County Library Aims to Close Literacy Gap Through Summer Reading Program by San Bernardino County Library - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events

County Library Aims to Close Literacy Gap Through Summer Reading Program

By San Bernardino County Library ,
August 16, 2023 at 11:05am. Views: 318

More than 5,400 local teens and young children exceeded their weekly reading goals through the San Bernardino County Library’s summer reading program, which seeks to improve literacy rates in San Bernardino County.

“Promoting literacy is a pathway to achieving the Countywide Vision by developing an educated workforce that attracts good paying jobs to our region and improves the quality of life for all residents,” said Supervisor Dawn Rowe, chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “I am so grateful that our library staff and volunteers came together to connect our children and teens to this invaluable educational opportunity.”

Over an eight-week period, a total of 19,981 participants aged 17 and younger signed up for the summer reading program and earned prizes as they reached their weekly goals. The reading challenge included 800 pages for teens and 450 pages for children. A total of 5,429 participants exceeded their weekly goal and met the Countywide Reading Challenge, earning additional prizes.

“The summer reading program is crucial to academic success because it encourages children to keep up with reading over the summer to maintain their level of literacy from the previous school year,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “I am extremely proud to have so many of our students and young children take advantage of this important program.”

In addition to the reading challenge, county libraries also hosted age-specific programs such as children’s story times, “Little Heroes” movement-based program, craft stations, and “Discovery Times,” which included superhero-themed science-based projects.

“The County Library hosted a record-breaking 814 programs countywide,” said Orosco. “Our most popular event was Performer Days, which featured exceptional performances by Thor’s Reptiles, Arty Loon, and Noteworthy Puppets. These programs were hosted free of charge and established the county libraries as destinations for free summer fun.”

The County Library recently launched a new session of educational programs on Monday, Aug. 14. For more information, visit www.sbclib.org or call (909) 387-2220.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 453

Redlands Pottery Project joins A.K. Smiley Public Library for a November 14 workshop designed for young artists ages 13 to 18. A lump of clay may not look like much at first. In the hands of a young artist, however, it can become a bowl, a decorative sculpture or an entirely unexpected creation.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.redlands.edu/

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 599

The University of Redlands Department of Theatre and Dance will present Día de los Muertos and Other Folk Tales November 5 through 8, 2026. Stories told by grandparents often become treasured parts of a family's history. Some are humorous, others mysterious, and many carry lessons that remain meaningful long after the storyteller is gone.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.akspl.org/events/

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 601

Annual ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine will bring American history to life on November 21. On a November morning in Redlands, the sounds of fifes, drums and historic artillery will offer residents an opportunity to experience a chapter of American history that continues to influence the nation more than 160 years after the Civil War.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:18pm. Views: 341

The first years of a child's life are filled with milestones that families often remember forever. A baby's first smile, the first attempt to crawl and the first spoken words are moments of celebration. They can also bring questions, uncertainty and new responsibilities for parents learning how to care for a growing child.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.csusb.edu/

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 405

CSUSB’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has earned recognition for it for its work to create a more inclusive, diverse and supportive physics department, earning the Bronze Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science Physics & Astronomy SEA Change program.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 998

Operation Green Light returns November 4–11, encouraging residents to recognize military service and help veterans connect with available resources. As darkness settles over San Bernardino during the first week of November, green lights will illuminate several county buildings, transforming familiar government facilities into visible reminders of the sacrifices made by America's military veterans.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI Illustration

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 1789

Running shoes, colorful clothing and a willingness to have fun will take center stage in Moreno Valley on Saturday, November 14, when the city hosts its 2026 Fun Color Run at the Civic Center Amphitheater. Residents will have a chance to experience an event where the goal is not necessarily to finish first, but to participate, laugh and cross the finish line with a colorful memory of their community.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stevenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 02:49pm. Views: 324

Senator Cervantes presented the funding to City officials during a check presentation at Morrison Park earlier today.

Photo Courtesy of: CIty News Group - Illustrative image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 02:49pm. Views: 228

For elementary school students, the opportunity to represent their school in a sporting event can become one of the most memorable experiences of the academic year. The excitement of preparing with classmates, stepping onto a field and hearing encouragement from teachers and family members can give children a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 02:49pm. Views: 272

The city's Office of Emergency Management has scheduled a sandbag filling event for Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to the city's emergency management website, participants may obtain up to 25 free sandbag.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 02:49pm. Views: 279

When electricity fails, cellular networks become overloaded or ordinary communications systems are disrupted, the ability to exchange information can become one of the most important resources available during an emergency. Moreno Valley is preparing residents to better understand an alternative form of communication through an amateur radio training course scheduled for November 6 and 7.

Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District / EDJOIN

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 02:49pm. Views: 271

A decision affecting the future of educational options in Moreno Valley is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, when the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education considers a charter school petition involving Options for Youth – Moreno Valley.

--> -->