A Case for Keeping Summer Reading Simple: the Reading Part

I'd like to argue that the best Summer Reading programs are the ones with the least - little or no sign ups, less steps for finishing, and few prizes. In a time of more and more, I think it pays to do less with more intention and purpose.

 
We* used to do a program with prizes for every 4 hours of reading, special dates for turning in logs for more prizes, and other bells and whistles. Now the Summer Reading program is almost as simple as it can get. Some happened over time, but the final push to its current form came from closures during the pandemic. Here's the steps we've taken and why.

No Sign Ups Patrons can find reading logs at all of our service points (circulation, reference, youth desks). Not only that, any of our library staff can explain how Summer Reading works. We used to have a physical sign up area to collect school data, mostly when we were new to outreach and wanted to track it's effectiveness. Now that our outreach is established, there is no benefit to having this step. We know how many logs we've printed and can use that for data if we need.   

20 Minutes/24 Days All youth 0-18 complete their Summer Reading log the same way - read or be read to at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days. Rather than tracking total minutes or books, we wanted to focus on creating the habit a reading. 

Why? Struggling or proficient readers can all aim for at least 20 minutes a day. Regardless of reading ability, all will take at least 24 days to finish the challenge. Kids can read 10 early readers a day or focus on one big chapter book for the whole summer; the reading log treats both the same. Kids with access limitations only need to come into the library 2 times during the summer - once to pick up a log and once to pick up their book. 

A Free Book Is a Prize Finishers receive a free book of their choice at the end. We purchase a lot of titles, across many interests and levels to provide kids and teens with plenty of options. We used to offer more prizes, but over the years we noticed businesses moving away from full gifts to coupons. As a result, we felt uncomfortable asking our families to purchase something to receive a gift. Given our volume of finishers, we also felt it's not appropriate to solicit donations of that size. 

We anticipated pushback from our families, or at least some comments. A few people have asked what happened to certain prizes, but overwhelmingly people have been happy to participate regardless.

No Digital Component That's right, we use paper logs only. We really want to focus on the connection for kids between their actions and the results. They read --> they mark off a space on the log --> turn in the log for a book. 

While a digital option can be exciting and attractive, we tracked the usage from other libraries in our area. Our finishers number and percentage were still significantly higher, even among teen participants. We'd rather put our staff, time, and money into outreach and in-person interactions than creating a digital interface to be used mostly by parents and caregivers.  

Simple Is Easier for Everyone We visit every classroom at the end of the school year to talk about the library and Summer Reading. When kids bring in their grownups to the library, they excitedly say, "I know what to do!" Staff frequently hand out reading logs, leading with "It's so easy!" 

What Now? I know shifts like this can be hard, especially when we've invested time and energy into old systems. I'm not suggesting you need to replicate this program specifically. But I am suggesting you move towards a more community-focused programming.

You can start by evaluating your current program or you can be very bold and start with a blank slate. Either way, step back and ask: 

What is the goal of this program? 
What is the experience I want families to have? 
How does/doesn't our current program provide this experience? 

Whether your choose to make changes or not, reflecting periodically on your Summer Reading program will make sure that you are keeping your community at the center of your decision making.

Looking for help moving your team towards a more community focused Summer Reading program? Contact Anna for a workshop or more individual coaching for your organization.

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*I use the term "we" purposefully. While I led the conversations around these changes, our entire library team participates in Summer Reading promotion, from front line staff to librarians. Because of this, our entire staff's feedback remains important in reevaluating our program.