Summer at San Mateo County Libraries

Your FREE Summer Learning Challenge books are now available to pick up at your library! Visit the library during curbside hours to receive your free bag of books to share with your family – no appointment necessary. Happy Reading!

Summer Learning Challenge

Summer plans and activities may look different this year, but our annual Summer Learning Challenge continues! We know you’ve been reading all year and this summer is about celebrating you.

Want to track your progress for the Summer Learning Challenge? Download a log!

Your Library Card is the Key

All youth with SMCL library cards will automatically be included in our Summer Learning Challenge celebrations and will have a chance to win one of 12 $1,000 college scholarships! If you don’t already have your very own SMCL library card, you will want one! Get one now!

Free Books

The Summer Learning Challenge also means we will be giving you free books that will be yours to keep and read and re-read over the summer. Your FREE Summer Learning Challenge books are now available to pick up at your library! Visit the library during curbside hours to receive your free bag of books to share with your family – no appointment necessary. Happy Reading!

Additional Ways to Participate

Want to increase your chances of winning the $1,000 scholarship? Find out how!

The Summer Learning Challenge is coordinated by the Peninsula Library System and offered in partnership with Burlingame Library, opens a new window, Daly City Library, opens a new window, Redwood City Library, opens a new window, San Bruno Library, opens a new window, San Mateo County Libraries, San Mateo Public Library, opens a new window, and South San Francisco Library, opens a new window. Recognizing the importance of early learning, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, opens a new window provides funding for the Summer Learning Challenge from Measure K, opens a new window, a half-cent, voter-approved sales tax extension for local needs.

Virtual STEAM Camp

This summer we are bringing our virtual STEAM camp to you! We have designed a fun and educational line-up of activities tailored for kindergarten through elementary-aged youth. Tune in all summer to discover this new and exciting world of STEAM and show us what you have created by posting on social media with #SMCLcreates. New content will air five days a week: Monday-Thursday and Saturdays at 11:00 AM for Early Learners and 1:00 PM for Elementary ages.

Why STEAM? STEM + Art = STEAM

The movement for STEAM education started at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). By adding art and design into STEM education, it encourages the students’ critical thinking skills and helps them see the intersection of art, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (All Education Schools) STEAM also “fosters innovation, develops twenty-first-century skills, and teaches young people to think both logically and creatively.” (California State PTA). We highly encourage all family members to explore, play, and learn with our library STEAM Camp!

Summer Learning Showcase Fridays!

On Fridays, join us in our Summer Learning Showcase as we host special performances from our favorite providers! We’ll feature music, magic, movement, and more, every Friday this summer at 4:00 pm. Check our events listing to see what we have planned.

Connect With Us

We have so many ways for you to connect with us!
• Text us at (650) 851-0147
• Call us at 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625)
• Email us from our Get in Touch form.