The Library Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County was incorporated in August of 1990, as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The specific purpose of the Foundation was “to support and assist the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library with its Adult Literacy Campaign”. The library’s adult literacy program began in 1985 with government funds and the amount of government funding was gradually reduced to $0 in 1990.  The Foundation’s early focus was on raising funds to support the adult literacy program.

In 1992, the Foundation held its first fundraising event, The Trivia Bee. Since then, the Trivia Bee has been held annually. A list of winning teams and their members is attached. In addition to the funds raised by the Trivia Bee, the Foundation raises money through grants and direct solicitation. In 2000, the Foundation updated its bylaws and changed its name to The Library and Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County.  The purpose of the Foundation also changed to “Promote literacy and the general welfare of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system”, to reflect the broader purpose of the foundation.

In January 2001, the City of Stockton donated $1,000,000 to the Foundation to create an endowment for the benefit of the City of Stockton Library.  The principal amount of $1,000,000 is permanently restricted and cannot be spent, but the earnings from the endowment are available for the enhancement of library services benefiting the residents of the City of Stockton.

Over the years, the Foundation has raised funds for and supported the following programs and library services:

• Adult Literacy
• Training Wheels
• Family Day in the Park
• Big Read
• One Book One San Joaquin
• Reach Out and Read
• Summer Reading Program
• Family Reading Program
• Cultural Crossroads
• Library Books and Materials

If You Can Read, Consider Supporting the Library & Literacy Foundation So Others Can Too!

In San Joaquin County 52% of residents read below a 3rd grade level making the issue of literacy of great concern. To put this in perspective: Prescription medicine information is written at a 6th grade reading level.

The healthcare industry estimates that $73 billon dollars a year of unnecessary health care expenses are attributable to poor literacy.

American business spends $600 million each year on employees who lack basic skills in reading, writing and math. General Motors alone spent $25 million one year on remedial education and the United States military spends $70 million per year on average for basic skills for recruits.

Basic employment applications require a 9th grade reading level to complete.

Imagine being unable to fill out the application necessary to obtain a job to support yourself and your family. What if you were unable to read a prescription bottle to correctly administer needed medication to your child? This is the reality for more than half of the members of our community.

Reading is a skill necessary for a successful and productive life. Your donation assists the Library & Literacy Foundation in their efforts to provide funding for critical literacy programs. Please consider giving the gift of reading by making a donation today!