The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library's Camp Read program wrapped up July 31 with its biggest summer yet, reaching 32,628 young people across Hamilton County, including families at the Blue Ash Branch Library.
That's an 8.79% jump over 2025 enrollment, according to the library's Aug. 12 program recap.
The nine-week program, which ran May 30 through July 31 at all 41 CHPL branches, paired daily reading challenges with free meals, homework help and dozens of hands-on events. Kids 12 and under completed a 25-Day Challenge of 20 minutes of reading or an activity each day. Teens ages 13–18 completed a 15-Day Challenge.
Beyond the reading logs, the library partnered with UMC Food Ministries to serve more than 10,000 free meals and snacks at branch locations. More than 2,000 students received educational support through the Homework Help program.
Emily Griffis, the library's youth programs coordinator, said staff noticed that participants demonstrated improved literacy skills while also practicing social-emotional skills and learning the value of building a reading habit.
One young participant, asked what their favorite part of summer reading was, wrote: "Summer Reading helps my reading get better and it helps my brain get ready for school. It helps me understand bigger words."
The numbers built quickly. By the end of June, 28,410 kids and teens had already signed up, an 8% increase from the same point in 2025. At the Delhi Township branch, staff enrolled a 6-day-old baby. Staff member Katy noted in the library's July 9 midpoint update that it's never too early to start a child's library experience.
Camp Read events at branches included visits from animals at Honey Hills Farm, Great Parks and Raptor Inc.; bug hotel building; baking with New Leaf Kitchen; Bubble Fest; and Madcap Puppets performances. The Blue Ash branch hosted Storytime Under the Canopy at Summit Park on June 18, featuring camping stories, songs and a themed craft sponsored by Sugar n' Spice.
Every child who signed up received a free book of their choice, a Cincinnati Reds voucher for two view-level tickets and a Camp Badge. Those who completed their challenge trackers earned prizes including a drawstring bag, literary trading cards and a doodle journal.
Sponsors included the Friends of the Public Library, The Library Foundation, Scripps Howard Fund, Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation and The Andrew Jergens Foundation, with in-kind support from Cincinnati Reds, Raising Cane's and Gold Star Chili.
What's next at the Blue Ash branch
The library's Homework Help program for K–8 students resumes with the school year at branch locations, including Blue Ash. The Blue Ash branch has 117 events scheduled through Dec. 31. Full listings are available at cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/events.
