Kids

Free books for babies!

We will provide up to 6 free engaging books during the first year of your baby’s life. Our goal is to help build personal home libraries from an early age so that parents and children can snuggle together and enjoy a good book. As a parent, you are your child's...

December 20 - January 14 Open to K-12 Salinas Students

The Salinas Public Library invites you to have fun while reading during your winter break. This is your chance to read some of your favorite books or discover new titles. Read for 15 days and you can earn a FREE...

Beginning Monday, June 14th, we will provide access to a Virtual Summer Reading Program geared towards children in grades K-3. Join Storyologists, Page Turner and Kenny as they jump into the Once Upon a Time Machine in search of stories and adventure. Along the way, you’ll participate...

Can I read to reduce fines accrued on another person’s account?

A parent or caregiver may read to a child, thereby reducing the fees on the child’s account (not the parent’s). Otherwise, no, you must read away the fees on your own account and cannot reduce the fees of other cardholders.

Do I have to read a book to receive credit, or can I watch a movie, listen to music, or surf the web, instead?

Only reading material qualifies for credit, but that means more than just books—you can also read

Do I have to read the whole day to get credit?

No. While the program is based on a $5-a-day credit system, we are not requiring you to read for a certain period of time each day to get the credit. We do encourage you to read 30-60 minutes everyday.

If I don't have any balance on my account, or I already paid them, can I get cash or credits?

No. The Read Away program waives outstanding fees only. No reimbursement of past fees or credit towards possible future fees will be provided.

What fees will be waived?

Any and all fees accrued on your card. We will waive lost and damaged material replacement fees, processing fees, and library card replacement fees.

* Fees related to printing cost or meeting room rental are not eligible for this program.
** Since we no longer charge overdue/late fines, if you have one on your account, please let our staff know. We will remove all previously accrued overdue fines immediately.