MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — Middletown Libraries across America connected this summer through a unique pen pal program.

In late May, Youth Librarian Mary Geers from Midpointe Library in Middletown, Ohio, contacted the Middletown branch of the Lake County Library.

She proposed connecting young patrons from Middletown libraries across the USA through a pen pal program during Midpointe’s summer reading program “All Together Now.”

Sara Coel and Sheryl Ison at Lake County’s Middletown branch worked with Greers on the initiative, which was a complete success.

Lake County Middletown’s young patrons received 65 letters in return from Middletown, Ohio, and Middletown, New Jersey. The libraries hope to continue the pen pal program during the holiday season.

Unique and creative children’s programming can be found all year round at all four Lake County Library branches, including crafts, “Read to a Dog,” Lego Club and more.

Sign up for library newsletters, follow the library on social media, or watch the events calendar on the library website to join upcoming events.

Visit the Lake County Library at https://library.lakecountyca.gov, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary, Twitter @LakeCoLibrary, Instagram @lakecountylibrary, YouTube @lakecountycalibrary and TikTok @lakecountycalibrary.

To contact the Middletown library by phone, call 707-341-7971.