July ’21 – Summer Reading Programs for Children and Adults

PPL was proud to partner again on the city’s Passport to Summer Learning program. This year, the innovative program, in its eighth year, took a hybrid approach to learning as Rhode Island emerges from the pandemic. Together with the Community Libraries of Providence, the Providence Public School Department and Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s Office, PPL collaborated with other community organizations around the city to provide free access to books, as well as to an engaging and creative mix of enrichment opportunities that are designed to keep students reading, learning and exploring from June 28 to August 20. In total, 8,000 takeaway bags tailored with thematic materials and activities were created and distributed over eight weeks. We engaged youth who are most in need of additional support and enrichment: 80.1% of participants were eligible for free or reduced lunch; 33.1% were English language learners; and 10.7% were students with disabilities. The vast majority (87%) were children of color from diverse backgrounds.

In addition, we kicked off our Escape with PPL Adult Summer Reading Challenge for adults, encouraging readers to sign up on Beanstack to log reading minutes, write book reviews and more fun activities with the chance to win some great gifts upon completion of 12 activity badges.