FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 17, 2026
York County Libraries Announce Featured GOAL Author
Annual Program Encourages First Graders to Get a Library Card and Read
YORK, PA – York County Libraries (YCL) is excited to announce that Greg Pizzoli will serve as the new featured author for Grade One At the Library (GOAL) for three years. The annual program aims to place a library card in the hands of every first grader across York County right as they are learning to read. Since its inception in 2008, the GOAL program has provided library cards to 49,397 York County first graders.
New this year, participants will receive a commemorative GOAL library card illustrated by Pizzoli. The card showcases his popular characters, Earl and Worm. First grade students are invited to sign up for a library card through their school classrooms this fall.
“A library card is the best school supply that parents can give their children,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “It provides new readers with access to books, educational programs, and librarians who can help them find books at the reading levels they need to progress.”
The annual initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Orrstown Bank. After receiving their GOAL library card, participants are encouraged to visit any York County library location to check out some books and pick up participation prizes. As part of the program, they will receive a copy of Pizzoli’s book “Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories” and have an opportunity to have it autographed by the author during the GOAL Celebration event in November.
“We can’t wait to welcome our new first grade members and their families to the library, and to share all of the ways YCL can support their educational journey,” says York County Libraries Youth Services Director Mindy McDonnell. “Receiving your first library card is a really exciting milestone because it offers access to thousands of amazing books, not to mention online resources and engaging programming.”
Pizzoli is the seventh nationally known children’s author selected to encourage York County first grade students to read. Previous GOAL authors include Tedd Arnold, Will Hillenbrand, Peter Catalanotto, Lindsay Barrett George, Anthony D. Fredericks, and Laura Gehl. Each author is involved for three years, coming to York to inspire kids to read, draw, and learn.
The author/illustrator is an alumnus of Red Lion Area Senior High School and graduate of Millersville University and The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He is the four-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning creator of the “Baloney and Friends” graphic novel series, the “Earl and Worm” early reader series, and the picture books “The Watermelon Seed”, “Good Night Owl”, and “The Book Hog.” He also writes nonfiction for kids, including the New York Times Best Illustrated title “Tricky Vic”, and “PIZZA! A Slice of History.”
York County Libraries strengthen the community and enrich individual lives. YCL’s programs and services help community members build the five core literacies championed by the Pennsylvania Library Association PA Forward® program. Thirteen library locations provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions, and databases. For more information about services, library hours, and locations, go to yorklibraries.org.
###
MEDIA CONTACT
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
dsullivan@yorklibraries.org