For Immediate Release:
May 30, 2014
Students Encouraged to Maintain Academic Levels and Win Incentives by
Participating in Free SCCLD Library Summer Programs
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. As students complete end of school year exams, many eagerly look forward to lazy days of summer and moving on to the next grade level. Teachers and librarians, however, warn both students and their parents to avoid the loss of knowledge gained during the school year due to a drop in reading and learning habits over the summer months. Known as the “summer slide,” this term is used to describe a detrimental lapse in learning experienced by students when they return to school in the fall.
To promote continuous learning through summer, Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is offering free Summer Reading Programs and themed events that promote reading, science, critical thinking skills and fun for all ages.
“Parents realize that most children experience a learning loss during their summer break, which can harm their academics over time,” said President Mike Wasserman, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and Delegate for the County Library District Joint Powers Authority. “We invite everyone to participate in our free Library summer programs and enjoy a variety of new learning experiences.”
Studies have shown that children who read at least five books over the summer can combat learning loss. Local libraries offer children and families access to wonderful books, resources and programs that can reduce the effects of the “summer slide.”
Santa Clara County Library District has designed five science themed programs to serve different ages:
- “Fizz, Boom, Read,” (a reading program for parents and their pre-readers);
- “Children: Fizz, Boom, Read” (a reading program for children between the ages of 0-12)
- Preteens: “Make It Pop,” (a reading program for children in grades 5 – 7 )
- Teens: “Spark a Reaction,” (a reading program for teens between the ages of 13 – 18)
- Adults: “Literary Elements” (a reading program for adults 18 years or older)
“All of the public libraries serving Silicon Valley provide families with tools and resources to help children develop daily reading habits,” said Jason Baker, Chair of the Joint Powers Authority Board of the Santa Clara County Library District. “When families participate in these free library programs it not only enhances learning beyond the school curriculum, but also opens a vast new world of untapped possibilities and opportunities.”
The Summer Reading Program begins June 1st and runs through August 31st. Individuals and families can sign up at any SCCLD location or online. By completing five books and logging them online, participants have a chance to win a Google Nexus Tablet or an iPad mini. Additionally, all SCCLD libraries will be offering free, engaging science activities and programs throughout the summer. Parents are encouraged to check the library website’s calendar of events (www.sccl.org) for complete listings.
About the Santa Clara County Library District
Known as one of America’s best 100 public libraries, the Santa Clara County Library District promotes knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment. Its collection includes more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and extensive online resources accessible from home or work. For twelve years, the Library has ranked as one of the best in the nation for its size by Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings. Also recognized as one of America’s 2013 Five Star Libraries by Library Journal, the Santa Clara County Library District is one of the most-used public resources in the region.
The Santa Clara County Library District includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. In 2013, the Santa Clara County Library District had more than 215,000 library cardholders and welcomed 3.2 million visitors who borrowed 9.7 million items. Visit Santa Clara County Library District online at www.sccl.org.
Contact:
Gwendolyn Mitchell/Marina Hinestrosa
Office of Public Affairs
(408) 299-5119
Derek Wolfgram/Mark Fink/Lili Smith
Santa Clara County Library District
(408) 293-2326 ext. 3002/3010/3014
