1st Grade @ the Library

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

San Diego County Library’s (SDCL) 1st Grade @ the Library program puts a library card in the hand of every first grader at participating elementary schools. The program, which is currently offered at two branches, encourages first graders and their families to read together and become lifelong library users. The 1st Grade @ the Library program accomplishes these goals by working closely with local elementary schools to arrange visits and provide incentives for participating children and their families. After a successful pilot period at the Fallbrook Branch in 2010, the program was expanded to include the Lemon Grove Branch in 2012. Cumulatively, the 1st Grade @ the Library program has served 1,355 first graders and their families. An estimated 90% of the students complete the five-part program that includes coming to the library with their school and family and signing up for the Summer Reading Program.