Saratoga Library attempts to break a world record for its 100th birthday

The Saratoga Library will begin its celebration for its 100th anniversary by attempting to break a world record on Sept. 6.

“We wanted to do something really big and memorable, and we came up with the idea of doing a world record attempt,” adult services librarian Lisa Liu said. “And since we wanted to make it a library-related event, we decided on trying to break the record of the most people balancing a book on their head at the same time in the same venue.”

The current record for the most people balancing a book on their head simultaneously while walking 5 meters is 998 people.

“Our target is to get 1,200 people to come in, and so we really need the help of the students in Saratoga and in the library district itself,” Liu said.

To spread the word, the library has made flyers and bookmarks about the event that are available for students at the guidance counter and in Saratoga High’s own library.

“We would really like to have students at Saratoga High participate because it’s also a thank you to the whole community for supporting the library,” Liu said. “I know many students are big users and supporters of Saratoga Library.”

The library also sent out an email to community members. Sophomore Anthony Barthell, who once signed up to be a library volunteer, was one of the people who received this email.

“Out of curiosity, I clicked on it, and it said that for the Saratoga Library's 100th anniversary, they were going to try to break the world record for ‘the greatest number of people to simultaneously balance a book on their heads at a single venue while walking 5 meters,’” Barthell said. “So I thought, why not?”

In addition to their attempt at breaking the world record, the library will also host activities like crafts and entertainers for all ages afterwards.

“This is basically the kickoff event for whole slew of celebrations we will have throughout the district,” Liu said.

Barthell is excited to become a part of the library’s attempt to break a world record and hopes that others feel the same way.

“I believe they can get the world record if everyone spreads the word and is willing to give up a few minutes of their day to help make this a reality,” Barthell said. “Now let’s go break that world record!”

To register and find out more about this event, go online to sccl.org/worldrecord. If you are unable to register online, the library will take walk-ins, but online registration is preferred.