Letters Across America Pen Pal Program (Open Registration)

In a world full of screens and instant messages, our Pen Pal Program offers a chance to experience something delightfully analog. It’s back and stronger than ever, celebrating handwritten letters, meaningful connections, and the excitement of mail that isn’t a bill. The Bexley Public Library (just outside Columbus, OH) returns for another round of letter exchanges, and this year we’re thrilled to be joined by the Hendersonville County Public Library in Hendersonville, NC, and the Harte Branch of the Long Beach Public Library in CA. Anyone ages 5–105 is invited to sign up and be matched with a pen pal close to their age from one of these three states (which state will be a surprise!). Registration is open from February 2 through February 12, but space is limited. Pen pals will be paired by library staff within similar age brackets, and participants will receive an information packet about their pen pal on the 24th. Participants are encouraged to write at least two letters during March and April. Letters will be collected by the Pierson Library and mailed to the partner libraries every Wednesday morning. This program is designed to encourage meaningful connections between library patrons across state lines. To register complete the online registration form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_767j1mCm_ptBan1sVPXVCHnkq3TIOPI7KGu0GpiCC8/edit?ts=697bea1e or come in for a paper copy. Participants under 18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or adult guardian (available at the front desk)