​'Reading by Design' Comes to Los Altos Libraries

From SCCL: With the school year almost at an end, it can be easy to slip into the long, lazy days of summer as soon as the first vacation day arrives. But don’t become too complacent, cautions educators and librarians alike. Summer is a great time to keep the educational momentum going, ensuring readiness for the following school year and beyond.

By providing fun summer activities that also promote creativity, exploration and knowledge, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is helping kids, teens and adults stay academically current through a multitude of free programs and events offered throughout the summer.

Inspired by the creativity of authors, illustrators, builders, inventors, artists, architects and everyone else who has been instrumental in developing a more interesting, livable and beautiful world, SCCLD’s “Reading by Design” summer reading program encourages participants to explore individual creativity while designing new learning opportunities.

Promoting the love of reading, creativity and scientific discovery, this year’s “Reading by Design” program at the Los Altos and Woodland Branch libraries encourages residents to discover their creative side as they incorporate reading into their lives. By completing selected tasks and trying new activities, participants will discover an abundance of helpful library resources while enjoying enriching and creative experiences. “I’ve had such fun reading to kids at the Los Altos Library this year. And now with the school year ending, I’m looking forward to signing up for the Summer Reading and Learning Program at the Los Altos Library with my own family. Reading opens our eyes to the world and stimulates our curiosity. I hope to see you at the Library!” commented Courtenay C. Corrigan, SCCLD Joint Powers Authority Board Vice Chair and Council Member, Town of Los Altos Hills.

Participants are encouraged to sign up for the program beginning June 1, 2017 at their local library or online @ www.sccl.org. Free and open to all ages, “Reading by Design” activities will take place at all SCCLD libraries with interesting, educational and exciting programs scheduled for almost every day of summer. Activities, programs and incentives are grouped in four different categories:

• Pre-Readers 0-5
• Kids 6-12
• Teens 13-18
• Adults 18+

A sampling of events and activities offered at the Los Altos and Woodland Branch Libraries include:

Los Altos Library Children’s Programs

• Dance Around the World with Nikola Clay 6/14 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
• “Northern California Bats” 6/21 3:00 PM – 3:45 P
• Book Bag Craft 6/28 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
• The Bubble Lady 7/5 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
• Traveling Lantern Theatre 7/12 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
• Magic with Brian Scott 7/19 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
• Jungle James Animal Adventures 7/26 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
• Ventriloquist Steve Chaney 7/29 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Los Altos Library Teen Programs

• Teen Lock In 6/9 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Paint Party 7/11 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Perler Bead Designs 8/5 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Los Altos Library Adult Programs

• Photography by Design with Bob Ray 6/12 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Photo Organizing: Collect, Curate, and Celebrate Your Life 6/21 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Design Your Life with Bullet Journaling 7/20 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Woodland Branch Library Children’s Programs

• Summer Reading Bookbag Craft 6/17 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Uncle Jer’s Traveling Bee Show 7/13 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Woodland Branch Library Adult Program

• Book Crafts 7/22 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Students can experience many forms of learning loss over the summer months, with the majority losing two months or more of grade level equivalency. These few months of loss compound over the years, and can put a student behind by two years according to the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA). However, access to and participation in quality learning opportunities such as those offered for free through SCCLD’s summer reading program, can lessen this loss and even help boost a child’s scholastic abilities.

The Santa Clara County Library District’s Summer Reading Program remains one of SCCLD’s most popular programs with almost 20,000 kids and over 4,000 adults participating last summer. This summer, adults and teens will receive a free tote bag upon registration, and kids ages 1-12 who read at least 5 books over the summer can earn a museum pass (while supplies last).

Complete instructions for signing up for the reading program can be found at SCCLD’s website @ http://www.sccl.org/summer-reading. Residents are encouraged to visit the library to get a free library card, participate in fun events and read all summer long. The “Reading by Design” summer reading program begins June 1 and lasts until July 31, 2017. A complete listing for all summer related activities can be found at: http://www.sccl.org/summer-events-2017.

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