Whether they log in online or visit their local branch, more than 3,000 students benefit from the Boston Public Library’s summer reading programming each year. This deep commitment to summer learning was recently highlighted when the Library signed the Urban Libraries Council’s statement on equity in summer learning:
As public library leaders, we are resolved to bring about educational and social equity . . . summer learning programs play a crucial role in equitably reaching all children through intentional, systemic, and transformative library-school-community partnerships.
“Summer learning loss is a reality for many students,” says Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund. “Private funding helps prevent the ‘summer slide’ by enabling the Library to provide summer programs at all 26 locations – ensuring that children in every Boston neighborhood have access to innovative and high-quality learning opportunities when school is not in session.”
In 2022, the Boston Public Library Fund raised $29,000 for summer learning which allowed the Library to distribute take-home activities and books to help establish home libraries. Fundraising efforts for summer 2023 will kick off later this spring.
Would you like to support Summer Learning at the BPL? Make your gift to the Boston Public Library Fund today.
