A summer reading challenge from the San Francisco Public Library will return this year with a slate of events and activities starting Monday.

The Library’s SummerMobile will also return to make trips at four locations around the city throughout the summer starting June 8.

The Summer Stride Challenge encourages participants to finish 20 hours of library-related learning, which includes reading, listening to audiobooks, and attending activities hosted by the library that encourage literacy and community connection, according to a statement from the San Francisco Public Library.

Activities start this week, with a presentation on edible and poisonous mushrooms scheduled for Monday, June 1, at the Marina Branch from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, multiple “Summer Stride Kick Off Parties” will be held at the Bernal Heights, Richmond, and Portola branches.

In 2025, over 30,000 people completed the challenge and about 90% of participants said the challenge influenced them to read more than usual, according to the Public Library.

Other activities planned

Other free events scheduled as part of the Summer Stride Challenge include grilled cheese socials, circus lessons, photography, craft clubs, live musical performances and more.

A full list of events and ways to track hours logged can be found on the library’s website.

Those who complete the challenge will get a special edition tote bag designed by this year’s featured artist, the author and illustrator Nidhi Chanani, author of “What Will My Story Be,” “Binny’s Diwali,” and other books.

Multiple events will showcase Chanani’s artwork and books throughout the summer, including a slate of festivities as part of Library Day on June 20 at Yerba Buena Gardens.

The Library’s SummerMobile will also return from June 8 through Aug. 31. The seasonal book mobile will make weekly stops at Sunset Dunes on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.; Presidio Tunnel Tops on Wednesdays from 10 to 12 p.m.; and Glen Canyon Park on Thursdays from 9:30 11:30 a.m.

It will also make stops at JFK Promenade on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m., through Sept. 28.