Redwood City would like to let you know about another groundbreaking program of the Redwood City Library Foundation — to help open the world of books to the youth of our community, the Foundation is launching its new Cards for Kids campaign to ensure that every 5th grade student in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks has a library card.

During the next few months all 5th grade classes will be visited and new cards will be issued to every student – any outstanding fines will be waived from students’ existing cards. It’s similar to the Library’s annual, extremely successful, KinderCard campaign that provides library cards to all kindergarten students.

It almost goes without saying, but research clearly shows that 5th grade is a crucial benchmark for kids in deciding to be positively involved in school, in choosing their friends, and in staying involved in the community. Using a public library – whether for homework assistance, borrowing books, using computers, attending events, or just as a safe place to be – increases the likelihood of school success. The Foundation is committed to funding those programs that touch many people and make a difference in our community’s literate and educational health.

The new Cards for Kids initiative is funded by a recently-accepted significant donation to the Library that will be used to focus on increased Library services for youth throughout the City, including storytimes at all City libraries, youth and family participation in community events, increased volunteerism, and connecting the Library and its services with students.

The Redwood City Library Foundation has a lot of wonderful, successful programs, including the Opening Day Collection of the new Redwood Shores Library, the Teen Homework Center, Traveling Storytime, providing a variety of library materials and collections, the Dad & Me in the Library program, and more. Learn about the Foundation at www.rclfdn.org.