
Thank you so much to Glendale Library, Arts and Culture Trust for supporting Summer Reading! To learn more about the Trust, please visit GLACT.org
READING CHALLENGE
This Summer, we invite you to level up by reading or doing active learning activities every day! Use the reading challenge game board below to get started! All ages can participate in the challenge!
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READ
Read a book, comic, or graphic novel
Listen to an audiobook
Read a book out loud
Listen to someone read a book to you Read a folktale to your child Look at a wordless picture book and talk about the story Read a poem
Read a banned book and journal about the experience
Check out a book about a place you would like to visit
Revisit a book you never finished
Check out a book outside of your comfort zone
Host or attend a book club using a Glendale Book Group Kit. Find out more on Book Clubs & Kits
Check out something from the Library that is not a book. Find out more on Nature Literacy To-Go & Memory Lab. Read a book from our library booklists:
Be the Change Booklists - https://glac.bibliocommons.com/lists/show/2037165709
Teen Booklists - https://glac.bibliocommons.com/lists/show/2225471449
Children’s Booklists - https://glac.bibliocommons.com/lists/show/2142396909
AT THE LIBRARY
Attend a GLAC program – check out all our programs here (widget/link to event calendar)
Use a digital resource, like LinkedIn Learning or CloudLibrary.
Visit an art exhibit at Brand, ReflectSpace or the Adams Square Gas Station
Go to a storytime at any Glendale Library Create something in the MakerSpace Record something in our Sound Space
Use Mango Languages to learn how to say “hello” in a new language
Acquire a new skill using an eLearning resource.
Attend a Virtual Author Talk. Find out more on Virtual Talks.
Attend an Art Talk at Brand Library.
CREATE
Draw or color a picture.
Make a recipe from a cookbook
Write a book review
Draw a character from your favorite book. Build a model vehicle using recyclable items. Create a piece of art using only things you can find in nature. Create a piece of music Write a story Choreograph a dance
Design a bookmark based on your favorite story
BEING MINDFUL
Practice deep breathing by blowing bubbles and smelling flowers.
List all the things you are grateful for. Come back to it any time you need encouragement.
Listen to relaxing music and take slow, deep breaths.
Listen to an audiobook on Hoopla about wellness or self-help.
Attend a Wellness Wednesday virtual event
PLAY OUTDOORS
Take a walk
Have a picnic at a Summer Music Concert at Brand Library
Check out a Parks Pass or Hiking Backpack from the Library
Look for animals outside and talk about what they’re doing
Go birdwatching
Check out a travel guide
Go outside and sketch or write about the nature around you.
Explore the night sky with a telescope you’ve checked out from the Library.
Listen to an audiobook in the park or at a beach.
GAMES & PLAYING
Play a game – board, role playing, card, any!
Build a puzzle
Play a sport
Learn a new joke — or make one up. Teens, play a video game in the Teen Space
CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
Ask a grown-up to tell you about a memory from their childhood.
Learn a new word and use it in conversation.
Write down a word that accurately describes you.
Attend a clothing swap put on by the Office of Sustainability
Check out a program with Parks and Recreation
Take a dip in one of the City’s Outdoor pools or splash pads
Visit the Bookmobile at a stop in the neighborhood
Learn a fun fact from the nonfiction section and share it with a friend.
RECEIVE A PRIZE JUST FOR REGISTERING!
Celebrate Summer Reading and support your local library this summer!
Get ready for a season of stories, connection, and community pride! When you sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at any of our eight branch locations, you’ll receive a FREE custom tote bag designed by local artist Asher Bingham.
We’re thrilled to feature our branches, Bookmobile, and Beyond the Box public art utility boxes. on this beautifully illustrated tote. It’s more than just a bag—it’s a tribute to the people and places that make our foothill communities special.
Asher Bingham, a Los Angeles-based graphite and charcoal portrait artist, touched hearts after the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires by offering free, hand-drawn portraits of lost homes to affected families. Her compassion and talent moved our community and now, her artwork is helping us celebrate its resilience and spirit.
Sign up today, pick up your tote, and join us in honoring our libraries, neighborhoods, and shared stories. Supplies are limited—don’t wait!
Navigate to: Reading Challenge | Children’s Programs | Teen Programs | Virtual Author Talks | One Book, One Glendale
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Don’t miss these great summer events for children and families!
Zany Zoe Magic Show
Thursday, June 5, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Grandview Library
Enjoy a high energy magic show with effects for all ages. Be amazed and laugh at this fun and funny show. Ages 5 – 12 years.
Music Animated: Rhythms of the World
Saturday, June 7, 2025 • 10:30 AM
Brand Library
Dave Winstone will be playing and introducing instruments such as the guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, recorder, harmonica, and digeridoo. All ages.
The Beatbuds
Thursday, June 12, 2025 • 11:00 AM
Pacific Park Library
Saturday, August 16, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Bookmobile at Maple Park
Rock out with the Beatbuds as they play children's music with a contemporary sound that the whole family can enjoy! All ages.
SRC Balloon Animal Giveaway!
Monday, June 16 - Wednesday, June 18, 2025 • 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Montrose Library
Have you signed up for the Library's Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack yet? All registered children can visit Montrose Library and receive a free, celebratory balloon animal! All ages.
