SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Where else can you find fun, adventure, and amazing new worlds all for free? In a library book and a national park. San Francisco Public Library and The National Park Service (NPS) have teamed up this summer to keep children and families reading, creating, and exploring all summer long.
The NPS is marking its 100th birthday in 2016 and one of the primary partners for the Centennial year at GGNRA is the San Francisco Library System. In celebration of the wonders of the national parks, the SF Public Library is positioning its annual summer reading program, Summer Stride: Read, Create, Explore to ensure that youth and families spend time reading and learning as well as exploring national parks. Summer Stride kicks off May 7 at the Junior Ranger Jamboree at Crissy Field and will continue until August 13.
As part of this partnership, rangers from the GGNRA will be leading ranger talks at all 28 San Francisco Public Libraries this summer. In addition, patrons can join a park ranger on a free shuttle from nine neighborhood branch libraries to local national parks.
“The 100th anniversary of the National Park Service’s founding has been a great catalyst to form new partnerships and opportunities for introducing the next generation to the parks,” said Christine Lehnertz, Superintendent of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. “This partnership with the San Francisco Public Library is a fantastic way for kids and their families to get to know the national parks in their backyard. We are excited to invite patrons of the libraries to participate in special Centennial events throughout Golden Gate National Recreation Area.”
“Here at Golden Gate, the Parks Conservancy and NPS is dedicated to building our innovative programming that will reach new audiences and connect the parks with new people—two key goals of the NPS Centennial,” said Greg Moore, President & CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
“We are so excited to partner with NPS to provide San Francisco families with the opportunity to spend their summer reading, learning, and exploring at their libraries and their parks,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera. “We know that children who spend their summers reading, learning, and engaging in creative activities can return to school in August more academically prepared for the next grade level.”
Below is a list of our diverse programs with the SF Public Libraries:
San Francisco Public Library Summer Stride
As part of a robust partnership with San Francisco Public Library, the 2016 summer reading program for kids (and adults!) will center on the national parks. The program will kick off with a Junior Ranger "swearing in" ceremony on Crissy Field in May. Complete the challenge to become an official “Reading Ranger” and receive a Centennial commemorative tote!
Library Trailheads
In summer 2016, visit the trailheads at seven libraries throughout the city to discover activities and events in the parks; learn how to get free shuttle bus rides from libraries to park sites; and find the best reads about parks, the outdoors, and adventure. Visit your local library and experience a small slice of the national park experience.
Park Book Nooks
Ten Little Free Libraries are scattered throughout the park at some of the best reading spots in the outdoors. Visit Book Nooks to participate in the free book exchange! Also, take your picture and show the pic at any park store or visitor center to receive your free commemorative Centennial item.
Community Ranger Talks
All summer long, National Park Service rangers will visit every branch of the San Francisco Public Library system and bring the joy and wonder of the parks to neighborhoods all across the city.
For a full outline of all Centennial-related events, check: http://www.parksconservancy.org/nps100/
About the National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior charged with managing the preservation and public use of America’s most significant natural, scenic, historic, and cultural treasures. The NPS manages the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, as well as 408 other park sites across the U.S. www.nps.gov/goga.
About the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is the nonprofit membership organization that supports the Golden Gate National Parks—the most visited unit in the national park system in the U.S. Since 1981, the Parks Conservancy has provided over $300 million in aid for site transformations, habitat restorations, research and conservation, volunteer and youth engagement, and interpretive and educational programs. The Conservancy’s work is made possible through the dedication of its members and donors; contributions from foundations, businesses, public agencies, and generous individuals, as well as earned income from the operation of park stores, cafes, and tours. Learn more at parksconservancy.org or call (415) 561 3000.
