Summer Reading Program
Hello Summer!
Gear up for an electrifying Summer Reading Challenge that will ignite your imagination! Join forces with us and Beanstack to delve into the theme, "Read, Renew, Repeat."
Get ready to unearth the marvels of our planet and its delightful creatures while immersing yourself in the thrilling world of books. The reading challenge is fun for all ages, whether you’re a bookworm or just starting your reading journey you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
Let’s make a paw-some impact together!
Be among the first to explore our captivating new Summer series lineup of children’s and family programs. We’re bringing you a whole new world of fun and learning at the Library!
-The Downey City Library
Children’s Summer Reading Magazine
Fresh off the press! Read up on all the upcoming programs and activities, plus learn how sign up for challenges and earn prizes!
Program Schedule
Mondays
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10:30am at Furman Park
Join the Friends of the Downey city Library on an exciting adventure into the world of storytelling, where captivating tales come to life through the magic of reading aloud.
All Ages
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12:30pm in the Children’s Area
Unlock the fun of discovery with new hands-on activities designed to inspire and engage young minds. The Creation Club encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Ages: 8-12
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Mondays, June 17th, 24th, and July 15th at 4:00pm
Hola amigos! Gather your loved ones for a captivating storytelling experience that celebrates the beauty of language and culture. Whether you speak English, Spanish, or both, everyone is welcome to join in the fun!
All Ages
Tuesdays
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11am in the Children’s Section
Lil Explorers is the ultimate opportunity for children to learn vital developmental skills while engaging in social interactions through playful activities. Don't miss out on this enriching opportunity for your child to thrive!
Ages: 0-4
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4pm in the Cormack Room
Young builders will have the opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of LEGO bricks and unleash their inner architects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned builder, it is the perfect place to bring your ideas to life and become a true master builder!
Ages: 8-12
Wednesdays
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10:30am in the Cormack Room
Join us for “family rhythms and let the music move you! A dynamic new program that offers a blend of music, dance and rhythm-based activities that the whole family can enjoy.
All Ages
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11:30am in the Children’s Area
Come along on a journey of creativity and sustainability as we explore ways to protect our planet through hands-on projects! Join us as we inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders through creativity and innovation.
Ages: 5-7
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at 9:00am starting July 17th
Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through sign language. Together learn signs and songs through activities and play, Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.
Ages: 0-3
Thursdays
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12am in the Cormack Room
Get ready to make, create and innovate! Let your imagination run wild and discover new passions along the way. Learn a variety of techniques in the fiber arts, from creating colorful yarn projects to crafting unique fabric art there's something for every young artist to enjoy.
Ages: 8-14
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2pm in the Children’s Area
Family game jamboree, where the fun knows no bounds! Join us for an action-packed event that brings the whole community together for a day of outdoor and indoor interactive fun at the Library.
All Ages
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at 1:00pm starting July 18th
Your little one has a lot to say! Help them learn to communicate through sign language. Together learn signs and songs through activities and play, Caregivers will receive tips about language and cognitive development at each class.
Ages: 0-3
Fridays
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1pm in the Outdoor Patio
Grab your paint brushes, gather your loved ones, and join us for a Summer filled with colorful creations and creative expression at Family art Fridays. Let’s make this Summer a masterpiece!
All Ages
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2pm in the Cormack Room
Every Friday this summer the Library will be screening exciting family-friendly movies that are sure to delight audiences of all ages. From animated classics to heartwarming comedies, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
All Ages
Saturdays
Baby Storytime
Saturdays, 9:00am in the Children’s Area
Join us for a delightful session of storytelling, music, and playful activities that are perfect for babies and toddlers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child, meet other families, and explore all the fantastic Library resources
Ages: 0-2
Special Events
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Monday, June 10th, 4:30pm at the Library
Kick off the summer at the library with an electrifying event that’s fun for the whole family. Experience the thrill of Thor’s live reptile show, where you’ll get up close with captivating creatures and discover incredible facts about them. Get ready for a blast with awesome reptile themed crafts and activities! Dive into bubble fun, transform into your favorite animal with face painting, and enjoy the art of balloon twisting. Stop by the giveaway table to pick up a special treat while supplies last. Make sure to enter the raffle for a chance to win an incredible prize! Our sensational events are made possible thanks to the fantastic support from the Friends of the Downey City Library
All Ages
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Wednesday, June 12th, 4pm in the Cormack Room
Join us at the Downey City Library for a very special visit by children’s book illustrator and author Joe Cepeda! His works include illustrations for books by Gary Soto and Pam Munoz Ryan, as well as his own books I Hop and I Help.
Joe will be giving a talk about his experience being an author and illustrator and also teaching children how to do basic art work.
All Ages
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Tuesday, June 18th, 12pm in the Cormack Room
Summer is here, which means so are mosquitos! Join Ms. Lily and Ms. Diana from the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District to learn more about these itchy pests; get a closer look, learn how their biology works and how to protect yourself and prevent their spread. Participants will be given an activity worksheet and a giveaway item.
Registration Required
Ages: 8-14
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Monday, June 17th, 5:30pm, in the Cormack Room
It’s back! The Downey City Library invites you to join the Downey Chess Club to learn how to play chess. In addition to being a fun game, chess teaches students to become leaders by improving concentration, good sportsmanship, critical & abstract thinking, problem solving, planning, and analysis. Master strategic thinking through the Martial Arts of the Mind!
Registration Required
Ages: 4-12
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Monday, June 24th, 5:30pm in the Cormack Room
Build a LEGO and watch your creation move! Jose Jimenez (Director of Downey Chess Club) will help students learn building & coding along with the fundamentals of STEM education and 21st century skills needed to become the digital future leaders of tomorrow. This program is also a great way to help elementary students prepare for middle school and high school VEX robotics building & coding program (students will learn Scratch & Python).
Registration Required
For Grade Levels: 4th-6th (for the 24-25 school year)
How to Beanstack
Join this year’s reading challenge with Beanstack!
To create a Beanstack account, click the sign up button below. Families may be linked together through parent/guardian information.
Participants are grouped:
0-4 yrs
5-8 yrs
9-12 yrs
Locate and join the “Read, Renew, Repeat: Reading for a greener world” challenge. Challenges are based on participants age: Receiving the series of badges are based on amount of books for ages 0-8 years, and time read for ages 9-12 years.
Complete a book, log it online with the title and author’s first & last name. Earn a badge for the challenge on Beanstack and a fun prize at the Library. Visit the Library to retrieve your prize with verification on Beanstack or with a physical reading log. Prizes available while supplies last.
Check out some of these useful tutorial videos if you need help creating and using your Beanstack account:
Beanstack Rewards
Did you earn a badge for reading books on Beanstack? Bring online confirmation or your completed reading log, to be verified by a staff member at the library. You will receive a fun prize while supplies last!
Series of Prizes for Each Age Group:
Ages 0-4 years old: Read 25 books, or 35 books, or 45 books
Ages 5-8 years old: Read 45 books, or 55 books, or 65 books
Ages 9-12 years old: Read for 55 hours, or 65 hours, or 75 hours.
Books read can be picture books, board books, beginning reader books, read along books, non-fiction or chapter books
Participants may earn a maximum of THREE prizes upon completion of the summer reading challenge. Participant and parent/guardian must be present at the library in order to receive a prize. Participant information will be verified and recorded by a library staff member. The last day to complete the reading challenge and receive a prize is Wednesday, July 31st.
Questions?
Have any questions about Summer Reading Programs? Having difficulty signing up for Beanstack? We’re here to help! Fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. You can also call the library at (562) 904-7360.