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The Santa Cruz Public Libraries' (SCPL) Summer Reading Program; READING BY Design began June 1 and runs through August 18th. In add-on to providing reading incentives for youth ages 0-17, SCPL offers LIBRARY BINGO for adults, who are encouraged to complete 5 activities on a library bingo menu for chances in a county broad raffle.

This yr'due south theme, READING Past DESIGN, celebrates our ability to create wonders from our imaginations. From craft, to scientific discipline and technology, we invite the entire canton to spend the summer discovering a wide range of fun and educational experiences.

Reading By Design Logo

Participants are encouraged to read books of their ain choosing, listen to sound books, or be read to. Young participants set their own goals and consummate every bit much or every bit petty of the twenty-hour incentive program as they wish. Adults accept their choice of fun activities featured in LIBRARY BINGO. Incentive prizes are available for all age groups. Immature participants may earn upwards to twenty "Book BUCKS," one for each 60 minutes of reading (or listening) logged. Book Bucks may be 'spent' on appurtenances and services at dozens of local businesses. For the total list of business organisation sponsors go to santacruzpl.org/srp). Participants may sign up beginning June 1st in person at any branch Library, on the Bookmobile, or online at scrap.ly/SCPL-SummerReading.

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In 2016, Summer Reading Program participants earned over 35,000 BOOK BUCKs, an average of over xviii hours of reading per reader. Local businesses donated approximately $xxx,000 in appurtenances and services to support reading and learning in Santa Cruz! One parent surveyed in 2016 reported, "Its like shooting fish in a barrel, fun, my kids honey being read to, and we had a fun "spend our volume bucks" day out together while too spending boosted money supporting local businesses and trying new ones."

Summer Reading is made possible through the California State Library, the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and iREAD (www.ireadprogram.org) resources. All ages may register for the plan starting June 1st at whatsoever 1 of our 10 branch libraries, the bookmobile, or online at chip.ly/SCPL-SummerReading.

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FREE Programs @your library

READING BY Blueprint features an extensive line-up of special events for people of all ages at branch library locations throughout the county. In 2016, over 8,000 participants attended more than 240 free programs at neighborhood libraries. Programs this year include a series of workshops past Tannery Earth Dance and Cultural Center, film screenings, gardening workshops, Jungle James, magicians, crafts, a sand castle workshop, puppet theater, a visit with Oliver the Parrot, and more!

Festival of the Book:

The almanac Festival of the Book, celebrating reading for all in Santa Cruz, will feature Acrobatic Storytelling by Nikki Borodi, a Tales to Tails dog, face painting, crafts, and a Kids Only Volume Sale. All children who participate in the Summertime Reading Program receive a free volume at the festival. This twelvemonth, lite snacks volition be provided instead of a hot dog. Join us at Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St • Sun, July 30th • 1-4pm.

WHY practise we practise this?

Summer reading programs assist prevent learning loss. Reading for pleasance is essential for learners of all ages to become better readers, writers and critical thinkers. Reading just 5 books a summer can prevent 'summer slide' (www.ireadprogram.org/resources/prevent-summer-slide).

More than 80% of parents surveyed in 2016 "strongly agreed" with the statement that they would recommend the summer reading program to others. Ane parent said, "I call up it is a great incentive for those kids who don't choose to read on their own. My stepson isn't a reader, but this plan helped to motivate him. He read Hatchet and really enjoyed the volume. For him, filling in the reading program paper was a great mode to admit his hard work. My daughter, who loves reading, looks forrad to the program every summer. It's a corking reward for doing something she already loves to exercise!"

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