For Parents : Libraries Target Kids With Free Activities

The San Gabriel Valley’s public libraries are offering free summer programs for children, which include everything from reading circles and storytelling to movies, baking and puppet shows. Contact your local library for additional information.

Altadena Library District: (818) 798-0834

Summer reading club features activities Mondays through Fridays at 3:30 p.m. The activities include: outdoor games (all ages), preschool story time with music and movies (ages 3 to 6), skits and improvisational theater (ages 7 and up), movies and snacks (all ages).

The “Dive Into a Good Book” contest runs through July 30.

Azusa City Library: (818) 334-0338

Storytelling takes place every Monday. Please call for times.

Registration is under way for the “Dive Into a Good Book” contest.

El Monte Branch, County Library: (818) 444-9506

This month, obstacle courses, live animal shows, storytelling and baking at 2 p.m. every Wednesday.

Irwindale City Library: (818) 962-5255

Through Aug. 26: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., reading group for preschoolers.

Monrovia Public Library: (818) 358-0174

The summer reading club is sponsoring the “Dive Into a Good Book” contest for children ages 3 to 14. Children can win prizes depending on how many books they read.

Pasadena Public Library, Central Library: (818) 405-4046

This month, storytelling, arts and crafts, movies, puppet shows for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Call for specific times and days.

August: Magician Bob Stone will perform. Call for specific times, days and locations.

Rosemead Public Library: (818) 573-5220

Storytelling, arts and crafts, puppet shows and more at 2 p.m. every Tuesday. Programs run about 45 minutes.

San Dimas Branch, County Library: (909) 599-0060

Summer reading program through Wednesday encourages children to keep track of the books they read by filling out a card and moving a wall marker in the library.

San Gabriel Public Library: (818) 287-0761

Storytelling, arts and crafts, puppet shows and more on Fridays at 2 p.m. Programs run about 45 minutes.

Walnut Branch, County Library: (909) 595-0757

Registration is under way for the summer reading program. Participants must have read one book before registering. They will receive a bookmark and index card to keep track of the books they will read. Call for information about additional programs.