Redondo Beach Library announces 2025 summer reading program with new youth services librarian

In the heart of Redondo Beach, the city’s Public Amenities Commission gathered on May 14, 2025, to discuss an exciting initiative that promises to ignite a passion for reading among residents of all ages. The spotlight was on the upcoming 2025 Summer Reading Program, presented by the newly appointed Youth Services Librarian, Lisa Juarez. With a background as a library page and technician, Juarez recently earned her Master of Library Science and is eager to make her mark in her new role.

Juarez outlined the program's goals: to foster a love of reading, encourage regular reading habits, and combat the "summer slide"—the loss of academic skills that can occur during the long break. Last year’s program saw a remarkable turnout of 2,047 participants, and this year, the library aims to build on that success with a vibrant 10-week program running from June 14 to August 23.

The theme, "Level Up at Your Library," will focus on games and puzzles, making reading a fun and engaging experience. The kickoff event on June 14 will transform the main library into a carnival, complete with activities run by enthusiastic teen volunteers and appearances from local community departments, including the police and fire departments.

Juarez detailed the structure of the program, which caters to children, teens, and adults. Children from infancy to fifth grade will track their reading in 20-minute increments, earning prizes and food coupons from local businesses for every five hours read. Teens in grades six through twelve will have their own reading logs and can win prizes for every ten hours read, with rewards ranging from snacks to multicolored pens.

The program also includes special events like story times celebrating diversity, crafts, and even a life-sized board game day. The finale parties, scheduled for August 23, promise to be a highlight, featuring hands-on experiments and interactive storytelling.

While the program is designed to engage avid readers, a commission member raised an important point about reaching at-risk readers who may not typically participate. Juarez acknowledged the challenge and mentioned that while the library does not have formal partnerships with schools, teachers often incentivize reading through classroom parties for students who complete their reading logs.

As the meeting concluded, Juarez expressed gratitude to the Friends of the Library for their support in funding the program, emphasizing the community's role in its success. With the summer reading program just around the corner, Redondo Beach is poised to cultivate a new generation of readers, ensuring that the joy of reading is accessible to all.