Homework Centers are found at five neighborhood libraries offering students of all ages help in completing homework assignments. Students can also access computer learning labs at eight library sites for homework assistance and instruction in the use of the World Wide Web. Four after-school SPLASH ("Seattle Public Library After-School Happenings") programs provide students ages 6-12 with homework assistance, computer instruction and activities that encourage improvements in reading and writing skills.

Parent Resource Centers at three library locations focus on how parents can form and maintain strong connections with their child's school. The Student Assignment Service Center at the Central Library serves as one of the three places where parents can enroll their child in Seattle Public Schools.

Cooperative reading activities are, however, the hallmark of our relationship. Since 1996, Seattle Public Library has partnered with the Seattle Supersonics and Seattle Public Schools to sponsor the "Read to Succeed" program. More than 13,000 children regularly sign up for the Library's annual Summer Reading Club where participants are challenged to read at least 10 books to win a paperback book prize. A library card registration campaign for kindergartners is held each fall. This year's Global Reading Challenge will double in size to involve 75 teams of fourth- and fith-graders from 13 Seattle schools competing to successfully answer questions about books from a selected list.

Currently, Seattle Public Library is working to forge an even more effective alliance with Seattle Public Schools through the creation of a Senior Staff Steering Committee. This committee will broaden our collaborations with the District to include sharing information regarding our technology programs and piloting an interlibrary loan program where library materials can be easily loaned and efficiently delivered between agencies.