Summer reading has started at the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), marking the official kickoff of a countywide program designed to engage readers of all ages through July 31.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge features hundreds of events and activities at SCCLD libraries, along with incentives for participation. Children who read and log at least five books and complete one activity will receive a prize, while supplies last. Prizes are also available for teens and adults who take part in the program.
The theme, “Plant a Seed, Read,” draws inspiration from illustrator Pete Oswald, known for “The Bad Seed” and “The Good Egg.” Library officials say the program aims to encourage reading across generations while helping prevent the “summer slide,” a decline in academic skills often seen in school-aged children during summer break.
“Reading opens the door for a lifetime of learning,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “Summer Reading is the perfect time to plant a seed with our littlest ones and to nourish and expand the minds of children, teens and adults.”
Participants can register at sccld.org/summer using the Beanstack platform, where they can also find reading lists and event details. Audiobooks, eBooks, comics and print books all qualify.
Families are also encouraged to enroll children ages 0-5 in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at sccld.org/imaginationlibrary, which mails free monthly books in English or Spanish. SCCLD also highlights early learning Storybook play spaces at select libraries across the county.
— Town Crier Report
