Skip to content
Search the
Home » What Can I Do? » Programming » GOAL: Grade One At the Library

GOAL: Grade One At the Library

Make the GOAL!

Your first-grade student is learning to read—an exciting time for them! Reading is the key to kickstart a lifelong love of learning, and GOAL is a big step towards achieving that.

The Grade One At the Library (GOAL) program* has two main “goals” (pun intended!):

  1. To ensure that every first grader in York County has a library card
  2. To encourage families to visit libraries where they can read, learn, play, explore, and do so much more

Ready to get started?

Please look for information from your child’s first-grade teacher.

*The Grade One At the Library (GOAL) program is supported by EITC contributions from Orrstown Bank.

How it Works

In early fall, your child’s first grade teacher will send home a GOAL information packet & library card application. Here’s what happens next:

Please note: If your child already has a library card, they can still participate in GOAL and its exciting activities.

Step 1: Complete the application and return it to your child’s first-grade teacher.

First grade classrooms with 100% participation are entered into bonus prize drawings!

Step 2: Receive your child’s special “GOAL” library card in the mail (if requested).

If your child already has a library card, they may keep their current card if desired.

Step 3: Visit any of our 13 libraries and start exploring.

Don’t forget to pick up your prize on the first & second visit! Make sure to tell library staff that you are a GOAL participant.

RSVP to attend the annual celebration in November! With a special visit from our author and lots of hands-on activities, you won’t want to miss it.

See more details below.

Register to Attend
GOAL Books And Prizes GOAL 2023 Laura Gehl First Graders And Giant Underpants Goal 2022 Tony Fredericks Signs For Happy Girl GOAL First Grader Reads A Book
Pizzoli GOAL card earl and worm2

Special Library Card Design!

This year, our featured author Greg Pizzoli created an exclusive library card for Grade One At the Library participants!

This colorful hand-drawn design features two of his most lovable characters, Earl & Worm.

All GOAL applicants that request a new (or replacement) library card will get this special design!

Visit Greg Pizzoli's Website

Prizes, Annual Celebration & More

Participant Prizes

When you visit any of our 13 libraries for the first or second time, you will receive a new prize to take home with you!

Prizes are available for pickup at our libraries through January 31, 2027. Don’t forget to tell our library staff that you’re a GOAL participant when you visit!

Annual Celebration & Author Visit

The 2026 GOAL annual celebration will be held on Saturday, November 14th from 2-4 PM at the Paul Smith Library in Shrewsbury, PA.

While there, you’ll get the chance to meet this year’s featured author (and York native!) Greg Pizzoli and get your book signed.

See the full details for this year’s celebration here.

Register to Attend

Classroom Prizes

Teachers who achieve 100% student participation will be entered into prize drawings. More info on these coming soon!

Pictured below: Mrs. Neff’s Class at Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School in Red Lion School District. This class received a visit from our previous featured author Laura Gehl!