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Kern County Board proclaims summer reading challenge and 'Lunch at the Library' program; library reports 9,000 signups and meal service history
Summary
The board approved proclamations recognizing the Kern County Library’s summer reading challenge and the 'Lunch at the Library' meal program for June–July 2025. Library staff highlighted participation numbers, program activities and the free meal service for children.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors on June 3 approved proclamations recognizing the Kern County Library’s annual summer reading challenge and the Lunch at the Library program for June–July 2025.
The board approved both proclamations by roll call (three ayes, two absent). Shalyn Panetta, assistant director of libraries, and Farrah Dredia, marketing and promotions associate, presented program details including the theme “Level Up at Your Library,” participation goals and past participation figures.
Program details and scale: Dredia said last year more than 9,000 residents signed up for the summer reading challenge and library users read over 33,000 books across Kern County. The library ran over 5,000 programs attended by more than 41,000 people, she said. Participants who read 10 books or spend 10 hours reading qualify to receive a free book.
Lunch program: Genevieve, a library staff coordinator for the Lunch at the Library program, told the board the library has served more than 41,000 lunches since 2014 and will offer free meals for children ages 2–18 during June and July; for the first time the library will serve meals on Saturdays. Genevieve emphasized the program’s role in addressing summer food insecurity: “We live in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the state, yet 1 in 4 Kern County children experience food insecurity,” she said.
Community outreach: Panetta, Dredia and Genevieve showed photos and a highlight video from last year’s program and invited residents to participate. The presenters framed the programs as both educational and a source of basic needs support for children over the summer.
Board action: The board entered both proclamations into the minutes and approved them by roll call (three ayes, two absent). No additional budget or program changes were presented on the record during the proclamation segment.
Next steps: Library staff encouraged residents to sign up at local branches and attend scheduled events during June and July.
