By Khalida Sarwari
A number of people will gather at the Saratoga Library early in the morning on Sept. 6 to walk nearly 17 feet with books on their heads.
No, this isn’t a bookworm zombie outbreak; these folks will be vying to create a Guinness world record for the most people balancing books on their heads at the same time at the same venue.
The library will provide the books for this district-wide event, and residents are asked to bring their energy and spirit to complete the attempt. Library district officials estimate that at least 1,200 people are needed to help break the record.
Participants can decide whether to balance the book flat or tent-style, and if it drops don’t break a sweat–you can put it back on your head and keep going.
The world record attempt kicks off a larger celebration of the Santa Clara County Library District’s 100th anniversary. In conjunction with that, the Saratoga Library will be holding another event on Oct. 11 to showcase the history of the library system, as well as the innovative community center that the library is today in its 100th year, according to Saratoga community librarian Allison Parham.
This event offers a day of learning, creating and connecting, with presentations as well as hands-on learning opportunities for all ages on such topics as technology, arts and crafts, gardening, history, literature, health, the Bookmobile, library resources and services. Simultaneous events will be held throughout the library, including in the children’s department, in the teen area and in the community room. One of those will be a performance by magician Kim Silverman.
The world record attempt takes place Sept. 6 at the Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave.
Those who show up can either take part in the record attempt or watch others do it. There will also be entertainment, music, children’s crafts and light refreshments. The event is free and open to all ages.
World record attempt participants are asked to check in between 7 and 8:30 a.m. The record attempt will begin at 9 a.m.
Pre-registration is highly recommended and can be done by visiting sccl.org/worldrecord. Online registration closes Sept. 2.
The library is seeking “stewards” for this event as required by the Guinness organization. Stewards will be given the task of monitoring about 40 people and ensuring that they are performing the record attempt according to the guidelines. Volunteers are also needed to help with setup, cleanup, children’s activities and check-in duties.
Anyone interested in volunteering or serving as a steward at the event can email Lisa Liu, a librarian at the Saratoga Library, at lliu@sccl.org.
Library district is turning 100, and Saratoga shoots for a world record
