O.C. Public Libraries partner with In-N-Out Burger for children’s reading club

Orange County Public Libraries are teaming up once again with favored Southern California burger chain, In-N-Out, as a part of the Cover to Cover Club.

“Children receive a reading log to keep track of the books they read,” said Beatriz Preciado, programs coordinator for O.C. Public Libraries. “A parent or guardian signs the reading log after each five books read. If the children are unable to read themselves, their parents may read books to them.”

Once a young reader has read five books, they receive an Achievement Award, redeemable for a free hamburger or cheeseburger at any In-N-Out location.

The program is open to children ages 4 to 12 with library cards and runs through Nov. 13. Each reader is eligible to receive a certificate with every five books read, with a limit of three during the programs run.

Children can participate at any O.C. Public Library location and should claim their Achievement Award at the same library where they registered. “All O.C. Public Libraries’ branches are participating in the In-N-Out Cover to Cover Club program,” said Preciado.

In-N-Out invites public libraries to participate in this program annually, and O.C. Public Libraries has partnered with the burger chain for several years to offer the Cover to Cover Club to the community.

Incentivized reading programs tied with popular restaurants are often a favorite for younger readers. Some millennials may remember programs like Book-It with Pizza Hut, for example.

“Books and food are a great combination,” said Preciado. “These programs help build positive memories associated with the participating restaurant. Not only does it allow families to visit one of their favorite restaurants for their reward, it also instills the love of literacy at a young age and celebrates the child’s efforts.”

Reader enjoying library books at Orange County Public Libraries.

(Courtesy of O.C. Public Libraries)

Reading itself is enriching, Preciado adds, but prize incentives can be a great motivator.

“Reading is gratifying on it’s own, but there is nothing more exciting than being rewarded for reading.”

Besides the Cover to Cover club, O.C. Public Libraries offers a multitude of programs.

“We offer in-person and virtual programs and services that run the gamut for all ages,” said Preciado. “From story times to book clubs and crafts of the month, library users have an opportunity to engage with our local libraries in any capacity they’d like. There is certainly something for everyone.”

Follow O.C. Public Libraries on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and daily activities. Visit ocpl.org for a list of additional programs and special events.

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