Summer Reading 2023 at the Mountain View Public Library will run from June 1 through July 31. This year’s summer reading theme is “All Together Now,” and we have lined up a series of engaging programs for children, teens and adults that will foster a love for reading and promote awareness of Library resources.
Register for Summer Reading and record your reading or activities to earn rewards. Those who complete the challenge will receive a free book coupon that can be used at a Friends of the Mountain View Library Book Sale.
We have planned an array of exciting events and performances, starting with the Summer Reading Kickoff Concert on Saturday, June 3 featuring family-friendly concerts by local bluegrass band The Goat Hill Girls and Grammy nominee Megan Schoenbohm. Plus, there will be frozen treats, activities and a special welcome from the Mayor.
Learn about the varied life experiences of people from your community by engaging in one-on-one conversations with human "books" through the Human Library on Saturday, June 24.
Imagine if you could borrow another person's life story just as easily as borrowing a book. With the Human Library, you can do exactly that.
During this event, community members will have the opportunity to check out human “books” to "read" in one-on-one conversations. Each book in our Human Library is a real person who is available to answer your questions about their unique perspective and life experiences. Difficult questions are encouraged and appreciated. Your reading session will consist of a 10-minute orientation and a 20-minute conversation with your book.
No appointments necessary. You can come "browse" our Human Library any time between 2-5 p.m. Participants must be 16 or older.
Past Program Highlights
A participant from our Sewing with FabMo program proudly shows off her new change purse she created during the program.
The Library celebrated the process of making art with a number of drop-in afternoon craft programs for children.
A large crowd of community members gathered inside our First Floor Program Room to learn about the rich cultural history of San Jose Japantown.
Teens and tweens looking to switch up their Saturday routine came to the Library to play Nintendo Switch video games.
The Apoorvaa Deshpande Collective teaches attendees about Bharat Muni’s universal rasas (emotions) as expressed through powerful soundscapes of Indian classical music.
Take a course on Ancient Egypt, learn to train your dog or explore the great thinkers of history with The Great Courses. Discover classics of world cinema, award-winning features and kids programing, all available to stream for free through Kanopy. Visit MountainView.gov/Kanopy to start streaming online or download the Kanopy app from your app store.
Online Author Series
Every month, the Library hosts virtual events with best-selling authors and renowned thought leaders covering a wide range of topics. Watch the live-streamed events or view past recordings at MountainView.gov/OnlineAuthors.
Online Authors in June:
Wednesday, June 7: Grounded in current research, accessible science and practical recommendations, The Fun Habit: How the Disciplined Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life is the ultimate guide to reap the serious benefits which fun offers. Dr. Rucker will teach you how you can build having fun into an actionable and effortless habit and why doing so will help you become a healthier, more joyful, more productive person.
Thursday, June 15: New York Times bestselling author and award-winning photographer Jamie Beck will discuss her beautiful collection of exquisite portrait, scenic and still-life photography, An American in Provence.
Wednesday, June 28: Please join us for a chat with Tananarive Due about her newest work, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories. The second collection of stories by the author is full of her signature offerings of horror, science fiction and suspense while confronting monsters of all kinds, including racism, the monster within and the supernatural.
