A selection of new and creative summer programming models in California libraries.
(California librarians: is your library taking a new and innovative approach to summer reading, learning, and programming? Please tell us!)
Statewide
Lunch at the Library
Lunch at the Library helps libraries establish themselves as successful summer meal sites. The program provides children and teens with regularly-scheduled, healthy meals through the USDA summer meal program, positive role models, access to summer learning and enrichment opportunities, and volunteer opportunities. It brings new families to the library and is a catalyst for community partnerships. Find out more.
Summer Matters Partnership: Libraries and Community Based Summer Learning Programs
Summer Matters is the first ever statewide campaign focused on creating and expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities for all California students. CLA and public libraries in Fresno, Gilroy, Oakland, Los Angeles, Orland, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Whittier and Willows worked with the Summer Matters campaign to make summer reading and library visits integral parts of California’s high quality summer learning programs. Successes and lessons learned have been developed into a guide to help public libraries and community-based summer learning programs to developing meaningful summer partnerships. Find out more.
Stories from California’s Libraries
Burbank Public Library
Burbank Public Library’s Readers’ Theater program is a hit with local teens and provides them with opportunities to develop their social, emotional, and leadership skills. Find out more.
San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco Public Library’s three-month Summer Stride program includes a partnership with the National Park Service and more than 800 learning and exploration programs across the city. Find out more.
San José Public Library
San José Public Library developed an eight-week game-based literacy initiative that is popular with youth and families. Find out more.
Online Summer @ Your Library Promotion
Creative examples of online summer reading promotion by California libraries. Click on the library name to view the video.