Since 1997, Sousa Elementary School Spanish speaking primary grade level ESL students and their parents have participated in a recreational summer reading program at the Port Washington Public Library. It was created by Sousa ESL teacher, Mrs. Jo Ann Miles in response to a perceived need for her students to continue reading over the summer and for parents to serve as reading models and partners.

Working closely with children's librarian, Rachel Fox, popular children's literature was researched for the availability of bilingual books with an appropriate readability level. Through the library interloan system, Ms. Fox obtained multiple sets of bilingual readers. Some titles included Curious George (Jorge El Curioso), Caps for Sale (Se Venden Gorras) and The Snowy Day (El Dia de Nieve).

Traditionally, the program received funding for a group of fifteen students to meet once a week at the library. Thanks to the efforts of the Port Washington Schools Director of ESL, Mrs. Linda Scalice, additional funding was made available to expand the program this year. Under Mrs. Scalice's direction, ESL elementary teachers worked together to enroll ESL Spanish speaking students from all five district elementary schools and their parents. The response was overwhelming and weekly reading sessions were offered in the afternoon and evening. Retired ESL teacher, Mrs. Lydia Rab and Guggenheim ESL teacher, Mrs. Erica Goldsmith joined Mrs. Miles as co-teachers for a very successful summer program.