Libraries Encouraging Kids to Ditch Devices

The San Mateo County Library will host its first "Ditch Your Device Week" beginning today to encourage children to turn off their electronic devices and spend time with their family and friends, a library manager said.

Throughout the week, all 12 San Mateo County Library branches will be hosting events with an emphasis on removing children from the glowing screens of televisions, computers, phones, and other electronic entertainment devices, SMCL Library Services Manager Anna Koch said.

"Ditch Your Device Week" runs from today until May 6 and is part of the national campaign for Screen Free Week, which is presented by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.

The event has been nationwide since 1996, according to its website. The events range from dance programs to story times to art projects.

Among the events is Free Comic Book Day at the Atherton Library. Kids can come by and pick up a free comic book, or dress up like their favorite super hero and enter the Super Hero Photography Contest. 

A full list of the events can be found at www.smcl.org.

Bay City News contributed to this report. 


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