St. Pete is a city of readers. Our beautiful literary city has a wonderful library system, and it’s working hard to make sure all kids have access to great books all summer long. The free educational summer programming will be offered May 27 through July 30 with a focus on community-building and things that bring people together.

The nine-week offering encourages readers of all ages to keep reading and learning over the summer while school is out. This year’s theme, All Together Now, celebrates community. Summer programming will kick off at the James Weldon Johnson Community Library where participants can pick up a Summer Programming Guide and take-home activities. Participants can also download the Summer Programming Guide at splibraries.org.

St Pete Libraries kick off summer reading this May

Summer Reading Kickoff Event
Saturday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Weldon Johnson Community Library
1059 18th Ave. S

The Summer Programming Guides for youth include information on free programming, take-home crafts, reading challenges and prizes, curated book bundles and more. Additionally, youth readers can participate in Reading with the Rays to receive two tickets to a Tampa Bay Rays game and other prizes.

The Summer Programming Guide for adults includes information on lectures, discussions and more for adult readers to promote lifelong learning.

Providing free meals to kids in the Sunshine City

The City of St. Petersburg, in partnership with Summer BreakSpot, provides free meals to children 18 years and younger at several locations throughout St. Pete during summer break. The James Weldon Johnson Community Library and the South Community Library are participating locations and free meals will be available on weekdays starting May 31 through August 5 from 12pm-1pm.

More locations can be found online at stpeteparksrec.org/summerfood.

More information about the St. Petersburg Library System’s summer programming can be found at splibraries.org.

• Childs Park Library, 691 43rd St. South
• James Weldon Johnson Community Library, 1059 18th Ave. South
• Mirror Lake Community Library, 280 5th St. North
• North Community Library, 861 70th Ave. North
• South Community Library, 2300 Roy Hanna Dr S
• West Community Library, 6700 8th Ave. North

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