Cello with Chelsea: Music and Movement
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 • 5:00 PM
Casa Verdugo Library
Move to the rhythm at this interactive performance of classical music with cellist Chelsea Wong. Ages 4 – 12 years.
Draw Along with Kyle Teirnan
Thursday, June 26, 2025 • 5:00 PM
Library Connection
Learn how to draw with Kyle Tiernan! You'll get to create three drawings in this interactive, draw-along show! Ages 5 - 12 years.
Musical Barnyard Extravaganza
Saturday, June 28, 2025 • 2:00 PM
Chevy Chase Library
Enjoy a fun and educational musical show about animals followed by the chance to meet and greet a duck, chicken, bunny, guinea pig, and a tortoise. All Ages.
Fun, Games, & Magic with John Abrams
Monday, June 30, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
It’s a magic show with a game show twist! Get ready for fun, astonishment, and a ton of audience participation. Ages 4 – 12 years.
Music for Early Learners: Rhythm Around the World
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 • 11:00 AM
Library Connection
Move and groove along as guitarist, singer, and drummer Iwalani shares music that highlights multiculturalism and connection. Iwalani brings the joy of music, movement, and culture with an engaging program designed for young children and families! Ages Birth - 7 Years.
Traveling Jamboree presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Saturday, July 19, 2025 • 11:00 AM
Central Library
A musical jamboree is headed your way! This is a marionette musical medley unlike any other. From skating bears to dancing cacti, these sparkling puppets are sure to bring joy to your day! All ages.
The Three Little Pigs presented by Noteworthy Puppets
Monday, July 21, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
The timeless lesson that hard work and dedication pay off comes to life with handmade puppets and original songs. Ages 3 years and up.
The Wacko Show
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • 6:00 PM
Pacific Park Library
Have fun with sidesplitting comedy and amazing magic from The Wacko Show. Ages 5 –12 years.
Bubblemania
Saturday, July 26, 2025 • 2:00 PM
Chevy Chase Library
Learn about the science and fun behind all types of bubbles from a trained Bubblologist. All Ages.
The Dinosaur Who Cried, “Asteriod!” Puppet Show
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • 5:30 PM
Casa Verdugo Library
Rory the Dinosaur races to save his friends from the mysterious object falling out of the sky in this dino-filled puppet show. Presented by Hey Hey Entertainment. For ages 3 – 10 years.
Story Circle with Mobility Service Dogs
Thursday, July 31, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Central Library
Join a Service Dog Team for a story presentation focused on the importance of equality for all. The story will be followed by an art activity. For ages 7 – 12 years.
Storybook Science with STEAM Superheroes
Catapults • Saturday, August 9, 2025 • 3:00 PM
Montrose Library
Towers • Saturday, August 16, 2025 • 3:00 PM
Chevy Chase Library
Join volunteers from STEAM Superheroes for this fun hands-on activity program. Ages 5 – 12 years.
Shawn McMaster
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 • 2:00 PM
Central Library
Join us for a fun and funny good time as magician Shawn McMaster performs spellbinding tricks and talks about the importance of reading. He will even teach you some simple magic tricks that you can perform for your friends! Ages 6 years and up.
Navigate to: Reading Challenge | Children’s Programs | Teen Programs | Virtual Author Talks | One Book, One Glendale
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teens! Join us in the Teen Space at Central Library and take part in our programs!
Mobile Game Truck - One Book, One Glendale: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • 2:30 PM
Pacific Park Library
Thursday, June 5, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • 3:00 PM
Grandview Library
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • 3:30 PM
Central Library
Join volunteers from STEAM Join us for a video game party celebrating One Book, One Glendale. The video game party will take place inside of a state of the art mobile video game theater with modern and retro games. All ages.

Make Your Own Candles with Kat Matutina
Saturday, June 21, 2025 • 3:30 PM
Central Library • Teen Space
Learn how to make your own candles with Kat Matutina Fox of Mayumi Goods! In this 2 hour class you will get first-hand access to clean, non-toxic, phthalate-free candle making materials including Kat's plant-based wax recipe that's made with virgin coconut + soy wax. Registration Required, Click on image to register. Teens.
Montrose Teens In Action
Pixel to Palette: Mario Party • Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
Stuffed with Character : Kirby • Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
Level Up Your Craft: Video Game Character Puzzle • Wednesday, June 18, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
Pixel to Palette: Pacman • Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
Pixel to Palette: Dandy’s World • Wednesday, August 6, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Montrose Library
Bring video game characters to a canvas in these fun painting afternoons. Earn community service hours while creating art pieces to decorate the library. Teens.
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS
Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 • 1:00 PM
Online talk, click on image to register
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. 3rd - 6th Grade.
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • 1:00 PM
Online talk, click on image to register
Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! From cookbook demonstrations and comics workshops to mask making and language classes, this library has something for everyone and Little Lobo can’t wait to show you. Pre K - 2nd Grade
Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship with Rex Ogle
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • 1:00 PM
Online talk, click on image to register
You’re invited to join us online with award-winning author Rex Ogle as he talks to viewers about his struggles to navigate sixth grade as written about in his book Free Lunch. 5th-8th Grade
Navigate to: Reading Challenge | Children’s Programs | Teen Programs | Virtual Author Talks | One Book, One Glendale
ONE BOOK, ONE GLENDALE
Navigate to: Reading Challenge | Children’s Programs | Teen Programs | Virtual Author Talks | One Book, One Glendale