This summer, the Contra Costa County Library system encourages exploration with a wide range of free resources that support learning, adventure and connection. Through the Discover & Go program, cardholders can enjoy free and discounted access to museums, science centers and other cultural venues throughout the Bay Area.
For outdoor adventures, the California State Parks Pass offers free day-use entry for one vehicle to more than 200 California state parks — perfect for day trips and weekend getaways.
To complement the parks pass, patrons can also borrow an Outdoor Explorer Backpack. Presented in partnership with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), the backpack includes field guides, binoculars, a temporary parking pass and a temporary family membership card for any EBRPD facility.
For those who prefer to dig in at home, 15 county library branches have seed libraries that offer free packets of vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Finally, to keep readers engaged, curated summer booklists offer hand-picked suggestions to inspire beach reading fun and relaxation.
From backyard garden beds to majestic landscapes, the Contra Costa libraries make discovery, hanging out and growing easy all summer long. Visit the library system’s website at ccclib.org for information on all these resources.
Disability pride: Celebrate Disability Pride Month at SuperFest on July 30. SuperFest is an in-person and virtual film festival marking the experiences and achievements of the disabled community. The featured films are appropriate for all ages and include American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and closed captioning.
The Walnut Creek Library will host an in-person watch party complete with refreshments and crafts. Visit the events calendar for details. In addition to these programs, you can always access ASL storytimes on the library’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/theccclib.
Summer Reading: Running through Aug. 2, Summer Reading is well under way at the county libraries, but it’s not too late to dive into your Summer Reading adventure.
Prizes are now available for pick-up at any library branch. Bring your completed passport or show your online completion badge to get your free book and pin and to be entered into the drawing for more prizes. Visit ccclib.org/summer for more information.
Summer Skills Camp: Avoid the academic “summer slide” by staying engaged with Brainfuse HelpNow’s Summer Skills Camp. Available for free through the library system, this online learning module offers students in grades three through 12 access to live tutoring, interactive mini-lessons and skill-building activities in math, science and writing.
Within every math and science topic, there is an option to “Get Live Help.” Within every writing lesson, there is an option to send a paper to the “Writing Lab.” It’s a fun and flexible way to stay sharp during the summer. Visit the digital resources page online at ccclib.org/resources to get started.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via email at ask@library.cccounty.us, online chat at tinyurl.com/cccl-chat or text questions to 925-290-7627.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
Wildfire readiness: 4 p.m. July 15 via Zoom. Join the Diablo Firesafe Council for the informative Zoom program for Contra Costa County homeowners, “Wildfire Ready — Harden Your Home, Defend Your Space.” Learn essential strategies for home hardening and creating defensible space to protect your property from wildfires. Registration is required.
Germar the Magician: 1:30 p.m. July 16 at the Antioch Library. Come and enjoy an exciting afternoon of magic and balloon artistry with Germar the Magician that’s sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
African journey: 5 p.m. July 23 at the Lafayette Library. Born and raised in the heart of the African savanna, Maasai Chief Salaton Ole Ntutu will bring Africa to life with his stories of a child becoming a warrior living amongst the wild animals that he now passionately works to protect in this program, “Journey to Africa Through the Eyes of a Maasai Chief.”
American Mah-Jongg: 5:30 p.m. July 29 at the El Cerrito Library. “Let’s Learn American Mah-Jongg with Molly” is a beginner-friendly, two-hour workshop all about American mah-jongg. You’ll get a warm introduction to this beloved tile game, including a bit of its rich history, a hands-on look at the tiles and the very basics of how the game is played.