Summer Discovery Program

With the help from the Dakota County Library Foundation, Dakota County Library inspires thousands of youth to read and learn with Summer Discovery—the Library’s summer reading and learning program. 

In 2022, the Library distributed more than 16,000 free books to youth, ages birth to 18 during the Summer Discovery program, which encourages summer reading and learning. In addition to a book, participants received a reading and learning activity guide designed for their age group. To support Summer Discovery and summer events, 100 teens volunteered with the Library’s Volunteen Program, which provides leadership opportunities and activities to develop teens’ skills and interests.

In 2020 and 2021, foundation funding helped transform the Summer Discovery Program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support youth and families during this challenging time. Foundation funding allowed the library work with schools and partners to provide books and a learning activity log directly to youth who face transportation and other barriers to easily visiting the library. Youth were also able to pick up a book and reading activity log at any of the library’s nine locations. 

Summer Discovery is designed to increase confidence in reading, encourage youth to develop an appreciation for reading, and learn something new.  Studies of children's and teens’ reading development cite the importance of extensive, successful reading experiences in the development of reading proficiency (source: Public Library Summer Reading Programs Close the Reading Gap published by Dominican University). By providing free books and distributing reading and learning activity logs, Summer Discovery helps increase access to quality reading materials and provide a literacy and learning-rich experience for all Dakota County youth.

2020 Success

Over 13,000 youth participated in Dakota County Library’s Summer Discovery program this year by picking up a book and learning activity log outside any library location during open hours. In addition, 10,000 youth received a book and learning activity log distributed through school meal programs at Farmington Area Public Schools, Hastings Public Schools, Inver Grove Heights Schools, Lakeville Area Schools, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools, and Independent School District 197. All school districts primarily in Dakota County were eligible to participate. 

2021 Success

More than 20,000 books were distributed to children and teens across Dakota County, along with a learning activity logs. Distribution took place at the library’s nine locations and through partnerships with school districts, Lewis House Family Shelter locations, and the Community Development Agency housing to create greater access to the program.