Summer is the perfect time to enjoy new books at home or on vacation, and the Santa Clarita Public Library wants to help readers of all ages ‘dig in’ to reading this season as part of the 2013 “Reading is so Delicious” summer reading program.  Participation in the summer reading program is free, with online registration beginning Monday, June 10, at SCVSummerReading.com, and continuing through July 27.

The “Reading is So Delicious” program, sponsored in part by the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library, encourages residents to explore food through books.  Participants set their reading goal for the summer, log books read, and are eligible for prizes all summer long.  An exciting assortment of age-appropriate, food-themed programming is available at the Canyon Country, Valencia and Old Town Newhall Library branches for readers of all ages, from cooking classes, craft projects, movie screenings and storytelling sessions to magicians, jugglers and group discussions.

“Food and books inspire creativity and bring people together, so this summer’s reading program theme is a perfect pairing,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.  “I hope residents of all ages will join us at their local library branch to enjoy this summer’s exciting programming.”

Children’s summer reading programming includes magic shows, presentations by the Wildlife Company, storytelling, chef presentations, and movie screenings, including: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Ratatouille.

Programming for young adults includes a Bento Box basics class, cupcake decorating, mocha and book discussion at Barnes and Noble, and more.

Adult programming includes opportunities to meet and discuss books with other readers, learn sushi making skills and presentations on healthy food.  Programming schedules for all age groups are available at SCVSummerReading.com.

This year’s summer reading participants will have a chance to vote for ducks, llamas and water buffalos as part of Heifer International’s “Reed to Feed” program.  The Santa Clarita Library will be sending donated funds, which are received by individuals and businesses, to the organization in proportions representing the most popular vote-getters.  The 2012 “Read to Feed” program was a huge success, raising more than $3,000 for the sustainable agricultural organization to purchase goats, chicks and bees for people in need around the world.

As the summer reading program comes to an end, participants of all ages are invited to celebrate the finale at the F.E.A.S.T (Families/Friends Eating and Storytelling) Festival at Newhall Park on Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The event includes food, performances, and activities designed to bring friends and family together through storytelling.

The 2013 Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library, as well as Barnes and Noble, Beyond the Fringe, Burpee, COC PAC Center, Egg Plantation, Golden Spoon, Jersey Mike’s, HQ Carousels, In N Out Burger, J. Serraino, Mountasia, Nails on Wheels, Outwest, Railroad Café, Remember When, Sam’s Flaming Grill, Sharkey’s, Sephora, Total Woman and Z Pizza.

For more information on the Summer Reading Program or to register, visit SCVSummerReading.com.