The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is keeping the summer vibes breezy and bibliophilic with its slate of activities for its "Summer with SAPL" series. Beginning with a bang, the Central Library is hosting a kickoff event on June 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where attendees can play scavenger hunter, win prizes, and say hello to SAPL’s mascot, Smarty. Moreover, the first 250 guests to swoop down will snag a free paleta. As reported by the City of San Antonio, the event also boasts Al’s Funhouse Bubble Party for the young ones, with the added perk of free parking with validation at the Central Library Garage.
But the kickoff is just a prelude. Children up to 12 years old are invited to stop by any SAPL location to pick up a free book to dive into summer reading, while supply lasts. An intriguing feature of this year's program is the weekly reveal of a new Paleta character, complete with their own backstory and reading list. Patrons, old and young alike, can start to cleverly collect bookmarks for each charmer from June 1 through July 22. Family reading goals are also on the library’s radar; patrons can pin their ambitions on the Paleta Goal Cards and watch their reading pile up on community displays.
The programming for kids and families is described by the City of San Anotonio as being chock-full of magicians, crafts, music, animal encounters, science, art, nature, history, and bubbles. Details about these and more are neatly packaged in printed program guides available at any SAPL location, as well as in the online summer guide on the SAPL website.
Teens are welcome to grab teen-led activities ranging from music to art to video gaming, and a special designed t-shirt by teen artist Claire Meissler beginning June 1 at any SAPL location, with daily free activities planned at the Teen Library at Central and virtually via the @210teenlibrary Discord server. Volunteer opportunities are also in play to help teens lead and assist in exciting library activities.
For adults, the library is handing out free screen-printed totes in a medley of summery hues to the firstcomers, encouraging grown-ups to get in on the informative and entertaining programming throughout the summer. There’s even a 2024 Online Scavenger Hunt to bring out the child in everyone who participates. Swing by the SAPL website for more deets on this and all things adult fun under the Summer with the SAPL umbrella.
