Library Summer Reading Program 2026

Why Librarians Love Our Show

Discover the benefits that make our program the perfect addition to your summer reading lineup.

Perfect Theme Alignment

Seamlessly integrates with the 'Unearth a Story' summer reading theme, reinforcing discovery and exploration concepts.

High Engagement

Interactive puppet show captivates children of all ages, encouraging participation and maintaining attention throughout.

Educational & Fun

Combines learning about archaeology, paleontology, and scientific discovery with entertaining storytelling and humor.

Proven Track Record

Trusted by libraries across California with consistently positive feedback from librarians and families alike.

An Interactive Adventure in Discovery

Our "Unearth a Story" show takes young readers on an exciting archaeological expedition where they'll help uncover dinosaur fossils, learn about prehistoric creatures, and discover the joy of scientific exploration.

Using vibrant, dinosaur puppet and interactive storytelling and magic routines, we create an immersive experience that reinforces reading comprehension, critical thinking, and curiosity! all while perfectly complementing your summer reading program goals.

✔️ Dinosaur puppet & related characters

✔️ Archaeology-themed props and kid-friendly discovery moments

✔️ Magic routines that reveal “hidden stories”

✔️ Optional Q&A or meet-the-puppets at the end

✔️ Photo-op with the dinosaurs (always a hit!)

Duration

40-45 minutes

Capacity

Up to 200 children

Audience

All ages

Setup

Minimal space required

Trusted by Libraries Across San Francisco Bay Area

See what librarians are saying about our summer reading programs

"California Kids Fun presented an entertaining and well-attended kids summer reading program puppet show at our library. The presenter was amiable and flexible with some last-minute changes, and had a relatively simple set up that didn't require much space. He was great with the children and had them cracking up and enthusiastically interacting with the puppets. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to offer fun and affordable entertainment at an event for kids."

Campbell Library

Children's Librarian, Campbell Public Library

"Oh my! Tortoise and the Hare: Race to Read was a wonderful show. It supported our library Summer Reading Celebration at San Jose Public Library perfectly (sjpl.org). Jungle Joe made sure to mention that reading makes us all winners - in fact that theme was a BIG part of his show.😊 His puppets, voices, and magic had kids and adults laughing uproariously. In addition I recommend California Kids Fun for the useful communication with me at the library before and after the show. Rarely have I had such a feel good email exchange with a performer and I have booked and hosted hundreds over the years. Great job!"

San Jose Library

Children's Librarian, San Jose Public Library

"The kids were absolutely mesmerized! The dinosaur puppets were incredible, and the show perfectly complemented our summer reading theme. We'll definitely be booking again."

San Diego Public Library

Children's Librarian, San Diego Public Library

Ready to Book Your Show?

Secure your spot for Summer 2026 today! Dates fill up quickly for popular summer reading programs.

1️⃣ Contact us

booking@californiakidsfun.com

(925) 605-4655

2️⃣ Discuss your program

Discuss your program dates and requirements

3️⃣ Customized quote

Receive a customized quote and confirm your booking

4️⃣ Enjoy

Enjoy a stress-free, engaging summer reading event!

BOOK ONLINE

Have Questions?
Let’s Make Library Summer Planning Easy!

Looking for quick info on booking, party prep, or what to expect on your big day? You’re in the right place! Our FAQ section covers everything you need to know for a smooth and magical California Kids Fun experience.

Program Content & Educational Value

Are your programs aligned with summer reading themes?

Yes! We customize our programs to align with the annual Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) themes. For 2026, our "Dino-mite Discoveries" show perfectly complements the "Unearth a Story" theme, incorporating archaeology, paleontology, and scientific discovery concepts. We can also adapt programs for other seasonal themes or create custom content to match your specific programming goals.

What age groups are your programs appropriate for?

Our library programs are designed for broad appeal, typically engaging children ages 2-10 effectively. We offer different program lengths and content depths to suit specific age ranges:

Preschool programs (ages 2-5): 30-35 minutes with gentle engagement and simple concepts
Elementary programs (ages 5-10): 40-45 minutes with more complex storytelling and higher energy
All-ages family programs: 45 minutes designed to engage siblings and families together

We can discuss which format best suits your expected audience during booking.

