By Khalida Sarwari
Nearly 1,000 people have signed up to take part in the Santa Clara County Library District’s annual summer reading program, and with the program’s end approaching in a month, administrators are encouraging more people to enroll in the family and community event.
The program aims to prevent “summer slide,” a term used to describe a significant lapse in learning experienced by students when they return to school in the fall due to a drop in reading habits over the summer months. Studies indicate that children who read at least five books over the summer can prevent learning loss, according to the library district.
As a way to get people of all ages excited about reading over the summer, the district is offering an online-reading-log as well as free events and activities that promote reading, science and critical thinking skills.
Every year, the district attaches a theme to the summer reading program. This year’s themes are all science-oriented, with “Fizz-Boom-Read!” for youth up to 12 years old, “Make It Pop” for those from 10 to 12 years old, “Spark a Reaction” for teens and “Literary Elements” for adults.
As of the end of July, 925 children, 220 teens and 260 adults had signed up to participate at the Saratoga Library, according to Saratoga community librarian Allison Parham.
“As librarians we always want to see that number as high as possible,” Parham said. “We’re happy with where it is, but we continue to spread the word because the higher we can get that number, the more people are enjoying and benefiting from the summer reading program.”
So far this summer, around 7,000 children,1,500 teens, and about 1,300 adults have signed up throughout the district, which has offered nearly 30 special events that have been attended by around 2,000 people, according to Parham. There are a number of events still to come.
On July 29, the Campbell Library invites kids to play and experiment with 10,000 volts of static charge as it jumps from objects into their hands and back. Participants will learn how to create a charge from common household objects and distinguish whether charges are positive or negative. The event takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
On July 30, children are invited to the Saratoga Library at 2:30 p.m. to make “messy masterpieces” by mixing science and art.
An award ceremony for children, with special performances by Fratello Marionettes, will be held Aug. 5 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Kids will receive summer reading certificates as well as free books of their choice to keep as prizes for participating in the program.
Another kid friendly event will be held on Aug. 7 at the Saratoga Library. At this event, slated to begin at 10:30 a.m., children are invited to enjoy music that celebrates books and learning while picking up teamwork skills.
On Aug. 9, the Saratoga Library will hold a program on the topic of speakers and sound. Students will have an opportunity to explore electromagnetism and sound to understand what’s going on inside a speaker and then make an actual working speaker from simple materials. The program will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Participants who complete five books and log them online through Aug. 31 have a chance to win a Google Nexus Tablet, iPad mini or iPod shuffle. Participation in the program is open to everyone, including those without a library card.
Individuals and families can sign up online at sccl.org/Services/Summer-Reading or at any library district location.
