ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (June 8, 2026) – This summer, OC Public Libraries invites children and families to dig into “Plant a Seed, Read”, a reading program that encourages children, teens, and adults to read throughout the summer. From June 15 through August 2, participants can enjoy branch programming, grab‑and‑go craft kits, weekly scavenger hunts, curated reading lists, a reading challenge, and a variety of engaging activities. From teen workforce skills workshops and educational STEAM programs to magic shows, storytimes, and book clubs, the library offers something for everyone and is the place to be this summer. Signing up for the reading challenge is simple: visit ocpl.beanstack.org or download the free Beanstack app to create an account and register all the readers in your household. Participants can complete activities to earn virtual badges, making the experience both interactive and rewarding. Paper reading logs are also available at all library branches.
As part of this year’s Summer Reading Program, OC Public Libraries is also proud to present a special Children’s Author Series featuring award‑winning and bestselling authors. This series offers young readers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the creators whose words have empowered, inspired, and entertained them. OC Public Libraries invites children and families to meet an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed authors, illustrators, and storytellers whose work sparks imagination, curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading. From award-winning picture book creators and graphic novelists to bestselling nonfiction writers and cultural innovators, the Children’s Author Series offers young readers the opportunity to connect with inspiring voices from across the literary world. Through these free events, OC Public Libraries continues its commitment to promoting literacy and lifelong learning while fostering meaningful connections between readers and the creators of the stories they love.
The summer fun starts with a Kickoff Event at the newly reopened Aliso Viejo Library. Every OC Public Libraries branch will be celebrating in its own way, so visit your local library to discover the events, activities, and fun happening near you.
Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Event with Author Ben Clanton
| WHO: | Ben Clanton is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of children’s books and graphic novels, best known for his Narwhal and Jelly series.
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| WHEN: | Monday, June 15 at 11:00 am
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| WHERE: | Aliso Viejo Library – 1 Journey Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
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For more information about Summer Reading please visit https://ocpl.org/summer-reading-2026
Children’s Author Series
| WHO: | Marcelo Verdad– Tuesday, June 16 at 10:30am at the El Toro Library Marcelo Verdad is an author and multi‑creative artist known for his vibrant and imaginative approach to picture books. He is dedicated to telling stories from fresh and unconventional perspectives. Marcelo views children’s literature as an opportunity to offer young readers meaningful tools for navigating the world with kindness, openness, and compassion El Toro Library 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Steve Sheinkin – Monday, June 22 at 1pm at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library and Tuesday, June 23 at 1pm at the Garden Grove Chapman Library Steve Sheinkin is an acclaimed author of fast paced and cinematic nonfiction for young readers. A former textbook writer, he is known for creating compelling narratives that bring history to life. His books cover a wide timeline of American history and include King George: What Was His Problem? and The American Revolution, a Newbery Honor book, along with Bomb, Fallout, Undefeated, Born to Fly, The Port Chicago 50, Impossible Escape, and The Bletchley Riddle. He is widely recognized for transforming complex historical events into engaging and accessible stories for young readers. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 1855 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Garden Grove Chapman Library 9182 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92841
Wendy Xu – Wednesday, June 24 at 1pm at the El Toro Library Wendy Xu is a bestselling and award nominated illustrator and comics artist whose work has reached readers across a wide range of genres. She is the creator of Infinity Particle and Tidesong, and the co-creator of Mooncakes, a young adult fantasy graphic novel. El Toro Library 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Andy Harkness – Tuesday, July 7 at 1pm at the Garden Grove Chapman Library Andy Harkness is the author and illustrator of Wolfboy, which received two starred reviews, as well as Bug Zoo. He is an award-winning art director whose film credits include work on Moana, Frozen, Wreck it Ralph, and other major animated features. Harkness is known for his distinctive visual style and his ability to bring imaginative worlds to life for young audiences. Garden Grove Chapman Library 9182 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA 92841
Joey Spiotto – Wednesday, July 15 at 1:00pm at the San Juan Capistrano Library Joey Spiotto is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author known for his picture books and graphic novels, including Max, a Little Axolotl, Grumpy Unicorn, and the officially licensed titles Alien Next Door and Klingon Next Door. He is recognized for his imaginative style and engaging visual storytelling. San Juan Capistrano 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Benson Shum – Tuesday, July 21 at 11am at the Tustin Library Benson Shum is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose work is known for its warmth and creativity. His titles include Anzu the Great Kaiju, an ABA Kid’s Indie Next Pick and recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature Award from the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California. School Library Journal praised the book as “a triumph” in a starred review. Shum is also an animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he has contributed to films such as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, and Encanto. Tustin Library 345 E. Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780
Mike Alfaro – Wednesday, July 22 at 1pm at the San Juan Capistrano Library Mike Alfaro is a writer and creative director known for transforming the traditional game of Lotería into the viral cultural phenomenon Millennial Lotería. He is also the creator of Sí Sabo Kids, a bilingual collection of books and games that introduces young children to Spanish language and Latino heritage through playful and culturally rich storytelling. Alfaro’s work has earned wide recognition for its creativity, cultural impact, and ability to connect with audiences across generations. San Juan Capistrano 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Kate Messner – Thursday, July 23 at 1pm at the Tustin Library Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author whose books inspire curiosity and wonder in young readers. Her books include History Smashers, a popular middle-grade nonfiction series that debunks common myths and explores the hidden truths behind major events in American history. Aimed at readers ages 8 to 12, the books use a fast-paced mix of graphics, sidebars, and illustrations to make historical facts engaging and accurate. Tustin Library 345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780
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| WHY: | OC Public Libraries’ mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. Access to world-class authors inspires reading communities to connect with diverse and powerful role models in the literary world.
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| REGISTRATION: | No registration required. Early arrival is suggested.
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OC Public Libraries (OCPL)
OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.
More information at https://ocpl.org/
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