RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Murieta’s youngest readers were treated to science demonstrations, face painting, free books and well-deserved medals at the Sacramento Public Library’s Summer Reading Program celebration, held on July 30 at the Village Clubhouse parking area.

The event was hosted by the library’s Bookmobile team, which visits Rancho Murieta every Wednesday morning as part of its outreach program. The end-of-summer celebration featured a face painter and a live “Mad Scientist” presentation.

“It was a huge turnout: 50 kids and 60 adults,” said Rancho Murieta volunteer Cindy Jones, who regularly assists the Bookmobile staff. “We had six staff members on site. The face painter and Mad Scientist were big hits.”

Several Rancho Murieta families shared their appreciation for the program and the personalized service offered by the Bookmobile team.

Melinda Martel attended the celebration with her grandsons. 

“They did a very nice job recognizing the accomplishments of the young readers, as well as welcoming new ones,” she said.

Brady Martel, 3, earned his first medal and chose the book “Dog Man” as his prize. Jack Martel, 6, participated in the science demonstration, using a blower to keep a ball afloat.

“This is Jack’s third year and third medal,” Martel said. “He loves to pick out books and enjoys that one-on-one reading time. The staff at the Bookmobile really make an effort to bring books they know kids will enjoy: Jack loves space, so they bring him books about astronauts and planets.”

Rachael Pierson said the Bookmobile has become a cherished weekly tradition. “We absolutely love the Bookmobile; it’s our favorite activity in the middle of the week.

Her children, Nora, 10; Lily, 7; and Beau, 4, all earned medals this summer. 

“The staff always greet us with smiles and have our books ready. Some days, they even send home activity kits for science experiments,” Pierson said.

Nancy Clevenger attended the Summer Reading Celebration with her grandchildren, Mattingly Miller and Eddie James Miller, who were visiting from Chico. 

While the children were enrolled in their hometown reading program, Clevenger participated in the Sacramento Public Library’s challenge.

“Both the children and I met and exceeded our summer reading program challenge. The children are ferocious readers and were able to check out books that day through the help of the Bookmobile assistants,” she said. “The festive activities to celebrate the end of the summer reading program was a crowning touch to an already fun reading and online experience.”

Clevenger said the Bookmobile’s weekly visits to Rancho Murieta have become a valued part of her reading life.

“We order books online and pick them up at the portable library, where the staff and volunteers go beyond friendly, helping choose books to my liking,” she said. “My visit with them each week turns into a mini book club as we discuss books read and the books being returned or picked up."

But for Clevenger, the Bookmobile is more than just a library on wheels: It’s a place for community connection.

“As I run into the same people each week at the bookmobile, I’ve added new friends to my life,” Clevenger said. “The intimacy of the bookmobile setup lends itself to this connection.”

The Bookmobile stops in Rancho Murieta every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, parking outside the Murieta Village Clubhouse.

The Sacramento Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge began June 1 and runs through Aug. 15. 

It’s open to all ages – children, teens, and adults – and participants can track their reading online using the Beanstack app or a printed log.

For kids and teens, reading five books or earning 500 points earns a free book. Those who reach 2,500 points – about 25 books or equivalent activities – receive a Summer Reading medal. Adults earn similar rewards, including free books and tote bags.