Santa Monica Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is designed to combat the “summer slide,” helping youth maintain and build their reading and learning skills during the school break. Open to kids, teens, and adults, the program offers something for everyone, from engaging reading challenges to exciting events throughout the summer. Participants can track their reading minutes and activities, with opportunities to earn fun prizes at the halfway point and upon completing their challenge. This program not only encourages a lifelong love of reading but also fosters learning and creativity for the whole community.

First launched in 2002 Santa Monica Reads is a community reading program that provides an opportunity for people to engage, read and discuss the same book through guided conversation in discussion groups and special programs held throughout the city. 

Mentoring the next generation of Library supporters, the Friends fund Teen Advisory Councils at numerous branches.  The Councils promote library use and community involvement by teens.  Participants serve as the voice of teens, plan, publicize, and sponsor programs in the library of interest to teens.