Over 10,000 participated in Placer County Library’s summer reading program

Published on September 11, 2018

The Placer County Library welcomed over 10,000 young readers as participants journeyed around the world and beyond at this year’s “Let’s Go! Summer @ Your Library” summer reading program. The program focused on summer learning, with interactive activity logs, brand new events and activities and incentives that were a hit with all ages.

This year, Placer County Library expanded its horizons in digital promotion by incorporating Eventbrite, an event management website, to reach new audiences and gain new patrons.

“A mom had seen our events on Eventbrite and came into the library in Granite Bay,” said Granite Bay branch manager Felicia Black. “She had never been to the branch before. Now her family are weekly story time attendees."

Besides bringing back classic events such as Wild Things! and Musical Robot, the library created brand-new offerings, including an escape room, cupcake decorating challenges and even a traveling ukulele workshop.

Placer County Library's "Let's Go! Summer @ Your Library!' summer reading program

A centerpiece of this year’s program was its “Golden Ticket” events, where children who completed an activity log earned a ticket that granted them access to secret library events across the county, with themes ranging from Hogwarts to superheroes to the Wild West. These events were not advertised to anyone beyond the ticket holders.

The increased efforts garnered over 2,000 more activity log sign-ups and nearly 800 additional program attendees than the previous year. Summer @ Your Library concluded with a total count of 10,321 participants and over 1,000 books given out to children.

“Our reading program provides a unique and fun experience that keeps kids and teens engaged with reading while they’re out of school,” said Auburn Library branch manager Tony Carmack. “Program participants are more likely to improve their skill sets and start their school year much more prepared.”