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Kitsap Regional Library expands '6th graders to the library' visits to reconnect middle-school students
Summary
Library staff told trustees that a 2025 field-trip program for sixth graders is countywide, gives each student a free book, and uses classroom visits, open-house nights and branch scavenger hunts to reintroduce youth to library services.
Kitsap Regional Library trustees heard April 28 that a countywide ‘‘6th graders to the library’’ program launched in 2025 to reintroduce middle-school students to library spaces and services.
Library Director Jason Driver and teen-services staff told the board the program is modeled on long-running third-grade visits and is intended to make middle school students feel that the library is "a safe and welcoming place" they will use throughout their lives. "They should be there, they belong at the library," said a presenter from the teen-services team.
Jacqueline Keaton, teen services librarian at the Sylvan Way branch, said her team organized four visits of about 60 students each and worked with school leaders so students could tour the building. "School leadership came with the students on each visit, which was great," Keaton said, adding that staff pre-made library cards when districts' student-ID numbers do not serve as account credentials.
Wayne Holder, who works with the South Kitsap School District, described a mix of classroom visits and open-house nights. "I made individual trips to all of the schools and made classroom visits to teach them about the different resources that are available," he said, noting about 70% of the students in his visits had previously been to a Kitsap Regional Library branch.
Danielle Bogard, a mobile services associate, described interactive activities the staff used to help students learn the branch layout and services, including a scavenger hunt and hands-on stations. She said children discovered new resources, made art and even wrote lists of items they wanted to check out in the future.
Trustees asked what students wanted from the library; presenters said middle-schoolers often asked for more unstructured, social time in addition to structured lessons. Keaton and Holder said the program will emphasize both guided orientation and free exploration next year; they plan follow-up visits (Keaton said a combined event is scheduled May 29) and hope to bring additional middle schools into branch visits.
The program is supported by the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, which staff credited with underwriting books and logistics for field trips. Trustees praised the initiative as part of a broader strategy to re-engage youth and support reading milestones that begin with earlier school visits.
The trustees did not take a formal vote on the presentation; the program will continue to be implemented and expanded in 2026, with staff providing updates to the board as outreach work proceeds.
