SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Our voices have the power to share stories, express ourselves and spark change. It’s not just the sounds we make -- our voices are also the words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take every day to impact our world. This is why the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) invites everyone to join our free Summer Reading Program, Find Your Voice.
Throughout the months of June and July, SCCLD libraries will be hosting an exciting and enriching lineup of programs for children, teens, and adults. Participants can look forward to performers, arts & crafts, book clubs, speakers, and more. Find Your Voice is not just about reading, it is about building connections and discovering different ways to express yourself.
“According to the California State Library, Summer Reading programs can help children develop skills in art, science, math, technology, and literacy, which helps to maintain what students learned through the school year,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “These free programs also help participants socially, as they build connections within the community, to each other and their libraries.”
A recent study by the Northwest Evaluation Association found that, on average, students in 3rd to 5th grades lost 20% of their school year gains in reading, and 27% of their gains in math during the summer months. Younger children (Grades K-2) and those from low-income families are more disproportionately affected by the so-called Summer Slide.
Research from Scholastic, a major publishing and distribution company of children’s books and learning materials, shows that families can reverse learning loss by keeping kids engaged with learning over summer. Some recommendations include letting kids read what they are interested in, making time for smart play like puzzles and games, having kids use their imagination and creativity with LEGOs or crafts, and spending time out of the house, as the novelty can stimulate the brain and promote learning.
It is easy to get started with SCCLD’s Summer Reading program. Library patrons can preregister on Beanstack. On June 1, let the fun begin! Make sure to log books read and completed activities. Participants can earn a prize for reading five books and completing an activity this summer. Find Your Voice is free and fun for all ages! If you don’t have an SCCLD library card, all residents are invited to get one at any of our library locations.
SCCLD has been actively working toward its recently released Strategic Plan goals. This includes advancing equity, diversity and inclusion efforts to strengthen a sense of belonging at the Library, and supporting local community needs with reflective services throughout the Library District. Find Your Voice invites everyone to the library where visitors belong, connect, and discover SCCLD’s 2.3 million physical library items, hundreds of free programs or countless resources and community services.
