Fair Expands Early Childhood Literacy Program
Exciting new features include the Reading Zone, Local Leaders Read campaign and the Fair’s own Little Library!
The Merced County Fair is proud to announce the return and expansion of its Early Childhood Literacy Partnership Program, a collaborative initiative with Valley Children’s Healthcare, the Merced County Library, First 5 Merced County and Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union. The program continues its mission to empower children to read and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading – and it's growing in exciting new ways.
Fairgoers can experience the Reading Zone, a cozy and engaging space located in the popular Farm to Fair attraction along the Sunshine Lane Family Area. This interactive area will feature daily story times, comfortable seating for families and hands-on activities to spark young imaginations in a fun, farm-themed environment.
Another exciting addition is the Local Leaders Read campaign, where elected officials, first responders and educators will read their favorite children’s books aloud to young Fairgoers in the Reading Zone.
The Merced County Library Bookmobile offers free books to children and the opportunity to sign up for their own Merced County Library card, if they don’t have one already – a key to a world of discovery. Since 2023, more than 2,500 books have been distributed this year. It is anticipated that over 2,000 additional books will be given away with the expansion of the Farm to Fair Reading Zone.
In a county where more than 80% of students are currently reading below grade level (Source: Merced County Times), these efforts couldn’t be more timely or impactful. “By fostering a love of reading at a young age, we are giving our children one of the greatest tools for lifelong success,” said Amy Boese, Deputy Librarian for Merced County. “This program is about access, encouragement and showing kids that reading can be fun.”
To extend the impact of this initiative beyond the Fair, the Merced County Fair has installed its very own Merced County Fair Little Library – a permanent, free book exchange located outside the Fair Administration Office on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. This year-round resource will allow local families and visitors to take or leave books at any time, keeping the love of reading alive in the community long after Fair week ends.
The Fair’s literacy initiative also complements the Merced County Library’s Summer Reading Program. This program offers a variety of activities, reading incentives and events to keep young minds active and engaged throughout the summer. For more information, visit: https://www.countyofmerced.com/3977/Summer-Reading-at-Merced-County-Library
Valley Children’s Healthcare, a key program partner, continues to support youth development through its regional pediatric services and outreach programs. The hospital has served Merced County families since 1952 and provides specialty care at Olivewood Pediatrics, Olivewood Specialty Care Center and in the NICU at Mercy Medical Center.
