Summer and Libraries: Closing the Learning Gap

Kids who don’t use their school skills in summer lose ground by the time they head back to the classroom. Children from low-income families may never overcome the impact of this "summer learning slide." Bridging the economic gap with free activities for all children has been the driving force behind library summer programs for more than half a century.

Reading was the key focus. Reading books kept young minds active, brought new adventures, tweaked the imagination, and inspired many a child’s lifetime interests. Summer reading still does all these great things, but now life is more complex, and reading requires more than the traditional ABCs.

Picture books, novels, games, and detailed ‘how-to’ handbooks are all downloadable now, and new technologies demand new skills for learners of all ages. Even young children benefit from exposure to the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). From infancy on, these concepts can be introduced through structured learning activities that also help kids develop the social and cognitive skills essential to thrive in tomorrow’s rapidly changing environment. Learning these concepts early in life gives them a solid foundation for the future. Using this knowledge while school's out strengthens and reinforces what they learn during the academic year, and gives them a head start when they go back to school in the fall. 

According to the STEM Education Coalition, without strong reading and STEM skills, teens aren't prepared for even entry-level jobs. After a dozen years of compounded 'summer slide,' their chances of catching up are minimal. For many, the library is the only place outside of school where kids can go--for free--to find interesting reading, activities, access to computers, and the chance to discover, explore, and master new ideas. That's why libraries play a crucial role in long-range economic development for individuals and communities.

Respected as public institutions, libraries are natural starting points for innovative approaches to continuous learning. Ideally suited to collaborate with other educational and cultural organizations, libraries also can partner with potential employers to develop effective ways to "grow" skilled employees in their own communities through activities that reinforce academic curriculum, focus on STEM subjects, and bridge the learning gap for kids from all income groups.

In western Washington, the King County Library System (KCLS) is taking a new approach to summer learning through structured programs for babies, elementary schoolers, and teens. Research conducted by the Metropolitan Group (MG) explored corollary learning components—comprehension and developmental skills, and potential community partnerships—to design summer library activities that support long-term educational goals.

The result? Each 2014 KCLS summer learning element focuses on STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math) categories, and incorporates individual and collaborative activities that engage thinking, emotional, and physical components to help children with different learning styles. Each event and all supporting materials include opportunities for reading, discovery, and making things using STEM concepts. The combination builds essential skills in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

To extend their reach and provide a more integrated, community-based approach to summer learning, KCLS' summer learning incorporates collaborative partnerships, programs, and sponsorships with other learning organizations, including the Woodland Park Zoo, Kids Quest Children’s Museum, Reach Out & Read, Let’s Read!, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the King County Library System Foundation, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Because each age group has specific learning requirements and targeted developmental skills, KCLS offers three summer learning activity sets: Birth to preschool, kindergarten through sixth grade, and teens, each with age-appropriate components and skill-building goals.  

While KCLS programs serve residents of King County, Washington, community libraries everywhere are ideal summer learning partners. Discover how your nearest library is helping children enjoy learning throughout the summer.  

Coming Soon: Age-specific library summer learning programs

• The First Five Years: Early Learning Guide for parents with babies and toddlers.
• Libraries and Summer Learning: The best investment in your kid's future
• Teens and Summer Learning: Libraries tap into creativity to sharpen teens' STEM skills 

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