Libraries countywide increased the number of children and adults participating in summer reading programs by 11 percent from 2017 to 2018.

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. During the summer months, libraries offered reading programs that included incentives for meeting reading challenges.

Countywide, 55,327 people participated at all 32 San Bernardino County library branches and the libraries in the cities of Redlands, Colton, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga,  San Bernardino, Upland and Victorville up from 49,821 participants in 2017. The numbers exceed the 50,000 proposed goal set by the Vision2Read literacy campaign.

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. 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 the their potential, the local economy can continue to prosper and the county will have a more educated work force to attract employers to our region.

Visit Vision2Read.com for additional information about the campaign, literacy resources and a listing of all libraries countywide.

Join the San Bernardino County Library System, San Bernardino City Libraries, Colton City Library, Upland City Library, and the Redlands A.K. Smiley Library as we partner with Baker’s Drive-Thru to promote reading among children and teens throughout San Bernardino County. The Baker’s Book Club program is underway through Saturday, Nov. 17. This program encourages students to read in all communities across the county.

To participate in this program, visit any of the 32 San Bernardino County Branch Libraries, San Bernardino City Branch Libraries, Colton City Library, Upland City Library, or Redlands A.K. Smiley Library to sign up. Participants must be between the ages of 4 and 17, and a parent or guardian will need to sign to acknowledge reading accomplishments. A voucher for a free Baker’s food item will be issued as reading goals are met. Each child and teen may earn a total of three awards and vouchers for the duration of the program.

In support of the Countywide Vision’s Vision2Read literacy campaign, this program will help to improve literacy among children ages 4 to 17, with the help of incentives, by inspiring an excitement to read, providing achievement goals,  and encouraging a reading routine.

The San Bernardino County Library System is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County library system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.

The library plays a key role in the achievement of the Countywide Vision, by contributing to educational, cultural, and historical development of our County community.

For more information on the San Bernardino County Library system, please visit http://www.sbclib.org/ or call (909) 387-2220.