Three free programs at Lamorinda's neighborhood libraries are giving kids hands-on reasons to visit the stacks this summer, from STEAM building projects in Orinda to a pet-themed scavenger hunt in Moraga.

Mini Makers STEAM series — Orinda Library

The Friends of the Orinda Library are funding a weekly Mini Makers series for children ages 3 to 5 at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. Each hour-long class lets young learners tinker, build, design and explore a different project. Children must be able to follow directions and use child scissors on their own, and a parent or guardian is expected to stay and assist.

The Tuesday, July 28, session from 10 to 11 a.m. is listed as sold out on the Contra Costa County Library events page. Families interested in upcoming sessions can check the library's calendar at ccclib.org or contact librarian Lin Look at (925) 254-2184.

Paws to Read — Orinda Library

Children in grades K through 5 can read aloud to dogs certified for sociability through the Paws to Read program, also at the Orinda Library. The next session is Monday, July 27, at 3:30 p.m. Spots were still available as of Tuesday, July 21, according to the library's registration page. Reading time logged during Paws to Read counts toward the county library's 2026 Summer Reading program, themed "Plant a Seed, Read!"

Pet Pursuit Hidden Image Search — Moraga Library

At the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary's Road, staff members have hidden photos of their own pets throughout the children's section. Children ages 3 to 12 can hunt for images of what the library calls "furry, finny and feathered family members." Find them all and claim a prize at the front desk. The activity runs through Tuesday, August 4, and requires no registration.

Upcoming dates

  • Monday, July 27 — Paws to Read, 3:30 p.m., Orinda Library (registration open)
  • Tuesday, July 28 — Mini Makers STEAM class, 10–11 a.m., Orinda Library (sold out; check ccclib.org for future sessions)
  • Through Tuesday, August 4 — Pet Pursuit Hidden Image Search, Moraga Library (drop-in, no registration needed)