Until DCPL sponsored a team, only children sponsored by a school were part of the competition. Spots on the teams were hard to come by, as each team is capped at 10 participants (five team members and five alternates) from each school. Homeschooled, non-traditionally educated students and students who did not secure one of the few spots on a school team did not have any opportunity to participate. DCPL’s teams gave those students an opportunity to engage in a fun and competitive literacy enrichment activity.

While the rules allowed library-sponsored teams, this was interpreted to mean teams sponsored by a school library. Two DCPL youth services librarians scrutinized the rules and by-laws, and then successfully petitioned organizers to allow a public library team. With a budget of around $1,500, provided by DeKalb Library Foundation, DCPL covered fees and purchased books, practice buzzers, matching shirts and, during the pandemic, quality headphones for virtual participation. Youth services librarians coached teams.

A DCPL team has placed in the top three finishers each year. But this program is about more than rankings—it is also about building camaraderie and a sense of purpose. The program eliminated barriers for team members by covering costs. DCPL showcased its role in supporting literacy and youth to hundreds of participants at the competition. Librarians who coached teams gained leadership skills, and participation represented a unique way that staff can advance literacy and make an impact in the community.