THIS SUMMER, Pittsburg is going by the book.
Well, by the books, really.
Pittsburg Summer Reads encourages all — from babies to grandparents — to make reading a part of the hot-weather season.
The Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation and the library have joined forces on this citywide event, which is designed to rally residents around reading.
The goal: get everyone on the same page — of a book, that is.
The groups want to promote "active minds over the summer break and foster an appreciation of literature."
During the first two weeks of the program, more than 1,200 people signed up, already surpassing the goal of 1,000 participants. Last year, 300 signed up for the whole summer.
The difference this year has been the aggressive outreach on the part of the foundation to get the word out about the countywide library reading program, along with Pittsburg-specific rewards, incentives, events and reading zones.
"We wanted to rally the whole Pittsburg community around summer reading," says the foundation's Alexandra Endress. "Part of the reason the program has been so successful is our local service organizations and businesses have stepped up to the plate to help out and support literacy."
Through donations and sponsorships, the foundation has set up reading zones at businesses and locations around the city where participants can read any of the eight Summer Reads books and pick up the program's information card directing them to the library to get started.
Its slogan could be "read it and reap." Rewards include treats and discounts from local businesses, including Smit's Family Restaurant, Bentoya Teryaki, La Veranda Ristorante, Steeltown Coffee, Perfect Portraits Express, Coats Barber Shop and Wright Cuts.
Participants who complete their reading logs and return them to the library are given blue "Pittsburg Summer Reads" silicon wristbands that entitle them to the discounts and rewards.
Additional prizes for kids and adults have been donated by Delta Discovery Cruises, Oakland A's and Pittsburg businesses including Baskin Robbins, Best Buy, Home Depot and the New Mecca Cafe.
As of last week, all 650 books ordered had been distributed to reading zones and given away to participants, Endress reported.
The foundation is soliciting donations so that book giveaways can continue. In the meantime, the Pittsburg Library has the books available for checkout.
And the groups are offering reading-related events throughout the summer, including an author visit from Wendy Tokuda on July 31 and a Summer Reading finale Aug. 14, during which Best Buy will sponsor a Wii tournament for all participants.
For details or to donate, go to www.pittsburgsummerreads.com, call 925-252-4968 or visit the library at 80 Power Ave.
Other area libraries are also part of the county library's summer reading program: Antioch, 501 W. 18th St., 925-757-9224; Brentwood, 104 Oak St., 925-516-5290; and Oakley, 1050 Neroly Road, 925-625-2400.
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Marc Fox
Assistant City Manager – Internal Services
City of Pittsburg
Office: (925) 252-4876
Facsimile: (925) 252-4138
Email: mfox@ci.pittsburg.ca.us
