Libraries are grand places to be in the summer for children and adults. The Santa Cruz Public Libraries 2024 summer theme is READ RENEW REPEAT and there will be programs, activities, and books about recycling and caring for the environment. The fun begins in June so check in at your local branch or the library website for details. We even heard that there will be a pirate who is also a ventriloquist!!!
One important READ RENEW REPEAT program is R.E.A.D. (Reach Every Amazing Detail). R.E.A.D. is SCPL’s reading and comprehension program for students grades 1-12 and it runs year round in the Aptos, Live Oak, Scotts Valley, Branciforte, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Downtown and Felton Branches. Bilingual English/Spanish tutoring is offered at the Live Oak and Branciforte Branches.
Students receive 25 minutes of individual instruction from a California credentialed teacher.
Andria Gordon has been a tutor with R.E.A.D. since the beginning and her mantra is “You can be successful.” The first thing she does is stroll around the library with the student to discover what is interesting to the young person and then together they find a book at the student’s current reading level and begin.
Tutor Marjorie Bowles agrees. “I have enjoyed getting the graphic novel alongside the original book. The student can read the first chapter of the book and then look at the graphic novel. Right away the student sees all the detail that is left out. What a revelation!”
“The library is the perfect place for this program. Children see the books! Children see people of all ages checking out books,” Marjorie points out and Andria agrees. Both tutors have inspiring stories of successful students who are conquering their reading challenges with this vital one-to-one help.
Tutoring sessions are offered by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713.
Librarian Julie Soto also reminds us that as students gain confidence and fluency, the Library is there with additional books, materials, and programs to encourage students to pursue their interests.
The Friends are enthusiastic supporters of Summer Reading and the R.E.A.D service. We raise the funds that make Summer Reading happen in our branches, bookmobile and outreach sites and we raise the money that pays the credentialed tutors who are contributing their skills and experience to the success of our students.
You are a Friend! Please help us offer these essential opportunities. Monthly donations make such a difference to ongoing work and one-time donations are wonderful ways to honor families, friends, and accomplishments. Thank you for making a difference to readers of all ages.
Please donate today at fscpl.org/donate. Or mail your contribution to FSCPL, P.O. Box 8472, Santa Cruz, CA 95061.
-Janis O’Driscoll, President
