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Kern County proclaims JuneJuly 2026 for Summer Reading Challenge and 'Lunch at the Library'
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved proclamations recognizing the Kern County Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge and Lunch at the Library program, highlighting last year's participation (more than 10,000 sign-ups, 77,000 books read) and expanded meal services and partnerships.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors on June 9 unanimously proclaimed June through July 2026 as the county's Summer Reading Challenge and its Annual Lunch at the Library program, underscoring the library system's role in literacy and child nutrition.
Assistant Director of Libraries Leon Panetta told the board the programs are designed to keep children engaged year-round and "the library remains committed to being a welcoming space where everyone can borrow books, learn, connect, and thrive together." Panetta and other staff credited county library partnerships and volunteer efforts for program reach.
Farah, the library marketing lead who referred to herself as the "Library Hype Woman," summarized last year's outcomes: "over 10,000 sign ups, 77,000 books were read, 2,000 programs were offered and 66,000 attendees came to these programs," and invited families to visit any of the library's 22 branches for summer events. The program's 2026 theme is "Plant a Seed, Read," with programming around gardening, farm-to-fork education and family activities.
Speakers also highlighted the Lunch at the Library service. A video and staff remarks noted lunch service expansion across branches and multiple statistics: the video cited "more than 18,000 meals" served to local children and families, while library staff later stated that since 2014 "we've served over 159,000 lunches." Staff announced new Saturday lunch service in Bakersfield and a partnership event with Brighter Bites and the Blue Zones Project: a produce box giveaway at Beale Memorial Library on June 10 at 12 p.m.
Chairman Peters and the board approved the proclamations by voice vote after Supervisor Parlier presented the items. No board action beyond the proclamations was taken; staff directed residents to library locations for sign-ups and program schedules.
The library encouraged community participation for reading challenges (suggested goal: read ten books or ten hours) and attendance at the summer events listed on the county's library web pages and branch notices.
