Superheroes, princesses and pint-sized pumpkins lined up to receive their Halloween book at First 5 San Bernardino’s pop-up library on Oct. 8.
Hundreds of costumed children collected candy and treats, then left First 5 San Bernardino’s fall-themed mobile library with a Halloween book of their own. First 5 San Bernardino’s team greeted trick-or-treaters as families explored booths from local organizations.
The event kicked off a season of giving at the C.U.T.E. Trunk or Treat hosted by the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office.
The momentum continues this week with the “Gift a Kid a Book” Pop-Up Literacy Tour Oct. 19-23, with stops in the cities of San Bernardino, Big Bear Lake, Ontario, Victorville and Upland. One thousand books will be gifted at each location, where children ages 5 and younger can choose four books from the pop-up bookstore, enjoy family-friendly literacy activities and take home a “Gift for My Friend,” a wrapped book and bookmark to share with someone special.
“Every book we put into a child’s hands is an opportunity to spark curiosity and a lifelong love of reading,” said First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Cindy Faulkner. “We’re bringing this mission to life with this literacy tour, which kicks off the fifth year of our ‘Gift a Kid a Book’ campaign. We are excited to help parents and caregivers make reading part of the special moments that shape a child’s first 5 years.”
Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age 5. Reading during those early years builds vocabulary and language skills, sparks imagination and curiosity, strengthens family connections and prepares children for school. Since launching “Gift a Kid a Book,” First 5 San Bernardino has provided more than 50,000 books to families with young children throughout San Bernardino County.
Families in San Bernardino County can find reading resources, a list of discounted books, downloadable bookmarks and reading activities at first5sanbernardino.org/reading.
Additional County Update News – October 22, 2026
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- Board Actions, Oct. 20
- Explore San Bernardino County Services: Make a plan to vote in the 2026 General Election
- Rialto Branch Library opens new chapter with reimagined spaces for learning and discovery
- County Library partners with Southern California Edison to support residents during power shutoffs
- 82 arrests made and 20 firearms seized during Operation Consequences
- Free Inland Empire Girls Empowerment Camp Set for Nov. 14-15 in Yucaipa
- Chino Airport development guidelines earn NACo award for streamlining development opportunities
- SBC Through Your Eyes: South Fork Trail and Dry Lake
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
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