Summer Reading

The theme of this year’s summer reading program is the same as the overarching children’s programming theme, “A Trip Around the World.” The program runs from Saturday, June 15 to Saturday, August 17. A kickoff and a closing party take place on these days, respectively, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. A volunteer or two is needed to help with the setup, cleanup, and smooth running of the parties. Predicted participation in the program is 1000–1500 children.

Rules and Logistics. Distribution of summer reading logs begins at the kickoff party on June 15 and continues throughout the summer. Kids earn prizes for every four hours of reading time logged, for a total of up to four prizes. Both independent reading and reading with a caregiver count toward the total. Kids must record the days and times of reading and the titles of books read. 

This summer the reading log has a second section: the Itinerary. The Itinerary is for recording countries “visited” during summer reading. Children add countries to their Itineraries by reading books that are either set in the countries or whose main characters originate from those countries. For every three countries visited, a child earns a raffle ticket for the drawing at the closing party. Kids can also choose to compete against each other by posting their names, pictures, and country lists on the Top World Travelers board. This board and the healthy competition it fosters encourage kids to ask librarians for help in finding books that will lengthen their Itineraries. 

Parties. The kickoff and closing parties replace two science/art/music days, one at the beginning of the summer and one at the end. At the kickoff party kids get their reading logs, have refreshments, and listen to a storytime that gets them started on their Itineraries. At the closing party they pick up any last prizes, participate in the raffle, and have refreshments.

Materials and Costs. The major costs of the summer reading program are:

·      Printing (reading logs)—$500

·      Prizes—$5000

·      Catering (for the two parties)—$2000.