Over the last two months, Sara Nielsen, Librarian II from San Diego County Library, led an exciting program that brought more than 500 third-grade students, teachers, and volunteers to the La Mesa Branch Library and Civic Center.

Each week from the beginning of May until mid-June, the Civic Center came alive with groups of 80+ eager 3rd graders from six schools in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District who stepped off buses.

This event was planned as the volunteer group Friends of the Library (FOL) was willing to revive it from about decades ago. With the great support of FOL and the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, the itinerary included visits to City Hall, the Heartland Fire & Rescue Station, and the La Mesa Police Department. This initiative aimed to provide an enriching experience for the students, many of whom were enjoying their first-ever field trip.

During the program, a presentation about the library and its services, a tour – including behind-the-scenes areas, and a scavenger hunt were prepared. Library staff shared their expertise and insights, led tours, and introduced the work of each department. “The most popular part of the library tour by far was getting to see the staff area and the book return sorter in action,” said Nielsen.

Every participant was offered a library card, granting them access to all the free resources available from the La Mesa Branch Library. Children used their book bags and card holders. The staffs were thrilled to see children come back to the library with their families after the tour. They often signed up other family members for library cards.

Additionally, the fire station and police department provided tours of their facilities. Highlights were watching firemen using the pole, and visiting where their department dogs stay. The City of La Mesa Public Works gave children a chance to see some of their big trucks and tractors in action. The agencies offered various goodies for the kids to take home such as badge stickers and hats.

“In the state of California, the third-grade curriculum focuses on ‘community’. This was an exciting, hands-on opportunity for them to see the inner workings of important community agencies, and how the library is more than just a place to check out books, it’s a community center that provides programs, activities, and service, as well as access to information,” said Nielsen.

This event was meaningful as well because lots of third graders had never been on a field trip before. Teachers from various schools mentioned that the third graders in the year 2023 had not even gotten on to the school bus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The La Mesa Dale Elementary third graders left messages that included, “It was very nice that you told us facts about books, library cards, the library dog you can read to on Wednesdays, and where kids’ books are. Thank you so much! “Thank you for giving us the most enjoyable tour of the library. I especially enjoyed you showing us how to check in and out a book.”

The La Mesa Branch Library hopes to continue this program.

If any other grades or classes are interested in visiting the library, teachers can arrange a class visit by either calling or emailing.

For more information on La Mesa Branch Library, call (619) 469-2151. The email address is: [email protected].