Article submitted by San Diego County Library
Book to Action is a series of San Diego County Library programs focused on promoting civic engagement and positive peer and mentor relationships among youth. The program began in January 2018 and is presented in partnership with local non-profit Reality Changers with funding support from the California Center for the Book.
"Book to Action is about pushing for positivity and connecting youth with community leaders and interesting stories,” said Missy Solis, Spring Valley Library Branch Manager. “Our goal is to inspire young people to get involved and speak up about what matters to them."
Spring Valley Branch Library staff learned about a few instances of bullying at local schools and saw an opportunity to support positive relationships in the community. Events take place monthly at the library and open up a space for teens to engage with ideas, learn from community leaders, and participate in service projects. Book to Action is founded on the idea that young people have great contributions to make and are full of potential.
Book to Action events this spring included a presentation on self-care by Mental Health America of San Diego and a Day of Library Service, where a group of youth joined library staff in organizing books, tidying up the library and learning about librarianship as a possible career path.
The Spring Valley Branch Library hosted San Diego poet Felicia Williams, who did a reading, and Kate Schatz, author of Rad American Women A-Z. Schatz discussed rebels, trailblazers, and visionary women who shaped American history. "It was extremely inspiring to see teens and adults engaging with this author and activist," one attendee noted.
Upcoming Book to Action events include:
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