Can you customize programs for special events or themes?

Absolutely! We regularly customize content for literacy weeks, author visits, book fairs, cultural celebrations, and special community events. We can incorporate specific books, characters, or educational themes into our performances. Just let us know your goals and we'll work with you to create content that perfectly supports your programming objectives.

Logistics & Space Requirements

What space do you need for a library performance?

We're very flexible and have performed in diverse library spaces! Our typical requirements are:

Performance area: 8x8 feet (meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces, story time areas all work well)
Ceiling height: 8 feet minimum for puppet manipulation
Electrical: Access to one standard outlet within 15 feet of performance area
Setup time: 15-20 minutes before the program

We've successfully performed in libraries of all sizes and can adapt to your available space. If you're unsure whether your space will work, we're happy to do a virtual consultation.

Do you perform in outdoor spaces for summer reading kick-offs?

Yes! We regularly perform outdoors for library lawn programs, park events, and summer reading celebrations. For outdoor performances, we request:

Shaded area (tent, pavilion, or natural shade) to protect children and equipment
Access to electrical power (or advance notice to bring our generator)
Backup indoor space in case of inclement weather

We bring our own sound system, so audiences up to 200 can hear clearly even outdoors.

How early do you arrive for setup?

We typically arrive 15-20 minutes before the scheduled program start time. This allows us to set up professionally without rushing, test equipment, and be ready to start precisely on time. We understand that library schedules are tight, and we're committed to punctuality.

Can you do multiple programs in one day?

Yes! We offer discounted rates for multiple performances on the same day, which is perfect for serving different age groups or multiple branch locations. For example:

Morning program for preschoolers (10:00 AM)
Afternoon program for elementary ages (2:00 PM)
Or back-to-back programs for large audiences split into groups

This approach maximizes your programming budget while serving more community members.

What if we need to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances?

We completely understand that unexpected situations arise. Our cancellation policy is flexible and library-friendly:

Cancel or reschedule anytime with no penalty
Full refund if you need to cancel completely
We'll work with you to find an alternative date that fits your calendar
Last-minute changes are handled with understanding and professionalism

Simply contact us by phone or email as soon as you know there's a change.

Booking & Scheduling

When should we book for summer reading programs?

We recommend booking 2-4 months in advance for summer reading programs, as June and July dates fill quickly. Many libraries book in March or April to secure their preferred dates. However, we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests if we have availability, so don't hesitate to reach out even if you're planning on shorter notice.

How do we check your availability?

You can check availability three easy ways:

Call us directly: (925) 605-4655 – We can check our calendar immediately

Email us: booking@californiakidsfun.com – We respond within 24 hours

Book online: Visit our booking page for instant availability check

Can we hold a date while getting approval?

Absolutely! We understand library approval processes can take time. We're happy to hold your preferred date while you:

Get approval from your director or board
Submit for grant funding
Coordinate with your Friends of the Library group
Finalize your summer reading calendar

Just let us know you need a hold, and we'll reserve the date.

Do you require a deposit or contract?

No deposit is required at the time of booking – we trust our library partners! We'll send you a simple booking agreement confirming the date, time, program details, and pricing. Payment is due on the day of performance or can be arranged in advance if your library requires invoicing for their accounting processes.

What information do you need from us to book?

To confirm your booking, we just need:

Preferred date and time
Expected audience size and age range
Performance location (library name and address)
Contact person name, phone, and email
Any special requests or theme customization needs

We'll handle the rest!

Budget & Pricing

What is your pricing for library programs?

Our library program pricing is designed to be accessible and budget-friendly:

Single 40-45 minute program: $375
Multiple programs same day: Discounted rate $50 per program

Do you offer discounts for library systems or consortiums?

Yes! We offer special pricing for:

Multiple branch bookings on the same or consecutive days
Library system-wide programming
Consortium-coordinated summer reading events
Year-round partnership programs

Are there any hidden fees or travel charges?

