San Diego City Wire

The San Diego County Library's Summer Learning Challenge has returned, offering participants the opportunity to read, learn, and earn prizes. The "Read, Learn, Create" challenge began on Saturday and will continue through August 31. Participation is open to all ages.

Individuals can register online or at any of the 33 county libraries. Participants are encouraged to read books and engage in various activities for a chance to win prizes such as achievement badges, new books, or library tote bags. The primary objective of the challenge is to motivate children and teenagers to read during their summer break, helping prevent the "summer slide," where students may lose academic progress made during the school year.

Participants can pick up a printed “learning log” in one of eight languages from a county library branch or print one out at home to track their progress. Over three months, they can document their reading and completed activities in this log. Activities include visiting websites, submitting drawings, trying new recipes, among others. Both books and activities are available in English and Spanish.

Achievement badges can be earned by completing four out of five educational activities, reading books for several hours, submitting book reviews, or through a combination of these tasks. Each badge is worth five points; accumulating ten points allows participants to choose between a free book or a library tote bag.

Additionally, participants do not need to visit the library physically as they can access the county’s e-book collection via the Overdrive platform or Libby app using their library card. Those without a county library card can obtain one online or at any branch using their cell phone number.

To join the Summer Learning Challenge, individuals can visit any county branch library or sign up online at sdcl.org/summer. More information about programs and activities offered by the County Library is available on its webpage.