More than 32,600 children and teens across Hamilton County kept reading this summer through Camp Read, and the Hyde Park and Oakley branches helped make it happen.
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library reported Aug. 12 that 32,628 young people participated in its summer reading program, an 8.79% jump from 2025. The program ran May 30 through July 31 at all 41 CHPL locations, including the Hyde Park and Oakley branches, both part of the library system's Mid-City Region.
The library also partnered with UMC Food Ministries to serve more than 10,000 meals and snacks to children during the summer.
More than 2,000 youth received educational support through the system's Homework Help program.
"During our Summer Reading evaluation process, we've noticed that youth who participate demonstrate improved literacy skills, but they're practicing social emotional skills and learning to understand the value and benefits of building a reading habit," said Emily Griffis, the library's youth programs coordinator.
Camp Read went well beyond reading logs. Activities at branches included visits from animals at Honey Hills Farm, Great Parks and Raptor Inc.; building bug hotels for native pollinators; baking with New Leaf Kitchen; Bubble Fest; performances by Madcap Puppets; and magic shows by Cincinnati Circus.
The results land at a pivotal moment for local families. Cincinnati Public Schools classes resume Aug. 19, and about 145,000 students countywide are heading back, according to the Public School Review 2026 Report. The Ohio Department of Education's 2025 Early Literacy data showed CPS earned a two-star rating out of five for K-3 reading support, underscoring the role summer programs play in bridging gaps.
Hyde Park branch manager Ben Lathrop is a recurring guest at Hyde Park Neighborhood Council meetings, where library programming is a regular agenda item. The Carnegie-era Hyde Park branch measures 7,480 square feet; the Oakley branch, 6,310.
For families looking to keep the momentum going, the Oakley branch launches free walk-in Homework Help for K-8 students on Aug. 17, running Monday through Thursday, 3–6 p.m. Online tutoring through Homework HelpNow is available 2–11 p.m. daily.
Camp Read was funded by the Friends of the Public Library, The Library Foundation, Scripps Howard Fund, Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation and The Andrew Jergens Foundation, with in-kind support from the Cincinnati Reds, Raising Cane's and Gold Star.
What's next
- Monday, Aug. 17: Oakley branch Homework Help begins (K-8, Monday–Thursday, 3–6 p.m.)
- Wednesday, Aug. 19: Cincinnati Public Schools first day of classes
