If registration numbers for the San Jose Public Library’s summer learning program and book giveaways are good indicators, the library is seeing a spike in reading interest.  

The library said Wednesday there’s a 26 percent increase in the program’s pre-registration numbers compared to last year. 

The program, which officially kicked-off June 1st and will conclude July 31, was boosted by extra outreach, as the library said in a statement it’s eager to get back to pre-pandemic numbers. 

The library said it’s registered more than 5,000 people of all ages and reading levels to participate in the program and has seen nearly 72,500 reading minutes tracked in the first three days.  

The library said its goal for this year’s summer learning program is to surpass last year’s 10,000 sign-ups and four million minutes read.  

SJPL also said it’s seen a significant increase of more than 80 percent in the number of free books library staff gave away during this year’s pre-registration period, compared to last year.  

The library has distributed more than 2,000 books via outreach events, school class visits, and other community events this year. The library has hosted more than 200 summer learning events scheduled across all 25 library locations, which are offered for free and in multiple languages. 

SJPL programs include an educational component, aiming to encourage a life-long love of learning and reading, as well as fun family entertainment, such as programs with snakes, performances by tropical birds, and petting zoos.  

The summer learning program was specially designed by expert librarians and staff to encourage reading and help prevent students from falling behind in their academics during summer break.  

The library said studies show students can lose up to 40 percent of what they learned during the school year, which it says is known as the “summer slide.”  

To help combat the summer slide, families are encouraged to register for summer learning online or in person by visiting any SJPL location.  

Prizes are offered as incentives to join and participate and vary, based on age groups and include video projectors, drones, and tickets to a San Francisco Giants baseball game or a Bay FC women’s soccer match.  

People can also participate in SJPL’s annual Graphic Novel Making Contest and Cosplay on Display contest for a chance to win more prizes.