Celebrating Summer Reading
Foellinger Foundation has supported the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Summer Learning Program since 1985! This program celebrates science, play, arts, reading, and more by inviting youth, adults, and families from Allen County to compete in reading challenges and participate in activities to win prizes. This year’s program runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.
“Foellinger Foundation has championed the library’s Summer Learning Program from its very beginnings with Signature Grants,” explained Sarah Strimmenos, Foellinger Foundation President & CEO. “These grants are invitation-only and provide necessary funding for programs that perfectly align with our mission and create overwhelmingly positive results. We’re proud to continue to support this crucial program as it celebrates this incredible milestone.”
Since 1985, Foellinger Foundation has awarded nearly $9.1 million in Signature Grants to the Allen County Public Library's Summer Learning Program.
“Foellinger Foundation’s longstanding support of the Summer Learning Program has been instrumental in shaping its success,” said Susan Baier, Executive Director of the Allen County Public Library. “Their unwavering commitment has provided countless opportunities for Allen County youth and families to learn, grow, and thrive during the summer months.”
The Summer Learning Program acts as a bridge between school years, promoting educational skills in all young people and preventing the “summer slide.” Research indicates that students who do not participate in learning activities over the summer tend to fall behind their peers when they return to school in the fall. In addition to reaching young children and families, the Summer Learning Program also employs teens through its Team Read initiative. This component provides teens with income, social and soft skills training, communication skills development, financial literacy education, and additional lifelong skills.
Susan continued, “This early employment opportunity connects local teens with youth across the county for daily reading and mentorship opportunities. Because of Foellinger Foundation’s generosity, we’ve been able to turn the library, local recreation centers, parks, and more into hubs of discovery, creativity, and connection for our entire community.”
The Summer Learning Program is available at all library branches in Allen County, reaching more than 17,000 individuals in 2024. Additionally, the library provides free lunch and snacks from Monday to Friday and hosts Blessings in a Backpack on Fridays during the summer at select locations to distribute bags of ready-to-eat food for the weekends, helping school-aged children who might otherwise go hungry.
“Our hope for every Allen County resident who participates in the Summer Learning Program is that they discover the joy of reading, the power of imagination, and a lifelong love of learning,” said Susan. “We want to support academic success, economic development, and the continued success of the community we love. To do that, we need a robust system of education and learning. Summer Learning Program is one way we ‘do our part’ and support the success of Allen County.
“We believe that whether you're five or 95, there's something magical about getting lost in a good book, and we’re here to help make that magic happen every day,” said Susan. “When people slow down over the summer, travel, and spend more time together, it is the perfect opportunity to pick up a book or attend a library program and celebrate the power of stories.”
To learn more about the Summer Learning Program or other offerings at the library, visit www.acpl.lib.in.us/readingprograms.