By Councilmember Bill Miranda
Summer brings thoughts of warm weather, relaxing days at the beach and for many students…summer vacation. Summer vacation is a great time for students to enjoy quality family time and pursue other interests such as working their first summer job. However, did you know that some students who are out of school for the summer may experience summer learning loss or what’s also known as the “summer slide?”
Summer learning loss is the tendency for young students to lose academic skills over the summer break. Because children are out of school and are not receiving daily instruction, some may forget materials they’ve learned during the school year and require a significant amount of review when they return to school in the fall.
The Santa Clarita Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program addresses this issue by offering a free summer program that encourages continued learning with reading challenges, educational programs and events for library patrons of all ages.
The Summer Reading Program is going on now through July 29 and it’s not too late to sign up. All that’s needed to participate is your library card and online registration on the Summer Reading website at SCVSummerReading.com.
This year’s theme is “Build a Better World,” and focuses on promoting collaboration, innovation, progression and education. Participants are asked to complete the “5 Book Summer Challenge,” read five materials and log them on the Summer Reading website. By completing online missions and attending Summer Reading programs, participants can earn digital badges and win exciting prizes.
The Build a Better World theme is woven through the program’s events and workshops. Enjoy summer story times, play life-sized chess, build with others at a LEGO party, create upcycled art and much more.
Just yesterday, the Santa Clarita City Council proclaimed July 13 as “Summer Learning Day,” in the City of Santa Clarita. Summer Learning Day is a day to reflect on the importance of keeping our youth learning, safe and healthy every summer.
On Thursday, July 13, our library branches in Canyon Country, Newhall and Valencia will all be celebrating Summer Learning Day with free Summer Reading Program activities. Please visit the Summer Reading website at SCVSummerReading.com for a listing of events at each branch.
And finally, we invite you to bring the whole family out to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading program at the Summer Reading Finale on Saturday, July 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library, located at 24500 Main Street in Newhall. Enjoy music and an entertaining performance by musician Craig Newton.
I’d like to give a special thank you to our dedicated supporters, the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library, for making it possible for us to host the Summer Reading Program. The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library is a non-profit, active group of Santa Clarita residents who volunteer, advocate, fundraise and foster a close relationship between the library and the community. All of the proceeds from fundraising events and programs sponsored by the Friends of the Library are used to support programming at all branches of our Santa Clarita public libraries.
By giving our youth access to high-quality summer learning experiences with the Summer Reading Program, we are ensuring they return the next school year well prepared. We hope you’ll take advantage of these free and wonderful summer resources. What we learn becomes a part of who we are, so keep on learning, no matter your age.
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, please visit SCVSummerReading.com. For more information on the Santa Clarita Public Library, please visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com.
Bill Miranda is a Santa Clarita City Council member and can be reached at: [email protected].
