Summer is Almost Over

by Christine Volker

As many of you know, during summer, the library is busier than ever delivering programs, trying to reach kids and teens when they’re out of school and adults, as always.

The latest results from our elementary schools in Richmond on the California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance shows that on average, across schools, 47% of students are not meeting the English Language Arts/Literacy standard.   For our public high schools, outcomes are similar.

These underline how much more work we need to do to prepare our youth for better futures. Library programs are part of that.

Below is a sampling of the library’s programs this summer:

50 Story Times took place, with 1,631 children in attendance

In 17 sessions, the Reading Heroes program, aimed at improving children’s reading skills, served a total of 321 children. This was accomplished by volunteers contributing 192.5 hours.

250 kids participated in the Summer Reading Game, with drawing prizes by the Friends.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshops took place in August with a total of 63 kids who built circuits and towers with provided materials.

Additionally, 776 people enjoyed specialized children’s programs and other activities sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Public Library.

For adults, a well-attended author talk by Mary Monroe, financial and legal seminars, along with Summer Reading Games for both adults and teens rounded out the offerings.

And, for kids of all ages, two distinguished professors, pictured below, led eager participants on Pokémon Go Safaris!