West Chester, PA (Septiembre 25, 2023) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta recently partnered with the Chester County Library System to hold a Library Card Sign-Up Fest, an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities to promote literacy and showcase all of the opportunities the library has to offer.
Dozens of families attended the event, which included demonstrations, games, activities and crafts, face painting, children’s story times, a film screening, character visits from Mario and Bluey, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine Zoo and STEM on Wheels van, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream, and more.
“Reading a journey of a lifetime and a library card is your key to an entire world of knowledge, opportunity, and entertainment,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I want to thank the Chester County Library and all of those who came out to support our Library Card Sign-Up and promote reading readiness in children and young people.”
Throughout the day, library volunteers like Mohammad Khosroshahi assisted in organizing various games and literacy activities.
“What I really liked about today is that we helped these kids engage in activities and what I just love is that one day, they’ll probably help out the world somehow. And I feel like I was a part of that,” Khosroshahi said.
Special guests Miss Pennsylvania Miranda Moore and Miss Pennsylvania Teen Lizzie Shacklett organized a station with stickers and gems for attendees to create their own bookmarks. Shacklett, who runs the community service initiative Literacy is Lit with the mission of filling the literacy gap, did a story time with her own book I Read Before Bed.
“I loved watching everyone come out and choose their books and, of course, they can use their new bookmarks with their new library cards,” Shacklett said. “The highlight was definitely the story time. I love interacting with the kids and asking them questions about the books that we were reading.
“The first word I think of is accessibility, because libraries are such a good resource for communities. Library cards are a good way for people to know that they can come and have this world of resources,” Moore said. “I love getting to be a part of the positive work she (Comitta) does.”
Eight-year-old attendee Reha Menon reflected on why the library is one of her favorite places.
“I just love the library even without the activities because you can read here,” Menon said.
Families were encouraged to sign up for a library card and check out books while at the event. In addition, dozens of new and gently used books were collected to be donated to nonprofit organizations.
Library volunteer Sophia Fu’s favorite part of the day was working with kids and seeing them enjoy the day’s festivities.
“I love seeing kids holding the books I used to read when I was their age and watching them get so excited about it—it really is magical for them,” Fu said.
If you live, work, own property or attend school in Chester County, you can sign up for a library card by visiting your local branch or apply online at ccls.org.