No hidden fees! The price we quote is the price you pay. We include:

All equipment and materials
Travel within the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto regions
Setup and breakdown time
Pre-event consultation and planning support
Post-event follow-up and evaluation

If your location is outside our standard service area, we'll discuss any additional travel costs upfront so there are no surprises.

What payment methods do you accept?

We offer flexible payment options to accommodate library accounting procedures:

Check (most common for libraries)
Purchase order and invoice
Credit card or PayPal
Cash on day of performance

Payment can be made before the event or on the day of performance – whatever works best for your library's processes.

Accessibility & Inclusion

Are your programs accessible for children with special needs?

Yes! We're committed to creating inclusive experiences for all children. Our programs naturally accommodate diverse needs:

Visual engagement: Colorful puppets and props support visual learners
Auditory elements: Clear sound system ensures everyone can hear
Movement breaks: Built-in participation opportunities help kinesthetic learners
Flexible pacing: We adjust energy and timing based on audience response

If you have specific accessibility concerns or needs (ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly modifications, wheelchair accessibility requirements), please let us know in advance and we'll work with you to ensure all children can participate fully.

Can you accommodate sensory-friendly programs?

Yes! We can modify our programs for sensory-friendly audiences by:

Reducing volume levels and sudden loud sounds
Providing advance warning for any surprising moments
Minimizing bright flashing lights
Allowing children to participate from their seats if they prefer
Creating a quieter, calmer energy level throughout

Just let us know this is a priority and we'll adjust accordingly.

Do your programs reflect diverse communities and cultures?

Absolutely. We believe representation matters and intentionally incorporate:

Diverse puppet characters that reflect Bay Area communities
Stories and themes that celebrate different cultures
Inclusive language and examples
Respectful treatment of all backgrounds and traditions

We're happy to customize content to honor specific cultural celebrations or community demographics at your library.

What about children who are English language learners?

Our programs work wonderfully for multilingual audiences! The visual storytelling, puppetry, and physical comedy transcend language barriers. Children who are still developing English skills actively engage with:

Expressive puppet characters and visual storytelling
Physical comedy and slapstick humor
Participatory elements that don't require verbal responses
Universal themes of friendship, discovery, and adventure

Many librarians tell us our programs are particularly valuable for their ESL families.

Marketing & Promotion

Can we use photos or videos from the program for marketing?

Yes! We encourage libraries to photograph and share their programs (with appropriate patron permissions). We can also provide:

Professional photos from previous library performances
Program descriptions and promotional text
Logos and graphics for flyers and social media

We're happy to collaborate on marketing materials to help you promote the event and boost attendance.

Do you have promotional materials we can share?

Yes! We provide:

Customizable flyer templates with your event details
Social media graphics and suggested posts
Program descriptions for newsletters and calendars
Printable posters for library display

All materials are provided at no cost and can be customized with your library's branding.

Will you promote our event on your social media?

Absolutely! We promote all library programs on our Facebook and Instagram channels, which helps increase community awareness and attendance. We tag your library (if you're on social media) and encourage families to attend. Many libraries see increased turnout from our promotional efforts.

After the Program

Can we provide feedback or request improvements?

Absolutely! We welcome feedback and use it to continuously improve our programs. After each performance, we're happy to:

Schedule a brief debrief call
Receive written feedback via email
Discuss what worked well and any areas for enhancement
Incorporate your suggestions for future programs

Your insights help us serve libraries better.

Will you return for future programs?

We'd love to! Many libraries become year-round partners, booking us for:

Annual summer reading kick-offs
Winter holiday programs
Spring celebrations
Monthly preschool storytimes
Special community events

We offer preferred scheduling and pricing for repeat partners. Once we've worked together, booking future programs is even easier.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help make your library programming planning as easy as possible!

Contact us:

We typically respond within 24 hours and look forward to partnering with your library to create magical learning experiences for your community!

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Summer Reading Program 2026

Unearth a Story with

Dino-mite Discoveries!

​​Why Librarians Love Our Show