Kids Win in the Summer Learning Challenge

This summer, more than 6,000 Redwood City and Redwood Shores students committed to read and grow as part of the Summer Learning Challenge (SLC). Kids who signed up received a free book when they pledged to read 20 minutes a day for 20 days.

The Library handed out an amazing 8,400 books this summer—at schools, outreach events in parks and playgrounds and at the Library branches. At the end of the summer those students who fulfilled their pledge received another book!

Last summer’s SLC was at risk. Measure K funding was no longer available. RCLF dug deep to support the library and raise the funds to purchase the books and keep the program operating at full capacity. Your support made this possible.

One of the SLC’s standout readers was Jayce, who completed an impressive 56 reading segments. His hard work earned him a special prize: a Lego set. “Watching Jayce dive into books this summer has been such a joy. He explored stories at all different levels, and I could see his confidence grow with each one. I know this is going to help him so much in school and beyond.” – Grandma Ruby

Programs like the Summer Learning Challenge matter because summer learning loss is real. Without access to engaging reading and enrichment, many students can fall months behind before school resumes in the fall.

Looking ahead, RCLF is committed not only to funding next year’s free books for the Summer Learning Challenge, but also to supporting the internship program that engages local teens to help at Library programs, including SLC, all summer.

Donate today to invest in the future of our children and community.

Each year, Redwood City Public Library welcomes high school students as summer interns. Whether they were assisting families at events, handing out books and prizes, holding snakes during animal programs, dancing the samba, or helping kids explore robotics and coding, they embodied the spirit of service and learning.