County libraries report record summer reading participation and expand bilingual offers

County library officials described higher summer participation and new outreach options as part of the literacy ecosystem. Library staff said their summer reading program had its highest participation since the pandemic: more than 5,300 registrants, about 2,534 completions, and participants logged more than 2,170,000 minutes of reading over the summer.

The library reported a recent spike in Books from Birth signups following national coverage, with more than 800 registrants in August alone and a new bilingual English/Spanish ordering option that 120 families chose. Library staff said the 569 books collected at the literacy summit will be used as giveaways and outreach incentives to expand home libraries for children.

Library leaders urged closer alignment with PGCPS on summer programming and promoted collaboration with Maryland Reads and community partners to reach multilingual families and ensure materials and supports are equitable. The library presentation will be incorporated into the commission's preliminary recommendations to the County Council by Sept. 30.