MARY LAINE YARBER : This Summer, 3 Rs Mean Readin’, Readin’, Readin’

“No school” doesn’t mean “no reading”--thanks to a variety of free, book-related activities at local libraries this summer.

Most libraries participate in the Los Angeles County system’s summer reading program. This year’s theme is “Reading Is a Magic Trip,” and many branches are spicing up book activities with magic shows and other performances.

The reading program is free and open to children of all ages. Here’s how it works: Children read books at their own pace and keep track in a special folder. They get a small prize for completing each book, then receive a certificate during a ceremony at summer’s end.

Events will vary from branch to branch, but the following “reading roundup” should help you choose the best plan for your child.

Use of libraries is not restricted, so you’re free to enjoy the best events from each.

Mar Vista

The Mar Vista branch of the Los Angeles library system begins its summer reading program with puppet shows and a “bubble-ologist” on July 5. The program ends with a party, magic show and certificate ceremony on Aug. 30.

A bilingual story time for preschoolers is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on July 19, Aug. 2 and 16.

Craft workshops for all ages start at 3:30 p.m. on July 12 and 26, Aug. 8 and 23.

In a program called Grandparents and Books, senior citizens read to children. It is an unusual program, but the Mar Vista library offers it every day at 3 p.m.

For more reading practice, try the library’s computer reading games.

To learn more about these free programs, call (310) 390-3454. The library is at 12006 Venice Blvd.

Pacific Palisades

The Pacific Palisades branch hosts its summer reading program from June 20 to Sept. 3.

In its story time series, adults read to toddlers every Tuesday in July, at 3:30 p.m.

Plans for August have not yet been announced. Call (310) 459-2754. The address is 861 Alma Real Drive.

Venice

The Venice library’s reading program runs from June 13 to Aug. 19. Its certificate ceremony, party and puppet show are scheduled for Aug. 16.

Four other activities are planned: Weaving With Bea Coleman on June 28; Ramona Sweeney Plays Original Music on Guitar and Concertina on July 12; Book-Making with Judy Branfman on July 26; and Puppet-Making on Aug. 9.

Children can take home the projects they make in the sessions.

Call (310) 821-1769 for details. The address is 610 California Ave.

Westchester

The Westchester branch starts its summer reading program with a magic show on June 13 and concludes ceremoniously on Aug. 27.

It offers about a dozen other free events for children, including story hours, puppet shows and puppet-making.

Call (310) 645-6082 for dates and times. The library is at 8946 Sepulveda Eastway.

West Los Angeles

The West Los Angeles library hosts a reading program that starts June 20 and ends Sept. 1 with a certificate ceremony and party featuring “Wildlife on Wheels,” a traveling exhibit of small animals from the Los Angeles Zoo.

A Crafts and Story Hour is scheduled Thursdays, July 14 to August 18, at 3:30 p.m.

The library’s Summer Computer Club now offers four three-week classes in general computer literacy for children and teens in July and August. The classes are free and advance registration in person is required.

Call the West Los Angeles library at (310) 575-8323. The address is 11360 Santa Monica Blvd.

Culver City

The Culver City Public Library’s reading program is slightly different, since children must talk to the librarian about each book before it is officially recorded in their notebooks.

The program runs from June 22 to Aug. 31.

Scheduled events include a drum performance, bicycle safety workshop, puppeteers, crafts and an astronomy presentation. Tickets must be obtained in advance for these Wednesday events. Call (310) 559-6673 to order them.

The branch also hosts story time for preschoolers Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The library is at 4975 Overland Ave.

Santa Monica

The reading program at Santa Monica’s three libraries has a different theme: “Dive Into a Good Book.” The books, events and activities relate to the ocean, its animals and plant life.

There are more scheduled events than can be covered here. Some highlights:

The program runs from July 2 to Aug. 13 and includes a puppet show, storytelling, a multimedia shark expedition show, crafts and a birthday party for Woody, who, I’m told, is a much-loved local puppet.

Each branch has its own events schedule. Call the main library at (310) 458-8621; the Montana Avenue branch at (310) 829-7081; Fairview branch at (310) 450-0443 and the Ocean Park branch at (310) 392-3804.

Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hills Public Library charges for its summer events, but proceeds go to a worthy cause: buying more children’s books.

Its main attraction is the Summer Family Storytelling series, held every Tuesday in July. Performances include juggling and storytelling, spoken word and sound effects, stories from Latin America and acoustic music.

Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children ages 12 and under.

Call the Beverly Hills Library at (310) 288-2211. The address is 444 N. Rexford Drive.