Setting up your Summer Reading ProgramThis is a featured page

Sample Six-Week Program - NH SRP 2008



For those of you who are new to children’s services and Summer Reading Programs, the SAMPLE SRP (see attachment below) can be a life-saver or a jumping-off point for you. Summer Reading Programs can take many forms. Each library will have to decide a structure that best suits the number of children involved, staff size, space and budget.

One way to start planning is to focus on a particular aspect of the theme. What will you emphasize? Pick the aspect of the theme that most appeals to the staff and children of your community.

The program should be designed to appeal to children of all ages, sexes and abilities. Find a way to entice reluctant readers and non-readers into the library. Plan a flexible program for you and the children.

Here are some questions to ask before you begin:
  1. Will the children register for the program? (When, how many and for how long will you register?)
  2. Will you sponsor and run special programs? (How often? Who will run them…? Volunteers? Hired performers?)
  3. Will there be arts and crafts? (Are you “crafty” or do you know someone who is?)
  4. What other activities are offered in your community? Can you coordinate with your town’s Recreation Department, local churches, day camps etc.?)
  5. How will you pay for your program? (Donations from local businesses? Your Friends group?)
  6. Will you use volunteers to help out? (Teens make wonderful helpers and it gives them something to do. Parents can help when you need extra adult supervision or assistance.)
  7. Will you use incentives to encourage the children to visit the library each week? (Small prizes, library dollars, drawings for special prizes)

Whatever you decide to do, remember: The children aren’t as critical as you are. If you are enjoying yourself, they will, too! Just make sure to offer activities that are best suited to you and your staff’s personalities and interests!

SETTING GOALS
Setting appropriate goals will help you to define and plan your SRP. Here are a few suggested goals and ways to implement them.
GOAL STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION
To encourage children to
read for enjoyment 		Keep rules and restrictions
to a minimum 		Expose kids to a wealth of
exciting books
To encourage under-served
youths to participate 		Take your program to them
 Hold programs in the park
or wherever they hang out
To give kids a safe place
to spend their time
 Plan program for a lot of kids

 Hold book discussions,
show movies, play games,
setup drop-in crafts
To increase new library users
 Advertise in new ways
 Visit schools and hang
posters, school’s website,
school’s newsletter
To publicize the library
 Use various media
 Local radio, local TV
station or newspapers
To increase the number of
children who visit the library

 Plan a program with frequent
check-ins or prizes

 Have a game or craft kids
can participate in when
come to the library




Liblady
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Word Document SAMPLE SUMMER READING PROGRAM.doc (Word Document - 24k)
posted by Liblady   May 18 2008, 11:53 PM EDT
Sample Six-Week Program