Libraries countywide increased the number of children and adults participating in summer reading programs by 28 percent, exceeding the 15 percent goal they set in support of the Vision2Read campaign.
In May, libraries throughout San Bernardino County encouraged people to sign up for library cards and join summer reading programs to help avoid a loss of reading skills that can occur during breaks in the academic school year. Throughout the summer, libraries offered reading programs and activities that included giving away rewards for meeting reading challenges.
Countywide, 47,632 people participated in summer reading programs. The top three libraries in the county with the most signups in summer reading programs were:
- Fontana Lewis Library & Technology Center – 7,525 signups
- Rancho Cucamonga City Library – 4,519 signups
- Hesperia Branch Library – 3,971 signups
“Reading throughout the year is important, but we know keeping our kids engaged during the summer months improves their academic performance,” said James Ramos, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “I’m pleased to see that summer reading programs throughout the county are continuing to get more people signed up and helping them achieve their literacy goals.”
Vision2Read, a literacy initiative of the Countywide Vision project, aims to raise the bar on literacy in our county by focusing on the importance of reading and connecting people who need help or who can help to literacy resources. Only 37 percent of San Bernardino County third graders met or exceeded California English language arts and literacy testing standards in 2016 and 32 million adults nationwide can’t read.
Literacy has an impact on a number of elements in our community such as jobs and the economy, education, public safety and wellness. When literacy skills are nurtured and encouraged, children and adults can reach their potential, the local economy can continue to prosper and the county will have a more educated workforce to attract employers to the region.
Visit Vision2Read.com for additional information about the campaign, literacy resources and a listing of all libraries countywide.