Young students are invited to join York County Libraries' annual Grade One At the Library (GOAL) program, which offers a free library card to every first-grade student in York County. Students can sign up through their classroom teachers during the first few weeks of school.

After students register for the GOAL program and receive their library cards, they are encouraged to visit any of York County Libraries' 13 locations to check out books and pick up participation prizes. One of the top prizes is a copy of "Who Made This Mess?" written by featured GOAL author Laura Gehl. In addition to getting a copy of the book, participants may meet Gehl and have the author autograph their books during the GOAL Celebration in November.

Gehl is the sixth nationally known children's author selected to encourage York County first-grade students to read. The previous GOAL authors are Tedd Arnold, Will Hillenbrand, Peter Catalanotto, Lindsay Barrett George, and Anthony D. Fredericks. Each author is involved for three years and visits York to inspire children to read and learn.

Gehl is the author of more than 40 books for young readers, including "I Got a Chicken for My Birthday," "My Pillow Keeps Moving!" and "Apple and Magnolia." Her books have been praised by the Junior Library Guild and selected for the Kirkus Best Picture Books of the Year, the Indie Next List, CCBC Choices, and ALA Notable. Some of Gehl's books have been a Booklist Editors' Choice, an Amazon Editors' Choice, a Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title, an ILA Honor Book, and a winner of the Mathical Award.

The GOAL program has given library cards to 42,273 students since the program's inception in 2008. PeoplesBank has been the presenting sponsor since the program's start.

To learn more about York County Libraries, visit http://www.yorklibraries.org.