The Summer Reading Program is a one of those things that just about defines a library. I remember participating in summer reading at the library I used growing up an undisclosed number of years ago, and it’s a tradition that is going strong even through our current pandemic.
Summer Reading is designed to support literacy – kids who read 6 or more books during the summer school break keep their reading skills intact as compared to children who read fewer. Summer Reading exists to give children an incentive to read whatever they want while school is out. It’s why there’s usually a minimum number of books to read, always larger than 6, and very little guidance about what to read. The act of reading is the most important part, whether it’s Captain Underpants or War and Peace.
I could find concrete records of the Foundation & Friends supporting Summer Reading at Santa Clara City Library as early as 2007. (Though I’m certain we supported it as long as we’ve existed.) We usually support crafts and performers at the library during the summer, to draw families into the library and to get more children signed up for the program, as well as awards for finishers of all ages. Thousands of people of all ages participate in Summer Reading every year.
The Foundation & Friends could not support Summer Reading – we have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on it over the years – without the support of our corporate partners. KeyPoint Credit Union has been the primary sponsor of Summer Reading, Support also comes from Mission City Community Fund and Enterprise Holdings.
Our book sales also support Summer Reading. So when you donate or buy books – when that’s an option again – you are supporting the Summer Reading Program.
Celebrating the Library’s Summer Reading Program is just one way that we’re celebrating our 20th Anniversary. Look for more as we move forward through this year!
This post is part of our series celebrating The Santa Clara City Library Foundation & Friends’ 20th anniversary! Please read to learn more.