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Dorchester County Public Library reports higher summer reading participation and program growth
Summary
Library staff told the council their 2025 summer reading program saw increases in overall enrollment, teen participation and camp partnerships; staff outlined plans for book lockers and Little Free Libraries to expand access.
Dorchester County Public Library staff briefed the County Council on the 2025 summer reading program during the Sept. 16 meeting, reporting increases in participation and outreach across branches.
Julie Kennedy, assistant director for Dorchester County Public Library, and Hannah Smutty, services coordinator and Harlock branch manager, said total sign‑ups increased by 6 percent compared with the previous year and that camp and organization participation rose by 87 percent (from about 205 to 383 camp participants). Teen sign‑ups jumped about 64 percent, library staff said. “We also had a significant increase in teens signed up, 64% increase in teenagers,” Smutty said.
Staff credited expanded programming, grants and partnerships (including the Cambridge Lions Club and others) for enabling more special guests, STEM labs and animal events that drew larger crowds; some events reached close to 300 participants. The Harlock branch recovered from HVAC failures this year and reopened after repairs.
Looking ahead, staff said they applied for an LSTA grant to install book lockers at the Herlock branch to improve weekend access and described an ongoing effort to deploy Little Free Libraries in underserved neighborhoods. They also noted an increase in community use of library space for tutoring and other public activities during summer months (a reported 233% increase in observed tutoring sessions).
Why it matters: The library’s expanded programs and rising participation are part of county efforts to provide free access to literacy, internet and public space. Staff said the county’s grant support helps bring outside programs to the community and supports suicide‑prevention outreach aimed at youth.
What happens next: Library staff will continue outreach to camps and schools, pursue the LSTA grant for lockers and coordinate with county officials on continued grant support.
