The Seattle Public Library plays a key role in providing learning activities and reading programs for children, teens and their families during the summer months. Last year, 11,352 youth and families benefited from 345 programs organized by branches across the Library system.
This year’s Summer of Learning, with a theme of “Make a Splash!” focuses on nature, the importance of water and the ways that local youth can act to make a positive impact in the community and on the environment.
Librarians, teaching artists and educators will facilitate hands-on STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs along with the Library’s traditional reading and literacy programs. (Fun fact: more 13,000 books were purchased and distributed as part of the program last year!)
Generous supporters like you make these programs available to families. For 2018, the Foundation has committed more than $385,000 to support program materials, books and staffing for summer learning programs.
Local youth also have played a key role in shaping this year’s program. Youth were hired to help create content for the children’s Summer Action Guide. The guide illustrates how youth can make a difference by participating in the Special Olympics (being held in Seattle this summer), as well as how youth are working to improve our community by taking on environmental stewardship projects, such as volunteering as a seal sitter.
To learn more about the Summer of Learning program, visit the newly redesigned Library website at spl.org.
To support programs like this, click here.