Programs & Events

Children who grow up in homes that have many books are generally more successful in school and stay in school longer than children from bookless homes, regardless of their parents’ education, occupation, and class. Providing access to quality books in the home, especially to those living in lower income neighborhoods, is one way the Cecil County Public Library promotes the development of early literacy skills and school readiness.

Recognizing that literacy is a key factor in a child’s success in school and life, CCPL partnered with PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great Foundation to create the “My Special Book” program in 2010. This program takes the Bookmobile to Cecil County Public Schools, Head Starts, low-income neighborhoods, and specialized early learning programs in Cecil County. The service is designed to ignite a love of reading and learning in children ages birth-5. They select a free, new, quality book that is theirs to keep at home and write their name on a specialized bookplate.

SPARK (Students Progress & Achieve with Reading Kits) launched in 2012 to encourage middle school students to become lifelong readers. Studies show a stark decline in reading for pleasure in the middle school years, which can impact students’ ongoing success in school. CCPL librarians visit 6th grade classes and conduct surveys on the types of books they might like to read, then build a collection to reflect the responses. In the spring, CCPL visits all six 6th grade schools in the county with librarians and the Bookmobile. At the visits, students select 3 high-interest books to build their own libraries at home. Students can also share books with one another, their families and friends. By selecting books on topics they choose, this program helps to keep kids reading throughout the summer and to prevent the summer learning loss, at an age when many students turn away from reading for fun. We appreciate this very special partnership with Cecil County Public Schools.

Cecil County Public Library appreciates their exceptional staff and recognizes them in an number of ways, such as an annual staff day, holiday meals, giveaways and the Values Award. We help support these initiatives to thank everyone who makes the Library such a special place.

Nature Explorer Kits encourage families to explore the outdoors with themed books, learning toys, and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for nature. Time spent outdoors is proven to support children’s mental health and physical wellness and promotes fun bonding time for families. Whether exploring a nearby park, hiking through trails, or simply enjoying their backyard, the materials included in the Nature Explorer Kits provide the tools and inspiration to help families deepen their understanding of the plants, animals, and waterways they will discover in Cecil County. The kits are designed for families with children in grades K-5 and can be checked out from any CCPL branch.