Contact: Katie Woods, Communications Manager
San Mateo County Libraries
(650) 312-5274
SAN MATEO, CA- On June 1, the Summer Learning Challenge kicked off in every public library across San Mateo County with exciting changes to the 2018 program. This year the libraries are going digital with the launch of an innovative site developed by Beanstack, opens a new window. This online service will provide participants with the tools to track reading goals, receive recommended reading lists and earn badges by attending library activities. Users also have the ability to register multiple family members online with one account, providing a fun and free way for the whole family to engage with education during the school break.
“Last year over 82% percent of the County’s youth population participated in the Summer Learning Challenge, and we are hoping to increase that number this year with the rollout of our new online tool,” said Katie Woods, Communications Manager of San Mateo County Libraries. “Not only does the Summer Learning Challenge assist kids in maintaining and enhancing their educational skills over the summer, it also gives children the boost they need to feel more prepared for the next school year.”
According to the National Summer Learning Association, opens a new window, low-income children typically lose two to three months of reading skills over the summer. To curb summer learning loss, the Summer Learning Challenge encourages youth to read books, learn new skills and participate in high-quality, interactive educational programs. These free programs range from science workshops to baby sign language and vary by location.
To sign up, participants can pick up a reading log available at any public library, opens a new window, or register online at summerlearners.org, opens a new window. To get them started, every child that signs up will receive a free book. Children who visit the libraries this summer will also be eligible to enter a weekly raffle to win prizes, such as museum passes, tickets to sporting events, and gift cards. Youth participants that complete the program online or in person can enter a drawing to win a $1,000 college scholarship.
The Summer Learning Challenge is coordinated by San Mateo County Libraries and offered in partnership with the city libraries of Burlingame, opens a new window, Daly City, opens a new window, Menlo Park, opens a new window, Redwood City, opens a new window, San Bruno, opens a new window, San Mateo, opens a new window and South San Francisco, opens a new window. Recognizing the importance of early learning, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors provides funding for the Summer Learning Challenge from Measure K, opens a new window, a half-cent, voter-approved sales tax extension for local needs.
To take the challenge or learn more about the libraries’ free summer programs, visit summerlearners.org, opens a new window or any public library in San Mateo County.
