June 17, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

More Than 4000 Children Participate In Santa Monica Library Reading Program:

Santa Monica Public Library reports the library’s 2013 summer reading program for babies through teenagers saw an amazing increase of 20 percent, with more than 4,000 children and teens participating.

The Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library sponsored printed materials, programs, and prizes for the 10-week program, which is designed to help children and teens increase literacy skills during the summer months while on their school break.

fact, compared to 10 summers ago, we have almost tripled participation in our summer reading program. As a result of this fun and positive reading promotion, children and teens read over 1.9 million minutes during the summer months.

The library offered 320 story times and reading-related programs during the summer (that’s 32 programs per week), with 14,707 in attendance.

Kids and teens also wrote 570 book reviews as a result of the program, which were posted for other students to read and get recommendations on what to read next.

This summer’s reading program once again included the library’s “Baby & Me” club, which engages parents and their babies by providing them with a free board book to add to their baby’s library, as well as printed materials to help their babies get a head start on literacy.

Teen participation was stronger than ever, reaching some milestones as well. For the first time, more than 800 teens participated, a 30 percent increase over last summer’s participation. Teens also wrote 221 book reviews.

Those who completed the program (reading 30 hours or more) attended an end-of-the-summer pizza party to celebrate their achievements.

Other teen programs included a Teen Writers’ Day with local award-winning authors.

In addition, 260 free hardcover copies of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, the Samohi summer reading book selection, were given out to Samohi students. This book giveaway was sponsored by the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club.

For more information about free library programs, visit smpl.org or call the Youth Services Department at 310.458.8621.

in News
<>Related Posts

Multiple Injuries Reported in Windward Ave Collision: REPORT

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Emergency crews closed the affected intersection to secure the area and began cleanup efforts A vehicle collision involving at least...

Florida Congressman to Visit American Legion Palisades for Relief Fundraiser

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The event aims to support the post’s relief efforts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the cause Congressman Brian Mast, a...

Malibu to Host Dual Webinars June 17 on Fire Recovery and Wildfire Safety

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Sessions to Inform and Support Residents Facing Fire-Related Challenges Homeowners recovering from the Palisades Fire and residents seeking to prepare...

City of Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for City Boards and Commissions

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Deadline is June 17 for Open Civic Roles on Key City Advisory Boards The deadline is approaching for residents interested...

Second Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case, Faces Up to 40 Years

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Doctor Admits to Illegally Supplying Ketamine to the Actor and His Assistant One of the physicians charged in connection with...

Santa Monica Releases 2024 Crime Stats, Highlights Safety Advances in New Report

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

The city claims the department launched a 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on innovative policing and staff wellness The City of...

Army Corps Reaches Milestone in Completing in Palisades Debris Removal

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

As of June 15, the effort has cleared debris from an estimated 13,579 eligible parcels The U.S. Army Corps of...

Renovated Riviera Estate Hits Market for $25M

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light, with nearly every room opening to a private deck or patio...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/Ssb4O7uZdu pic.twitter.com/XspARQcKcb — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) June 16,...

(Video Recap) “No Kings” Protest Comes to Downtown Santa Monica

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Palisades Park was one of a dozen LA locations where protestors took to the streets on Saturday to challenge ICE...

California Offers Mortgage Relief to Homeowners Displaced by Wildfires, Floods

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

CalAssist Mortgage Fund Provides up to $20,000 in Grants for Mortgage Payments California has opened applications for the CalAssist Mortgage...

Water and Sewer Rate Hikes Coming to Santa Monica for Infrastructure Upgrades

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

The rate adjustments will support routine Capital Improvement Projects, address inflation, and enhance water resiliency The Santa Monica City Council...

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

Film Review: Ballerina

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

FILM REVIEWBALLERIINARated R125 MinutesReleased June 6th I’m happy to see the contrast in the style of movies playing this summer....

(Video) Senator Alex Padilla Being Forcibly Removed at Secretary Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference for Attempting to Ask Questions

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

In a disturbing and unprecedented move, FBI agents grabbed the sitting California Senator, dragged him out of the room, and...