Camarillo Insider

Summer in Camarillo means sun, strawberries, and—yes—stacks of books. If you’re a parent, a lifelong learner, or a visitor looking for something cool to do between beach trips, the 2025 Summer Reading Programs in Camarillo are ready to keep your mind sharp and your days full of fun. Here’s your witty, no-nonsense guide to making the most of summer reading in this friendly Ventura County city.

Why Summer Reading? Because “I’m Bored” Isn’t a Good Look

We’ve all heard it. The dreaded “I’m bored.” Summer reading programs are the ultimate boredom busters. They help kids keep their reading skills sharp, give adults a reason to finally pick up that book they’ve been eyeing, and offer everyone a chance to win prizes. Plus, reading is a great way to keep your brain active while the rest of you is busy trying to stay cool.

Camarillo Public Library: The Heart of Summer Reading

Camarillo Public Library is the place to be from June 14 through August 17. This year’s Summer Reading Adventure is packed with events, activities, and rewards for all ages. Here’s what you can expect:

• Kickoff Events: Start your summer with a bang at the library’s opening festivities.

• Touch-a-Truck: Get up close with big vehicles on June 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library parking lot. All ages welcome.

• Pirate Magic Show: Magic and laughs for the whole family on June 18 at 11 a.m.

• Teen Crafternoon: Teens can tie-dye their summer blues away on June 17, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• PAWS for Reading: Reluctant readers in grades K-3 can read to friendly therapy dogs every Tuesday in June at 3:30 p.m.

• Senior Trivia: Adults, test your wits with “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” on June 20 at 2 p.m.

• Creative Workshops: Crochet, art, and more for all ages throughout the season.

The library’s events calendar is packed, so check their website or swing by the front desk for the full schedule. All programs are free, and many offer chances to win prizes or earn free books.

Reading Challenges: More Than Just Page Numbers

Kids in grades 1-6 can earn free books by reading and keeping a journal of their summer reads. Complete the challenge, and you’ll get to pick a free book from a special list. There’s even a printable Kids’ Summer Reading Challenge with prompts like “read in the dark with a flashlight” or “read a book with your favorite color on the cover.” It’s the perfect way to keep things interesting and avoid the summer slide.

Adults and teens aren’t left out. Log your reading, attend events, and you could win everything from book bags to gift cards. And yes, audiobooks count. Listening to stories is just as valuable as reading them, especially for younger kids.

National Programs: Double Up on Rewards

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can join more than one program. Barnes & Noble’s summer reading program lets kids in grades 1-6 earn a free book by reading and journaling. Just pick up a reading journal at your local store, fill it out, and claim your prize in July or August.

Other national chains and websites offer printable reading logs, bingo cards, and genre challenges. The more you read, the more you can win. Some programs even offer fun extras like board games, LEGO sets, or headphones for top readers.

How to Join: It’s Easier Than Finding a Parking Spot at the Beach

• Sign up in person at Camarillo Public Library or online through their website.

• Pick up or print your reading log or challenge sheet.

• Start reading and logging your books or minutes.

• Attend events, workshops, and activities at the library.

• Turn in your completed logs to claim your prizes and enter raffles.

Most programs run from early June through mid-August, so there’s plenty of time to read at your own pace.

Pro Tips for a Successful Summer of Reading

• Mix it up. Try different genres, formats, and authors. Graphic novels, audiobooks, and magazines all count.

• Make it social. Join a book club, attend library events, or challenge friends to see who can read the most.

• Get creative. Read outside, build a reading fort, or act out your favorite scenes. The library’s workshops offer lots of inspiration.

• Keep it fun. Don’t stress about numbers. The goal is to enjoy reading, not to turn it into homework.

For Visitors: Make Camarillo Your Summer Reading HQ

If you’re visiting Camarillo this summer, you don’t have to miss out. The library welcomes visitors to join events and reading challenges. It’s a great way to meet locals, discover new books, and maybe even win a prize to take home.

Ready, Set, Read!

This summer, swap screen time for story time and see where your imagination takes you. Whether you’re a Camarillo local or just passing through, the city’s summer reading programs offer something for everyone. Bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and maybe a snack or two—because once you start reading, you might not want to stop.