The Santa Clara County Library District is trying to combat the “summer slide” by offering free summer reading programs and themed events that promote reading, science, critical thinking skills and fun for students of all grade levels.
“Parents realize that most children experience a learning loss during their summer break, which can harm their academics over time,” said President of the Board of Supervisors Mike Wasserman, who represents District 1 and is a delegate on the County Library District Join Powers Authority. “We invite everyone to participate in our free library summer programs and enjoy a variety of new learning experiences.
The term “summer slide” is used to describe a detrimental lapse in learning experienced by students when they return to school in the fall. Studies have shown that children who read at least five books over the summer can combat learning loss, according to the SCCLD press release.
Five science-themed programs designed by the SCCLD for this summer are:
—“Fizz, Boom, Read” for parents and pre-readers
—“Children: Fizz, Boom, Read” for ages 0-12
—“Make It Pop” for grades 5-7
—“Spark a Reaction” for ages 13-18
—“Literary Elements” for adults 18 and older
The summer reading program, which is available at the Morgan Hill Public Library (660 W. Main Ave.), runs from June 1 through Aug. 31.
Individuals and families can register online at sccl.org and participants who log the completion of five books will be entered to win a Google Nexus Tablet or an iPad mini.
In addition, all SCCLD libraries will be offering free, engaging science activities and programs throughout the summer.
In Morgan Hill, some free summer programs include:
—The Science of Cooking with the Culinary Dude, 4 p.m., June 21;
—The Hunt for the Next Earth with Dr. Quinn Konopacky of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., July 19;
—Portable Planetarium from the Chabot Space and Science Center, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. showings, July 26;
—Bring Your Own Baby Book Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., June 30, July 28, Aug. 25;
—Books with Dessert Book Club, 7:30 p.m., June 30, July 28, Aug. 25.
