Young volunteers beam with excitement as they carefully hold a live alligator during the “Wild About Monkeys” event at Sutter County Library on June 12 in Yuba City. All attendees had the chance to safely touch and learn about each animal at the end of the show.

YUBA/SUTTER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - This summer, both Yuba County Library and Sutter County Library are turning up the heat on learning and fun. From reading challenges, hands-on crafts, to free meals and exotic animal encounters, local families are sure to find something everyone can enjoy. 

Yuba County Library: “Level Up at Your Library”

Running June 9 through July 21, the Yuba County Library’s Summer Reading Program encourages kids and teens to “Level Up” their literacy by logging reading minutes, completing challenges, and earning prizes through the Beanstack platform. Children who read at least 100 minutes will receive a prize bag, and those who hit 600 minutes and complete all challenges are eligible for a grand prize. Registration and tracking can be completed at yuba.beanstack.org.

In a special partnership with Raising Cane’s, children ages 0–12 can also earn up to five free kids’ combo meals by checking out and reading (or being read) seven library books. To redeem this tasty bonus, participants must register in person at the Yuba County Library, bring their book checkout receipt and complete the reading challenge while supplies last.

For questions or to get involved, call the Yuba County Library at 530-749-7380 or visit them at 915 8th Street, Suite 113, Marysville.

A group of brave young participants helps hold a massive python during Thursday night’s educational wildlife show at the Sutter County Library on June 12 in Yuba City. The hands-on experience was part of the library’s summer Family Fun Night series continuing through August.

Sutter County Library: Reading, Crafts, and Family Fun

Sutter County Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, running from June 10 through Aug. 2, is packed with colorful activities designed to keep young readers engaged all summer long. Children and teens ages 0–17 can earn collectible “brag tags” by tracking their reading minutes online or with a paper log available at the library. Sign-ups are open at suttercountylibrary.READsquared.com, or through the READsquared mobile app.

Each Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m., families are invited to drop in for Kids Create Craft Time, a free, themed craft session open to all ages. Weekly projects include sand art, dough modeling, piggy bank decorating and journal-making.

Mickey the baboon makes an unforgettable appearance at Sutter County Library in Yuba City June12. A seasoned performer, Mickey has shared the screen with stars like Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart and was a crowd favorite during the “Wild About Monkeys” presentation.

Evenings bring extra excitement with Family Fun Nights every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., featuring special guests like Fratello Marionettes, Coventry & Kaluza’s circus-style comedy, The Science Wizard, and up-close encounters from Wild Things “animal ambassadors.” There’s something different and interactive each week.

Sutter County Library is also offering free lunches for kids ages 1–17, Tuesday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m., in partnership with local health and nutrition programs.

Additional summer highlights include LEGO Club (starting June 11), Story Time twice a week, Stay & Play sessions for little ones and cooking demos for families.

For more information, visit Sutter County Library at 750 Forbes Avenue, Yuba City, CA, or call 530-930-2315.