News Update

First Partner Jennifer Newsom launches statewide summer book club with local libraries

California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will launch a new 10-week summer book club starting June 7 in partnership with local libraries throughout the state, she announced Wednesday.

The First Partner’s Summer Book Club will feature 23 books for children ages 3-12 that teach children social and emotional learning tools and highlight key values such as diversity, self-love and acceptance, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. Some of the featured books are New York Times Bestseller Eyes That Kiss in the Corner, Outside Inside and Laxmi’s Mooch.

The California State Library is funding a bookshelf of books from the First Partner’s Summer Book Club list for every library.

“Summer reading programs are crucial tools to keep our children engaged and help unlock their curiosity and passion for learning,” Newsom said. “Through these fun, free summer activities, entire families can build community connections, while children establish a solid foundation for the next academic year.”

Newsom or a special guest will go live every Monday on the Governor’s YouTube Channel for a virtual story time, reading from the books. Local libraries will also hold their own summer reading activities as part of the statewide book club.

Children who tune into the virtual story time or read a book from the club’s booklist will be awarded a First Partner’s Summer Book Club badge through their local library’s summer reading program.


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