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Summer Reading Events For Kids In OC

Children read books at the International header 610
(credit: SEBASTIAN WILLNOW/AFP/Getty Images)

Summer is coming and bringing with it some wonderful opportunities for your children to enjoy a season of special reading events around Orange County. Your kids can make new friends who share their interest in literature. They can help bring much-needed books to those less fortunate. Get out, get reading and get involved with these Orange County libraries, exhibitions, charities and book festivals.

anaheim visitor & convention bureau
(credit: Anaheim Visitors & Convention Bureau)

"Hats Off To Dr. Seuss!" Exhibit
Fingerhut Gallery of Laguna Beach
210A Forest Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 376-6410
May 17
www.anaheimoc.org

A can't-miss event for lovers of children's literature. Laguna's premier fine art gallery is proud to present Dr. Seuss' Secret Art Gallery and never-before-seen estate hat collection to commemorate the 75th anniversary of his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins." Recapture and relive your childhood while honing an appreciation for Dr. Seuss within your own children. Inspire your kids to explore Dr. Seuss' masterful collection. Pour through these incredible, inspiring works, then come see them brought to life. Bring the books along and read them together surrounded by drawings, paintings and sculpture inspired by the art which adorns and is inseparable from the stories of Dr. Seuss.

Pottery Barn Kids
(credit: Pottery Barn Kids)

Story Time Book Club
Pottery Barn Kids - South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 427-0813
June 4
www.potterybarnkids.com

Children of all ages are welcome to participate in a reading event that is altogether entertaining, enjoyable and, yes, comfortable. It's being held at Pottery Barn after all. Sing up and receive a special Book Club Passport. Read, hear stories and talk about your favorite books while playing all over the awesome display furniture. Come back on Tuesdays all summer long for more adventure. Regular members receive special prizes.

Related: Best Summer Camps For Teens In OC

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Reading programs will help your kids make new friends. (credit: Christopher Schmidt)

Irvine Summer Reading Program
Heritage Park Regional Library
14361 Yale Ave.
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 936-4040
July 1
www.ocpl.org

The Irvine free summer reading events are in full swing throughout the month of July. Beginning on the 1st, children and teens can sign up for the Reading Program. Keep track of the hours you read in July and earn prizes. Mondays and Wednesdays are Family Story Time. On Mondays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., youngsters to age six and their families can come hear their favorite stories read aloud in a lively, interactive atmosphere. There are also special family events on Thursday nights. Heritage Park Library is the place to be in July for fun, safe and educational (don't tell the kids) summer entertainment.

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Get lost in a book. (credit: Christopher Schmidt)

Bring A Book Back To Life Book Drive
Think Together
2100 E. 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 543-3807
www.volunteermatch.org

Book clubs are wonderful and kids can also turn their love of reading into something truly life affirming for themselves and special members of the community. Think Together academic institution invites kids to read and collect gently used books for distribution to children throughout Orange County. Start your own book club with friends, family and neighbors. Or use this opportunity to stay in touch with classmates over the summer. Set goals for reading and gathering books, then bring them to the Orange County Think Together location or arrange for a convenient pickup.

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Kids should start reading at a young age. (credit: Christopher Schmidt)

Orange County Children's Book Festival
Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Meas, CA 92626
(714) 432-5072
Sept. 29
www.kidsbookfestival.com

Dubbed "The Largest Free Children's Book Festival," readers young and old are invited to come share in the fun and their love of literature. Hear your favorite books read aloud, many by the authors themselves. Enjoy attractions, live music and performances and discover and meet a new author or two. Witness children's book illustrators as they create the characters you know and love. This year's featured author is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer and now the world's tallest children's book writer.

Related: Best Play-And-Eat Spots In Orange County

Christopher Schmidt is a freelance writer experiencing and espousing the glory that is Orange County. Driven to travel, drawn to sports, spirits and celebrity, Chris' work can be found on
Examiner.com.

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