COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Library welcomed 35 children and 20 adults Oct. 29 for a book release party celebrating “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Fight or Flight,” bringing the popular children’s series to life through games, crafts, prizes and a reading from the newest book.
The event, organized and funded by the Friends of the Library, marked the group’s first book release celebration and offered families an opportunity to connect over a series that has attracted generations of young readers.
Gerry Hernandez, a Friends of the Library member who proposed the event, said the idea developed after conversations with library staff about upcoming releases.
Hernandez initially considered hosting a release party for an adult novel, but library staff suggested “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” because of its popularity among children.
The Friends of the Library spent just under $500 on decorations, activities, prizes and giveaways.
“We just want kids to read,” Hernandez said.
The celebration began at 5:30 p.m. with a scavenger hunt throughout the library. Children who completed the hunt received a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” sticker.
Gaby Silva, youth services librarian for the Colusa County Free Library, then introduced the series by sharing its history and her own experiences growing up with the books.
Silva opened with a familiar line from the first book: “First of all, let me get something straight: This is a JOURNAL, not a diary.”
She explained that author Jeff Kinney first developed the characters in 1998 before publishing journal entries on the educational website Funbrain in 2004.
Silva recalled reading those early entries while attending elementary school, when students could visit Funbrain during computer lab sessions.
“I remember reading the first ever Diary of a Wimpy Kid journal entries on Funbrain,” Silva told the audience.
The online publication gained popularity, eventually leading to the release of the first printed book in April 2007.
According to Silva’s presentation, the online version had attracted nearly 20 million views by 2009, and the series has since sold more than 300 million copies worldwide.
The franchise has expanded to include 21 books, an activity book, a four-book spinoff series featuring Greg Heffley’s friend Rowley and several film adaptations.
The books follow Greg Heffley as he documents his experiences with family, friends and the challenges of middle school.
Silva said she has enjoyed watching the series continue to attract readers since her childhood.
“The books started coming out when I was in elementary school,” Silva said. “It’s been wonderful to see its popularity grow and to chat with kids about their love of the books. The books are funny and relatable. It’s no surprise why kids love them.”
Following her presentation, Silva read the first chapter of “Fight or Flight” before children separated into two groups for activities inspired by the series.
One group played the “Cheese Touch” game, similar to hot potato, while another created photo props featuring favorite characters and quotes from the books. The groups later switched activities so everyone could participate.
A backdrop featuring a cardboard cutout of Greg Heffley also gave families an opportunity to take photographs.
The celebration included a raffle based on “Mom Bucks,” a fictional currency featured in the books. Throughout October, children visiting county library branches could complete an entry for a chance to win prizes.
One child from each community received a cheese-shaped squishy toy, while a child from Princeton won the grand prize, a copy of the new book.
Children also received a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Mad Libs book and a piece of string cheese as they left the celebration.
“We had a huge turnout. It was great to see so many kids here to celebrate the release of the new book,” Silva said.
She noted that children gathered around the library’s book display to check out the latest installment or revisit earlier titles.
Hernandez credited fellow Friends of the Library members and library staff for helping organize the celebration. She said the group hopes to host another book release party, possibly featuring a novel for adults.
The Greg Heffley cardboard cutout will also visit other county library branches, allowing additional families to take photographs with the character.
“I’m so glad the library was able to provide an event that celebrated such a beloved series,” Silva said.