Registration:
Having the children register is a good way to keep track of the number of children participating. Use whatever system is easiest for you and your staff. Plan a big event on registration day, such as a performer or some other special offering. For those children who cannot attend on the first day, keep the registration period open for a few weeks. Be flexible.

Recording:
Write the names of children who register onto cut-outs of Australian maps, or animals from the region. Line them up around the room, up and down walls or attached to strings and hung in strips from the ceiling.

Using maps of Australia, have children travel through the country using an animal die cut, move the animal through the country as the # number of books/time read on them.

Record children’s reading progress on a bulletin board that is decorated with a scene from Australia adding a different animal as they progress.

Divide the number of registered readers in half and give each half a team name that is appropriate for the theme. Chart their progress (# of books or # of minutes) as the weeks go by. See which team will reach their goal first.

Rewards:
Plan an end-of-the-SRP party for your volunteers and for the children who participated in the SRP. Hand out Reading Certificates by someone dressed as an Aussie. Invite the local newspaper to take pictures. Serve refreshments.

During the SRP, reward the children for their efforts with small trinkets related to the theme. Library “bucks” can be earned for reading and used later as “cash” to get a prize or trinket.

Publicity:
Publicity for your SRP is vital. The best way to inform children and parents is through the schools. Try to visit as many classrooms as you can. Catch the children’s attention by wearing a costume, singing a song or performing a skit.

Give them something to remind them of the SRP, such as, bookmarks, fliers, coloring sheets, etc. that has the dates and times of your events. If the schools have a newsletter, ask if they can include your SRP info. Daycares, doctor and dentist offices, town hall, Laundromats and stores are some places to distribute information.

Submit press releases to area newspapers, radio and local TV stations at least 3-4 weeks in advance for all your programs and special events. Use the Sample Press Releases from this manual. They are designed to save you time. Just fill in the blanks and you’re good to go.

Create flyers and have those available at check out, reference and anywhere throughout the library where patrons can see them. Don’t forget - grandparents, aunts and uncles go to the library, too.

Advertise your programs on your library’s website, if you have one.