Summer Reading Carnival
2011 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Chesterfield County, Va., VA
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Libraries (Best in Category)
Year: 2011
Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) kicked off the 2010 Summer Reading Program with a Summer Reading Carnival. CCPLâs Summer Reading Program is designed to keep children engaged in reading and literacy throughout the summer. By keeping the children involved in reading, it helps them maintain the skills they have learned during the school year, The Summer Reading Carnival was designed to draw customers to the library building, while offering participants fun and positive interactions with the library and its staff. CCPL takes every opportunity to share with the residents of Chesterfield County about the library services available to them. Cooperation between all nine CCPL branch libraries and other county departments was necessary to make the event a success. The Summer Reading Carnival was free to the public, and included fun carnival activities such as face painting, balloon twisting, live music, âbounce castles,â and carnival food. 3,000 people attended the event which facilitated personal contact with the community as CCPL strives to develop ongoing positive relationships which the residents of Chesterfield County. CCPL staff members were available to answer questions from parents and educate them about the importance of the summer reading program as well.