Blowing Up Summer Reading: One Library’s Approach

Abstract

Summer reading can be a beloved and anticipated, but sometimes loathed, tradition among librarians…and, let’s face it, some kids as well. Once we had reached the people who liked our traditional approach to our summer reading program (SRP), we sought to increase participation. Surveys helped us identify barriers to participation. We found that families struggle with time to visit the library or they may be frustrated with restrictive SRP rules (they lose their tracking sheets, go on vacation, etc.). The families are, however, looking for programs that target their children’s specific interests, especially ones to help the children build skills, as opposed to regular programming designed to appeal to a wider audience.