A Case for Keeping Summer Reading Simple: the Program Part


I feel like this post might need several conditional statements. For the record, I appreciate our amazing kid-focused performer community. I value the work that they do. And also, I've moved away from offering a performer-focused summer reading program schedule.

That's not to say I don't have any performers, just that now our programming is heavy on drop in events with little to no prep and clean up, inexpensive supplies and capacity for large crowds. Sound too good to be true?! It's not, I promise.

Move Outdoors Having something outdoors lets you not worry about capacity, gives a more relaxed atmosphere, and invites families to come and go as they need. Think beyond your library and scout out area parks, especially in underserved areas that could use more direct service. Aim for early morning (10-12) or late evening (6-8) when temps are cooler. Having a play structure nearby is plus, since it allows families to stay longer and kids can move their bodies between activities.

Keep It Simple Think about how you can offer things that don't involve a lot of prep. For example, our Field Days are offered twice a week, once at our library park and another further away. We make a box with supplies we use each week: beading and markers for crafts, along with cones, rings, and bouncy balls for games. Then we add to that with specials for the week: air dry clay, sun prints, watercolors, or scratch art. We don't advertise particulars, just have a wide range that works for 3-11 yr olds.

Grown Ups Play Too Think about what you can offer for grownups, with or without their kids. This year we offered Art in the Park that including things like tie-dye and rock painting for adults. The supplies were simple, instruction was minimal, and grownups loved it. It was a date night, friend meet up, and more. 

Less Is Okay It's okay not to do a bunch of library programs. Being available to help people in the library, at the desk, is just as important. We see our highest checkout in the summer, yet before we simplified our programs we were available less. This didn't make sense for what we wanted to offer. And more importantly even after we cut a lot of programs no one complained! Our circulation didn't suffer, in fact it improved. 

What's the Plan? So often we're pushing ourselves into a narrative we think is truth: summer reading must have lots of programs and they should be on the theme! But honestly, the public doesn't know that and that's great. Think about what you really want to offer, who do you really want to connect with, and make a plan for doing it.

You've got this!

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