A Summer of Reading—and Thousands of Books!

This summer, more than 7,000 children and teens across Redwood City and Redwood Shores took on the Summer Learning Challenge (SLC)—committing to read, learn and explore while school was out. And it all started with a book. Children who signed up for the challenge received a free book of their choice and pledged to read for at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days. Those who completed the challenge earned another free book to keep.

By summer’s end, Redwood City Public Library had put more than 8,400 books into the hands of local kids—at Library branches, schools, parks, playgrounds and community outreach events throughout Redwood City.

One child commented: “You mean to tell me that I get a free book, a free sticker, AND free face painting. This is literally like the best day of my life!”

Teens Make a Difference, Too

Some of the hardest-working people at the Library this summer were local teens.

Teen interns, also funded by RCLF, helped families at outreach events, assisted with tween creative Makerspace and robotics and coding clubs, and encouraged younger children to participate. The interns brought energy, enthusiasm and a spirit of service to the Library all summer long.

And the impact doesn’t end when summer does. A child who discovers a favorite book may become a lifelong reader. A teen’s first summer job may spark a new interest or career. And families who discover everything their Library has to offer may keep coming back throughout the year.

Making all this possible takes a community. This year, RCLF secured partial funding for SLC books through a grant from the Atkinson Foundation and Measure K funding with the assistance of San Mateo County Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, District 4.Together with generous support from our community, RCLF provided $55,000 for books and teen interns, helping RCPL offer the Summer Learning Challenge at full capacity.