Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1991 to try new approaches to creative grant making. In these past 19 years they have given more than $65 million to outstanding projects and grassroots organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and worldwide. Last year, through the Librarian Resource Grant, the San Pablo Library gave a book to each child who completed the Summer Reading Program. With this grant of $500, the Library will provide books to children upon completion of the Summer Reading Program to encourage and support reading throughout the summer. U.S. Census statistics indicate that 39.3% of San Pablo Residents speak Spanish in the home; based on this, children will be offered books in English and Spanish.  
  
  

The San Pablo Library will be unable to provide books to children participating in the Summer Reading Program.  

This program supports the Children Ready for and Succeeding in School community outcome established in the Children’s Report Card. With this grant, the San Pablo Library will be able to provide free books, in Spanish or English, for children to choose from and make their own. Letting children pick a book to keep during the summer inspires them to be lifelong readers. Students who continue to read through the summer months are better prepared to return to school in the fall. Research shows that early and positive experiences with books set the stage for a child’s success in learning to read. Having books in the home likewise incorporates books and reading into a family’s daily life. Public libraries play an important role in a community by providing access to books, making sure all families are able to help their child’s enjoy reading from an early age.