Sacramento, California – When summer starts pressing down on Sacramento, the public library can become more than a quiet room with shelves. Councilmember Caity Maple wants residents to see it as something bigger: a cool, creative, welcoming headquarters for the season.
Maple, who represents District 5 neighborhoods including Oak Park, Hollywood Park, North and South City Farms, Golf Course Terrace, Valley Hi and parts of Meadowview, is calling on Sacramentans to make full use of the Sacramento Public Library system while school is out and families are looking for places to go. As Chair of the Sacramento Public Library Authority, she is using her platform to remind residents that the city’s branches are not just for checking out books. They are places to linger, learn, build, eat, play and meet neighbors.
“As Chair of the Sacramento Public Library Authority and a big bookworm, I often love to share that our libraries are not just places where you can check out a book,” Maple wrote in a recent Instagram post.
“Sacramento libraries are third spaces where you could pick up a book, then stay a while. Stop by a maker-space, check out stuff from the Library of Things, stop by a free crochet class, or even join an English Conversation Group to practice your English. There are so many amazing things to do at the library this summer!”
That message lands at a useful moment. With long days, rising temperatures and parents searching for affordable activities, the library’s summer calendar is packed with free or low-cost options. The Sacramento Public Library is promoting its “10 Things to Do at the Library This Summer” campaign, with details available at saclibrary.org and events listed at engage.saclibrary.org.
The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all ages and lets participants track books, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels and magazines while earning prizes. For adults, the season brings a little summer-camp nostalgia through crafting sessions, friendship bracelet workshops, tote bag embroidery and book swaps. Children can join LEGO programs, while adults can try creative wellness workshops built around stress relief and hands-on making.
The offerings stretch well beyond reading. Residents can join book groups in person or online, including groups focused on mysteries, classics, romance, horror and graphic novels. Some sessions even take reading outdoors along the American River Parkway. Branches are also offering hands-on classes in crochet, watercolors, 3D printing and other hobbies, with materials provided.
For families, one of the most practical programs is Kids Eat Free. Children 18 and under can receive free lunches at 13 library locations, Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 1 p.m., beginning June 16 and running into early August. No registration is required.
Residents can also pick up free seeds through the Seed Library at 18 branches, check out board games and video games, borrow early learning kits, watch classic or family movies, or explore the Library of Things for useful items beyond books.
Maple’s invitation is simple but powerful: use what is already here. This summer, Sacramento’s libraries are open, active and ready to become the city’s favorite third space.