Ventura County Library Invites Families to Plant a Seed This Summer: Free Reading Program Kicks Off June 1 at All Branch Locations

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Ventura County Library is excited to announce the launch of its Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading Program, beginning June 1, 2026. Open to children, teens, and adults, the program offers free activities, prizes, and events throughout the summer to nurture a lifelong love of reading. All children 18 and under who register for the program will be eligible to receive a free book.

To help families make the most of the season, VCL has launched an online Summer Fun hub at Library.VenturaCounty.gov/summer, featuring registration and the full schedule of events.

“We’ve planned a wonderful program for the whole family — one that makes the library a great place to read, learn, and discover,” said Molly Krill, Youth Services Manager. “Our libraries are committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for every family in Ventura County.”

What’s New This Summer

This year, VCL is introducing a brand-new Game Board — an online, points-based activity tracker through the ReadSquared platform that encourages participants to attend library events, visit local museums and parks, and give back to their communities. Kids earn points for each activity they complete and can redeem them for items in the Summer Reading Prize Store, which will also be online beginning July 6. Participants can also visit their local branch if they need a paper copy of the game board.

Special Events at Every Branch

Special events will be held at each of our 12 branch locations throughout the summer, including a Family Game Day celebration series featuring the Gamez on Wheelz game truck and Kona Ice. All events are free and open to the public.

Lunch at the Library

VCL is proud to welcome back the Lunch at the Library program this summer, offering free lunches and fun activities for youth ages 18 and younger at four branch locations. Lunch will be served Monday through Thursday beginning June 15 at Oak View Library and beginning July 6 at three additional branches. The program runs through July 30 at all locations:

Oak View Library | June 15 – July 30 | Monday – Thursday, noon – 1 p.m.

555 Mahoney Ave., Oak View, CA 93022

Albert H. Soliz Library | July 6 – July 30 | Monday – Thursday, noon – 1 p.m.

2820 Jourdan Street, Oxnard, CA 93036

Avenue Library | July 6 – July 30 | Monday – Thursday, noon – 1 p.m.

606 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, CA 93001

Ray D. Prueter Library | July 6 – July 30 | Monday – Thursday, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

1510 Park Ave., Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Why Summer Reading Matters

There’s meaningful research behind the fun. Studies show that reading over the summer helps prevent learning loss, and that students who read recreationally consistently outperform those who don’t. “Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests,” said Krill. “That’s exactly what the library makes possible.”

How to Register

Registration is open now. Visit library.venturacounty.gov/summer to sign up and explore the full schedule of summer events, or contact Molly Krill at molly.krill@venturacounty.gov with any questions.

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