
Subject: South Pasadena Public Library Announces 2026 Summer Reading Program
South Pasadena, Calif. – The South Pasadena Public Library’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) will take place June 6 through July 18, 2026. Children, teens, and adults are encouraged to sign up in person at the Library to read books and earn prizes, including an opportunity to draw tickets for a free Kindle.
The 2026 Summer Reading Program will begin with a Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 6, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Oxley Street side of Library Park. The event will feature Kona Ice, face painting, balloon animals, a nail polish station, SRP registration, and more!
As part of the Summer Reading Program, the South Pasadena Public Library’s popular Wonderful Wednesday series returns on June 10 and will feature a variety of visiting entertainers. The Library also offers book clubs, storytimes, and more. For a complete list of library programs, visit our website at http://www.southpasadenaca.gov/library.
Wonderful Wednesday Schedule
Captain Tall Tale: Standing at 8’3”, Captain Tall Tale will mesmerize you with dance, music, and circus tricks! Wednesday, June 10 • 6:00 p.m. • Oxley Street side of Library Park.
Ranger Jack’s Music and Puppet Show: Join Ranger Jack and his hilarious animal puppets for a fun and interactive musical performance! Wednesday, June 17 • 6:00 p.m. • Oxley Street side of Library Park.
Wild Wonders: Get up close with wild animals in this one-of-a-kind educational experience! Scientists will introduce a variety of animals while sharing fun facts, discoveries, and insights about the natural world. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Wednesday, June 24 • 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. • Library Community Room. For the safety and comfort of the animals, wristbands are required for both showings of Wild Wonders. A maximum of four (4) wristbands per household can be picked up at the Library starting at 10 a.m. on the date of the event.
The Billy Bonkers Magic Show: Enjoy a wildly entertaining show packed with jaw-dropping magic and nonstop laughter! Wednesday, July 1 • 6:00 p.m. • Oxley Street side of Library Park.
POWERHOUSE!!! Percussive Dance: This fun and engaging performance combines tap, clogging, Irish step, and stomp into an electrifying dance experience. Wednesday, July 8 • 6:00 p.m. • El Centro Street side of Library Park.
Jungle Drum Circles with Chazz Ross: Travel through Chazz’s musical safari with his African djembe drums! Wednesday, July 15 • 6:00 p.m. • Oxley Street side of Library Park.
Summer reading is not just fun, it is important. Research shows that students who read at least 20 minutes daily have a clear literacy advantage over children and teens that read less or don’t read at all. The Summer Reading Program stops the summer learning slide and strengthens literacy skills for children and teens.
The South Pasadena Public Library is located at 1100 Oxley Street in South Pasadena. Visit the Library website at www.southpasadenaca.gov/library for information about services and programs. The Library is open Monday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Upon request made no later than four (4) business days before the event, the City will provide a reasonable accommodation for a qualified person with a disability to have equal access to the event. Please call (626) 403-7431 or fill out the City’s request form available at www.southpasadenaca.gov/ADA and email the form to Human Resources at HR@southpasadenaca.gov.
About the City of South Pasadena
The City of South Pasadena is a charming community, situated only six miles from downtown Los Angeles. Called the City of Trees, the area is known for its stunning homes, unique small businesses, and top-quality schools. South Pasadena’s diverse population of about 25,000 occupies a mere 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. This small-town atmosphere makes South Pasadena one of California's most desirable locations.
For more information about the City of South Pasadena, visit www.southpasadenaca.gov. Follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news: YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram at @southpasadenaca.
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