Last year, San Mateo County’s Supervisors informed the Redwood City Library that they would no longer be funding our city’s Summer Learning Challenge. This is a massive setback for learning in our city, and the Library Foundation needs you to join us in responding.

You might ask – with so many other public needs out there, should summer learning be a priority? The evidence is clear and overwhelming: studies consistently show that summer reading programs improve reading, writing, and social behavior, and prevent learning loss. The Summer Learning Challenge (SLC) is an essential investment in our children’s future - and if the County won’t fund it, then we’ll have to do it.

We’re at an inflection point: if we don’t step up for Redwood City children, they will fall behind. It’s hard enough being a kid today; they can’t afford to lose this essential learning opportunity on top of all the other challenges they face. Please join us in donating to support the Redwood City Summer Learning Challenge.

Details
The Summer Learning Challenge’s costs $35,000 per year, which covers approximately 9,000 books. The Summer Learning Challenge runs from June 1 - August 31, 2025. During this time, local students in Redwood City and Redwood Shores can sign up, pledge to read a certain number of books, and receive books to build their own home libraries. During the Challenge, the Library brings in authors, speakers, and other pro-reading entertainment to ensure that kids are getting positive reinforcement for their reading - and seeing just how fun it can be!

Sponsorships
We are delighted to offer individuals, non-profits, corporations, and anyone else the opportunity to sponsor the Summer Learning Challenge. For potential sponsors looking to increase public awareness of your work, the following menu offers promotion opportunities; we are also very open to a discussion about how to shape a sponsorship that fits your needs.

Summer Learning Challenge Adoption Levels
Your support for the Summer Learning Challenge (SLC) makes a significant difference in the lives of children in our community to prevent summer learning loss. By donating to purchase books for students, or by adopting a classroom or a grade level, you help ensure that every child has the opportunity to continue learning and growing over the summer.