Summer is here. It’s time to read, learn and party at your library.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking about the different free events that are available this summer via our local libraries.

Summer reading programs are in full swing, and they’re not only about reading. Monterey County Free Libraries, for example, has a full schedule of musical performances, magic shows, science workshops and more lined up through the summer—all to encourage children, and adults, to improve their reading skills and explore other genres.

Browse any library’s calendar, and you’ll find an array of opportunities, such as sewing, learning to play chess or backgammon, lectures, video game arcades and more.

Libraries and school districts are offering free lunches during the summer as well for children and teens that are 18 and under.

Themed storytimes are also prominent activities taking place this summer.

Last week, I attended the Drag Queen Storytime organized by the Monterey Public Library at Oscar’s Playground.

It was a fun and colorful event where Saint Sellos, wearing country attire, read “C is for Country” by Lil Nas X and “’Twas the Night Before Pride” by Joanna McClintick to kids and adults. 

“It was a little emotional getting to read ‘C is for Country,’ and kind of going back to my roots and remembering what it's like to be part of that,” Sellos says.

“The library is here to tell stories for everyone,” Library Director Brian Edwards says. “We need to come together and support each other and talk things through and uplift everyone we can. We can uplift through other stories and representation for the entire Monterey Peninsula community.”

More than 100 people showed up, played games and held LGBTQ+ flags and listened to Sellos attentively. 

Since there were many adults in attendance, I asked the organizers if they’ve previously had opportunities to listen to LGBTQ+ stories read aloud. They said they hadn’t. 

“A lot of people in this room, like me, come from spaces where being queer is not celebrated and experiencing these types of events as an adult is extremely impactful as well,” says Nick Zafiratos, communications officer for Monterey Peninsula Pride. 

While books remain at the heart of any library, in recent years libraries have diversified their offerings, serving as a one-stop-shop for community events and enrichment opportunities. How do you use your local library?