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Nov 9 - Dec 31, 2023

Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries

Mission

The Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries believes in the power of libraries to enrich and change the lives of Monterey County residents, each of whom deserves equal access to information that will open windows to a larger world. The Foundation’s mission is to assure and accelerate the mission of the MCFL system by providing resources and outreach.

The Big Idea

It is imperative to support continued literacy work in the summer to address
the learning loss that has occurred for many of our youth as a result of the pandemic years, and socioemotional impacts. Studies have proven that reading 4 to 6 books over the summer helps readers maintain skills, and reading 10 to 20 books helps improve skills. Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) facilitate the reading component, which provides book giveaways and prizes for completing 6 hours of reading, and hosts a number of cultural performances at all branches throughout the county, with recent performers including Onye African Drumming and Cascada de Flores. Activity bags are also distributed, with themes ranging from science and art, which encourage family participation and foster literacy.

The number of participants has been growing each year as families and youth recognize the fun and importance of reading during the summer!

We are writing to tell you what an impact the “Drumming with Onye” program had in bringing our community together to introduce the Summer Reading Club! Having an activity at the Bookmobile makes a huge difference in attendance and we were so thankful to have Onye to energize all our attendees! We are looking forward to more activities in conjunction with our Summer Reading Program at our Bookmobile!

- Rose and Mike Lovell