San Rafael, CA – Marin County parents with youngsters know that at-home learning during the summertime is critical for kindergarten readiness and early literacy. That’s why several agencies are teaming up to provide free summer learning backpacks for kids aged 2 to 5 in a special distribution through June 26.
The collaboration is between the Learning Bus of the Marin County Free Library (MCFL), First 5 Marin Children and Families Commission,[External] and the Bay Area Discovery Museum[External]. The backpacks are being distributed at engaging family events across the county that celebrate, learning, reading, art, and play.
The free backpacks are stocked with essential learning tools such as a notebook, markers, colored pencils, crayons, pencils, sharpener, eraser, scissors, and glue stick; a matching lunchbox will also be included. For the third consecutive year, the backpack set will be available to children ages 2 to 5; younger children will receive a “busy book” and other developmental/early learning toys with activities to promote dexterity and early learning.
The “Try It Truck” will be at the Novato event on June 25th. It is an engineering lab-on-wheels, providing hands on early engineering experiences to children. Families will work together to engage in a three-step engineering design process that supports their child’s creativity, collaboration, and innovation!
Families will receive complimentary passes generously provided by the Bay Area Discovery Museum, granting them access to enriching museum experiences.
At the heart of these events lies the spirit of play, with hands-on sensory exploration, bubble fun, and interactive sessions aboard the Learning Bus. The Bay Area Discovery Museum will feature STEM play installations, inviting parents and children to indulge in curiosity and collaborative play.
“This annual celebration of school readiness across the county is one of MCFL’s favorite events, especially with key partners such as the First 5 Marin Children and Families Commission and the Bay Area Discovery Museum,” said Lana Adlawan, MCFL Director. “Collectively, we’re committed to ensuring student success and uplifting the joy in learning for all young children in Marin. With school supplies, museum passes, and library resources, we set the stage for hundreds of children to have a successful start to summer and the next school year.”
The generosity of Friends of the Marin County Free Library has made it possible to procure bilingual books, ensuring a culturally rich selection for children to choose from at the event.
The summer events will include the Learning Bus, outdoor storytime, theater or musical performances by bilingual artists, and free books. Here is the schedule:
- Thursday, June 20, 10 a.m., Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
- Friday, June 21, 2 PM, Mesa Park, Mesa Road, Bolinas
- Tuesday, June 25, 10 AM, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Boulevard
- Wednesday, June 26, 10 AM, Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Drive
The Learning Bus, a free drop-in mobile program, delivers bilingual activities that support early childhood development through exploration, stories, songs, games, art, and lots of fun. Classes are designed for children up to 5 years old and provide a great opportunity for parents to engage with their children while preparing them for school.
MCFL strives to be the preferred place for local children, families and caregivers to connect, learn and grow together. Learn more online about MCFL’s Summertime program for kids and pick up your free Adventure Journal at any local library.
Would you like to contribute to the Summer Learning Backpacks Program? Your contribution will help fund the distribution of free bilingual books to young children. Check out the Friends of the Marin County Free Library webpage.
